Page 34 of Protected By the Wolven

“Who’ll watch Miska?”My argument was pitiful. So lame, Lash.

I search Zoya’s face, seeing the determination burning bright beneath the fear. My brave, strong Zoya. I should have known she wouldn’t let me do this without her.

“I’m coming, too.” For emphasis, she folds her arms across her chest.

I conduct an internal debate, but quickly come to the conclusion that no matter how long I argue with her, she won’t take no for an answer.

“Okay,” I relent, squeezing her hands. “But you stay back, out of sight. And if things start to go south, you drive off. We wolven get back to the Zone on our own. Promise me you’ll leave if things go sideways.”

She nods, her lips twisting in thought. “I promise.”

I cup her face. “I love you, Zoya. You know that, right?”

Her breath catches. “I love you, too, Lash. So much.”

I kiss her then, pouring all my love and fear for her and desperate hope into the press of my lips against hers. She clings to me, her fingers digging into my shoulders as if she can hold me here forever.

All too soon, we break apart.

I stand, squaring my shoulders. “Let’s end this. Once and for all.”

Chapter Twenty-Nine

Lash

As I drive Marissa’s borrowed car to the meeting spot, my thoughts are a chaotic whirlwind. Part of me still can’t believe it’s come to this—a tense confrontation with Zoya’s abusive ex, the man who’s made her life a living hell. Another part of me has been spoiling for this fight since the moment I saw the bruises marring Zoya’s porcelain skin.

Although I didn’t want Zoya to come, it turns out it’s a good thing she demanded to accompany us. The only reason Max agreed to the meeting was that she’d be here. Does he really think he can say or do anything that will bring her back? And heaven help him if he thinks he can strongarm her. Between me and my pack, he’ll be lucky to walk away from an altercation with us.

Zoya is silent beside me, her fingers laced tightly with mine. I can smell her fear, her apprehension, but beneath that, there’s a steely resolve. My brave, fierce mate, ready to face her demons head-on. No matter what else comes out of this confrontation, I hope she walks away feeling empowered, perhaps for the first time in her life.

We pull into the prearranged spot, an abandoned lot on the outskirts of the city, just as the sun dips below the horizon, painting the sky in streaks of orange and red. It would be beautiful if not for the ugly reason we’re here.

Max is already waiting, leaning against the hood of his beat-up sedan, arms folded across his chest. He’s a big guy, tall and broad, but soft around the edges. Not an ounce of muscle on him. Just an overgrown bully used to throwing his weight around.

I open my window, sniffing the air for the metallic tang of a weapon or gunpowder, but he doesn’t appear to be carrying. If he had backup, I’d smell them even if they were a football field away. I guess we’re the ones breaking the rules. Though we agreed to come alone, my packmates are parked a block away.

Rage simmers in my gut as I assess the man who dared lay a hand on my female. It takes every ounce of self-control not to leap out of the car and tear him apart, to make him feel even a fraction of the pain and fear he inflicted on Zoya.

But I can’t let my anger rule me. Not tonight. This isn’t about revenge, much as I crave it. It’s about keeping Zoya safe, about putting an end to Max’s hold over her once and for all.

I give Zoya’s hand a reassuring squeeze before we exit the car. In the rearview mirror, I catch a glimpse of Courage, Bold, Fury, and Stealth pulled to the curb in an unmarked van, ready to provide backup if things go south. The knowledge that my brothers have my back loosens some of the tension in my shoulders.

Max straightens as Zoya and I approach, a sneer already twisting his features. “Well, well. If it isn’t beauty and the beast.”

I let out a low growl, placing myself squarely between him and Zoya. “Watch it, Max. I’m not here to trade insults.”

“No?” Max cocks his head, eyes glittering with malice. “Then what are you here for, fleabag? To puff out your chest, mark your territory?”

His gaze slides to Zoya, huddled behind me. “Come on, baby. Ditch the dog and come home with a real man.”

Zoya flinches, her fingers digging into my arm. White-hot fury lances through me, begging me to tear this sack of shit limb from limb.

But I force it down, keeping my voice level. “The only reason I’m here, Max, is to give you one last chance to do the right thing. Leave Zoya alone. Walk away, and don’t look back.”

Max barks out a harsh laugh. “Or what? You and your little doggie pack gonna make me regret it?”

He spreads his arms wide, a mocking invitation. “Go ahead, rover. Take your best shot. Show Zoya what kind of animal she’s shacking up with.”

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