Page 178 of Bred

"Rowan!" I yelled, running to my alpha, but Nix grabbed my hand, stopping me.

"He's still lost to his wolf right now," he warned. "Let him settle first."

I wanted to protest that Rowan would never hurt me, but he was right. Rowan fought like a beast against the two guards trying to hold him in place. He struggled and jerked, growling and cursing at a bloody mass not far from our porch.

Luca was slumped in the dirt, panting hard as if he couldn’t catch his breath. His hand covered his throat, blood gushing out from between his fingers. His head rolled toward me, and his eyes widened as they focused on my face. He opened his mouth, but nothing came out. More blood poured from his wound, a river cascading down his bruised chest.

"Lily?" Nix said, making me turn away from Luca. "Can I pick you up and carry you to the infirmary?"

"But Rowan…" I pointed at my still feral mate. Ivor had joined the other guards, trying to get him under control.

"He'll be okay," Nix said. "But he'll kick my ass if I don't make sure you're okay first." He smiled sweetly at me, looking like the young pup I had grown up with. Without saying a word, I simply held up my arms, letting him carry me.

It felt like an eternity waiting for Rowan to arrive at the infirmary, but when he finally did, he insisted the healer check me over again with him present. The poor beta agreed to his ridiculous request.

"Your mate is okay, alpha," Healer Stace said, placing a few herbs in a metal tin. "The bruise on her eye will probably be ugly when it finishes blooming, but don't let that worry you. Lily needs to take it easy for a while. Nothing strenuous. And I mean nothing." She narrowed her eyes, giving Rowan a pointed look.

"Of course," he said quickly, caressing my stomach. His knuckles were cracked, and dried blood was splattered up and down his arms. Even though I knew it wasn't his, it was still a terrifying sight.

"Drink this tea tonight to help you sleep." Healer Stace placed the tin into my hand. "Make him wait on you hand and foot." She gave me a little wink.

I forced a smile. Everyone's soft tones and light comments were making me feel worse. I knew they were all scared I'd fall into complete distress, but it was stupid not to acknowledge what just happened. Luca could have killed me or the pup.

He still could...

"I'm so proud of you," Rowan said the moment Healer Stace wandered away. "You looked so brave and fearless when I got to the bedroom. You kept yourself safe until I got there."

"I didn't," I whispered, rubbing my stomach. "Luca could have—"

Rowan quickly shushed me, cupping my cheeks. "You did. You protected our pup."

I scrunched up my face. There was no point arguing with the alpha when he was like this. "What's going to happen to Luca?" I asked, unable to think about anything else. How long would it be before he turned up in my living room again?

Without a word, Rowan picked me up, carrying me out of the infirmary. Confused, I looked over his shoulder toward the cabins, wondering why he was taking me through the market. But before I could ask, the crowd thinned, and Dage appeared. He looked worn and old. Like he had lived a thousand lives since the last time I saw him. The older alpha marched past Rowan, glaring at him hard. Then Dage's eyes shifted to me. He looked almost sad…or ashamed? But before I could figure it out, he turned his head, walking past us.

"Where are we going?" I asked.

Rowan kept his eyes front. "You need to see this."

Most of the crowd was gone by the time we reached the big iron gate, but a few younger alphas stood around with their arms crossed, watching the fuss.

Luca lay in a heap next to the main gate. His eyes were open, not focusing on anything. A mangled gash covered the length of his throat, but no blood pulsed out of it anymore.

"Is he dead?" I asked, unable to believe it.

"Yes," Rowan snarled, holding me a little tighter. "And he died trying to hurt a member of our pack, so his body will rot in the wildlands." Rowan looked down at me, his dark eyes holding so much emotion. "You're safe."

I had no idea what to say.

I wasn't happy or relieved or angry. I was just numb.

After a moment, Rowan turned to take me back home. I stared over his shoulder, watching as a guard heaved Luca limp body over his shoulder. A few others guards followed as they left the village, taking my nightmare with them.

I settled my hands over my stomach and let out a long, slow breath.

I was finally safe.

EPILOGUE