Page 35 of Alpha's Hidden Gem

With a deep breath, I make my decision. Leaning down, I press my lips to Lila's neck, my teeth grazing her skin.

“Forgive me,” I whisper, before biting down, my fangs sinking into her flesh.

Please don’t go feral, stay with me,I plea to the fates and to Lila.

As my teeth break her skin, I feel my wolf's satisfaction surge through me.

Yes. Ours. Forever.

A rush of power and connection flows between us as the bite takes effect, an unbreakable bond forming in the heart of theinferno. I feel her heartbeat synchronizing with mine, her breath growing stronger.

Gently, I scoop Lila into my arms, cradling her against my chest. Her head lolls against my shoulder, her breathing shallow but steady.

I pause for just a moment, gazing down at Lila's soot-streaked face. Even now, she's the most beautiful thing I've ever seen. I can't resist pressing a soft kiss to her parched lips, pouring all my love and relief into that fleeting touch.

The barn gives an ominous groan, the charred timbers shifting and creaking precariously. We need to get out of here now before the whole structure collapses on top of us.

"I've got you, Lila," I murmur against her skin. "I'm never letting you go again."

I hold Lila closer, feeling her heart beat in time with mine. She's safe. We both are. And that's all that matters.

The barn collapses behind me as I carry Lila's limp form in my arms, the flames licking at my heels. Beams crash down, narrowly missing us as I dodge and weave through the fiery maze. My lungs burn with every breath, but I push forward, fueled by the need to protect my mate.

As I burst through the entrance, the cool night air hits my face, a momentary reprieve from the inferno behind us. I breathe deep, filling my lungs with blessedly smoke-free oxygen. But relief is short-lived as my eyes land on the figures circling the clearing. Rogues, their eyes glinting with malice in the firelight.

Danger,my wolf growls, hackles rising.Protect mate.

I clutch Lila tighter to my chest, ready to face the threat head-on. The rogues snarl, their intentions clear. But before they can strike, Ethan and Finn appear at my sides, flanking me protectively while Elena snarls at them from behind.

A tense standoff ensues, the air thick with the promise of violence. My wolf is coiled, ready to spring into action as I gently lay Lila down behind me. Then, as if on some unseen signal, the rogues lunge forward. I quickly shift and unleash my wolf to protect our mate.

Chaos erupts as we engage the enemy, Elena, Ethan, and Finn fighting with fierce determination to shield Lila and me. I dodge and weave, using my body as a shield for Lila's unconscious form. The clash of teeth and claws fills the night, punctuated by growls and yelps of pain.

As quickly as it began, the fight is over. The rogues retreat, melting back into the shadows as if called by an unseen voice. We're left panting, adrenaline still coursing through our veins.

Safe now,my wolf purrs, nuzzling Lila's hair.Ours to protect.

We all shift back to our human forms simultaneously.

Ethan, Elena, and Finn's eyes widen as they catch sight of the bite mark on Lila's neck.

"Axel, what did you do?" Ethan breathes, shock evident in his tone. “You know that it is forbidden to try to change a human. You know that the outcome could be the end of both of you. You said that you wouldn’t.”

"I had no choice," I rasp, my voice hoarse from the smoke. "She was dying. I couldn't lose her."

Understanding dawns in their eyes, mixed with apprehension. We quickly leave the area, wary of more rogues lurking nearby.

As I carry Lila through the forest, worry begins to creep in.

What have we done?The gravity of my actions sinking in.The consequences...

Did what was necessary,my wolf reassures me.She lives. She'll be strong.

I feel the changes beginning in Lila's body, our bond deepening with every step. It's an intense connection, unlike anything I've ever experienced.

We arrive at the pack house, the familiar scents a stark contrast to the chaos we left behind. I lay Lila gently in a secure room, reluctant to leave her side. With a heavy heart, I call Mabel, a mix of dread and hope in my voice.

The pack members start gathering around with snarls etched on their faces.

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