Page 27 of The Reaper's Vow

I hold my breath, acutely aware of how quickly this could turn violent. The scarred wolf's hand twitches toward his own weapon, and I know we're seconds away from bloodshed.

“Is there a problem here?”

The new voice cuts through the standoff like a blade. All eyes turn toward the compound's main building, where a tall figure emerges from the shadows. Even in the dim lighting, I can see the authority radiating from him.

“I’m sure you all of you have somewhere else to be.”

The wolves hesitate, clearly torn between their interest in me and their respect for the pack hierarchy. My wolf shrinks further into herself, overwhelmed by the competing dominance displays surrounding us.

“We were just welcoming the Reaper's...guest.”

“How thoughtful. I'm sure she appreciates the warm reception. Now fuck off before my father decides you're all expendable.”

The mention of his father has the desired effect. The wolves back away reluctantly, but I can still feel their attention burning into my skin as they retreat. My legs weaken with relief.

“Thanks,” Damien mutters.

“Don’t thank me yet. My father wants to see you. Immediately.” Elias pauses, his attention sliding to me, taking in the way I’m pressed against Damien’s side. “Though I think he may be more interested in her than in murder. I’m Elias, by the way, since Dom hasn’t bothered to introduce us.” He extends a hand but freezes mid-motion when Damien stiffens beside me. “Nevermind…”

“How did you get back here so fast?”

“Shifted.” He shrugs. “Not like I can call a car service to bring me back to the compound after you abandoned me at Crimson Howl. Though… I had some fun while I waited. You know, passed the time while you ran for your life. Looks like you won’t be spending your night alone either, brother.”

“I need you to do me a favor. Watch her while I deal with your father.” Damien lowers his weapon, sliding it back into his waistband, then retrieves my discarded bag and hands it to me.

Elias arches a brow, studying the space between us. “And why exactly would I do that?”

“She's my mate.” The declaration leaves no room for argument.

“You left to commit your second murder of the night, and you come home with a mate? I never thought you’d be so full of surprises, Dom.” He steps closer, but Damien moves to block him. Elias takes a sniff and smiles, understanding dawns on his face. “Well, that explains the welcoming committee.”

“I need her safe, Elias. Take her to my quarters and keep everyone else away. Everyone.”

I bristle at being discussed like I'm not standing right here. “I don't need a babysitter.”

Both men ignore me completely.

“Fine,” Elias sighs, running a hand through his blond hair. “But you owe me. Big time.”

“Consider it payment for all the times I've saved your ass.” Damien's arm finally releases me, though he doesn't step away. “Don't let anyone near her. Not even your brothers.”

“Yes, Mom. Anything else?”

Damien's hand shoots out, grabbing Elias by the collar and yanking him close enough that their faces are inches apart. The sudden violence makes me flinch.

“This isn't a joke,” he growls. “If anyone—and I mean anyone—touches her while I'm gone, I'll rip their fucking throat out. Starting with yours. Your balls will be next.”

Elias doesn't seem fazed by the threat, but I see the subtle way his body tenses. “Relax, Dom. I'll guard her with my life. No one gets past me.”

“They better not.” Damien's attention flicks to me. “I'll be back as soon as I can.”

Before I can respond, he's striding toward the main building, his shoulders set in a rigid line. I watch him go, hating the way my wolf whines at his departure, like she's being abandoned.

“Well,” Elias says beside me. “That was intense. Even for Dom.”

I wrap my arms around myself, suddenly feeling exposed without Damien's presence. The night air feels cooler, and my skin prickles with awareness of how vulnerable I am in this unfamiliar territory.

“Is he always like that?”