Page 18 of Mated By Moonlight

Rob's wolf was big. Gideon's was bigger.

Rob was angry. Gideon was pure vengeance.

The fight was brutal, a whirlwind of teeth and claws. The sounds of growls and snarls filled the night, a terrifying symphony of violence. Gideon’s wolf was larger, more powerful, but Rob fought with the desperation of a cornered animal. They clashed, bodies slamming into each other with bone-jarring force. The metallic tang of blood filled the air, mingling with the scent of night blooms.

Gideon lunged again, his jaws snapping shut around Rob's shoulder. The rogue wolf howled in pain, twisting to break free. Rob's claws raked across Gideon's side, the sharp pain barely registering in his adrenaline-fueled state. Gideon released his grip and leapt back, circling his opponent, his eyes locked on to Rob's every movement.

Rob charged, aiming for Gideon's throat, but Gideon was ready. He sidestepped and came down hard, his jaws closing around Rob's neck. This time, he didn't let go. He tightened his grip, feeling the frantic pulse of Rob's heartbeat against his teeth. Rob struggled, his movements growing weaker as the life was choked out of him.

With a final, desperate thrash, Rob went limp. Gideon held on for a moment longer, ensuring that his enemy was truly defeated before releasing his hold. He stepped back, his chest heaving, blood dripping from his jaws. The rogue wolf lay still, the fight gone from his eyes. The threat was over. He lifted his nose, scenting his mate.

Gideon shifted back to his human form, his body aching from the battle. He turned toward the car. "Maize," he called out, his voice rough.

The trunk of the car popped open with a metallic groan, and there she was—Maize. She stumbled out, her movements unsteady, and his heart clenched at the sight of her.

Maize was bruised, her skin marred with cuts and dried blood that painted a grim picture of what she’d endured. Her clothes were torn, clinging to her as if they, too, were barely holding on. Despite the injuries, despite the fear etched into every line of her face, she was the most beautiful sight he had ever seen. She was alive. She was here.

She reached for him, and he closed the distance in a few strides, catching her in his arms and lifting her off the ground. The warmth of her body against his was a balm to his frayed nerves, soothing the raw, ragged edges of his worry.

He held her close, as if he could somehow shield her from all the horrors she had just faced, as if by holding her tightly enough, he could make it all go away. His hands were gentle, careful not to touch the bruises and cuts that marred her skin, but his grip was firm, anchoring her to him.

“Maize,” he breathed, his voice thick with emotion. He buried his face in her hair, inhaling the scent of her, the scent that had been his guiding light through the darkness. She was shaking, but she clung to him just as fiercely, her fingers digging into his back as if she was afraid to let go.

Gideon wanted to protect her from everything, to shield her from the sight of the nightmare she had just escaped. He positioned himself between her and the lifeless body of Rob, trying to block her view, to spare her the sight of the man who had caused her so much pain.

Maize wasn’t content to be sheltered. She shifted in his arms, leaning slightly to the side to peer around him. Her breath hitched, and he felt her tense as her eyes landed on Rob’s body. She didn’t look away, though. It was as if she needed to see it, to confirm for herself that the danger was truly over.

"Gideon," she whispered, like a plea, like a prayer. "I was so scared."

He cupped her face in his hands, his eyes searching hers. "You're safe now, Maize. I promised I’d protect you, and I will. Always."

Tears streamed down her cheeks as she nodded. "I believe you. I feel the bond, Gideon. I accept it."

A surge of joy and relief washed over him. He leaned in and kissed her, a gentle, tender kiss that spoke of promises kept and a future they would build together. The chaos of the night faded away, leaving only the two of them in a moment of perfect peace.

As his brothers approached, their expressions a mix of relief and respect, Gideon held Maize close. The battle was over, but their journey was just beginning. And with Maize by his side, he knew they could face anything that came their way.

"Where's Liza?"

At least he hoped they could face what was about to come. The very next thing they'd have to face after taking down the wolf who'd stalked Liza was Gideon's Alpha, who swore that Maize's sister was his.

16

Maize pushed openthe door to the cabin. Gideon's scent was the first thing that welcomed her back. On top of that, she smelled another familiar scent. One she'd first smelled when her mother had brought home her baby sister.

"Liza?"

Liza emerged from the kitchen, a look of relief washing over her face as she saw Maize. She rushed forward, throwing her arms around her sister. Maize clung to her, the warmth of Liza's embrace grounding her in the moment.

"Are you okay?" Liza asked, pulling back to examine Maize's face.

Maize nodded, a tear slipping down her cheek. "I'm fine. Rob will never hurt you again. Gideon took care of it."

Gideon stood just inside the door. He gave Liza a wave and a nod before backing out to join the other males. But not before Maize heard a growl. It came from a large male that looked familiar.

"Is that Rylan Stone, the Alpha of Ironwood?"

"Yup." Maize stepped out of her sister's embrace, avoiding her gaze.

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