Page 46 of The Wolf's Bullied Bride

I opened my mouth and screamed.

All my focus went into making as much noise as possible, which slowed me down to a near stop. A hand clamped down against my mouth, cutting off my last defense.

Forced to breathe in through my nose, my eyes widened, and I did my best to make sure I had enough airflow.

He yanked my arms behind my back, and while the stress was making me tired, I still fought. Bumping against his arms and trying to kick wherever I could didn’t seem to do enough, but it was all I could manage.

He was too strong, and I couldn’t muster up the magic to hit him, not when my hands were pinned at an uncomfortable angle.

“Go easily,” he muttered, sounding more irritated with me. “Don’t make this harder than it needs to be.”

Panic washed through me again, leaving me afraid of what would come. He wanted to move me to another location, and the thought of that alone was enough to make my entire body go numb.

Chapter 19 - Liam

The night was clear as dusk settled in and darkened the trees. I was grateful for my enhanced senses as I walked a couple of paces along the boundary of my post and took in the cool air.

Despite being a shifter, I didn’t typically spend my nights outside in the woods, but being immersed in Rose Valley’s nature at that hour was something to appreciate.

Wearing my Task Force gear, it was my turn to take the night watch. It wasn’t typically my favorite since I was missing out on some prime resting hours, but I didn’t mind the change-up. At the very least, it was quiet, and I had more than enough time to spend with my thoughts.

In the distance, an owl hooted, capturing my attention. I could sense it not far from where I was and wondered if I’d be able to see it from within the trees.

Moving as quietly as I could, I pushed through the brush and tried to follow its sounds. I got several paces before something in the bushes spooked the owl, which beat its heavy wings to get out of the area.

Turning my focus to the new sound, I caught what sounded like a struggle to my right. Furrowing my brows, I approached, wondering if it was only nature being nature or if something was genuinely wrong.

But as I neared, the sound grew, and a scream tore through the trees.

Every alarm rang inside me, and I had no choice.

Breaking into a sprint, I hurried through the woods, not stopping for anything. Someone was in trouble, and they needed my help. It was why I joined the Task Force in the first place.

As I went, I knew something was wrong. I could feel it in my chest. It intensified as I closed in, aware that I had never felt a sensation like that before.

The struggle continued as I rounded a thick section of trees and raced as fast as possible. Just ahead of me, I could see it as clear as day.

A woman was fighting someone off, wriggling and pushing against them despite being overpowered.

But the moment the realization sank in, everything came to a screeching halt. My blood went cold, and I immediately understood that strange feeling in my chest.

It was Cora.

Like something had been triggered in my mind, I couldn’t wait for anything. Throwing myself forward, I hurried over and cut the space between us.

Reaching for the back of the assailant’s collar, I yanked them away and threw them to the ground. He collided with the solid dirt, releasing a groan on impact.

Rage roiled through my system, unable to look at Cora until I knew the man was taken care of. I kept my eyes on him, teeth bared as I approached.

The unrelenting need to keep her safe pulsed in my mind, and I silently promised her I’d do no less than that.

A strange possessiveness moved through me, only enhancing the immediate hatred I had for the man who thought it was his right to lay a hand on her. But he’d learn soon enough.

Stalking over to him, I pulled in several deep breaths to keep myself calm enough not to kill him then and there. While I allowed my wolf to make enough of an appearance to give me the upper hand, I had to subdue it. I couldn’t freak out, not while I was on the clock.

The man whimpered from beneath his mask, seemingly aware of what I was. He put his hands up and winced.

“My back…there’s something wrong—”

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