Page 30 of Knox's Fate

Tension coiled in Ruby's stomach, and she knew she had to choose her next words carefully. This was not just some random shifter; this was someone with darker intentions.

"Look, I'm not sure what you want," she said, her voice steady even as her pulse raced. "I'm here at Knox’s invitation.” Command was more like it, but this guy didn’t need to know that. “That should answer all your questions."

At the mention of Knox's name, the man's expression darkened. He took a menacing step forward, his posture predatory.

"Wilder can't save you from what's coming," the man hissed, his threat hanging in the air like a toxic mist.

Ruby's mind raced, searching for an escape route, a way to defuse the situation or some way to defend herself. She knew she was in danger, and any misstep could prove fatal.

Her breath hitched in her throat as the man's eyes flared with a primal, savage light. Before she could register what was happening, a swirling mist with thunder and lightning enveloped his form. In mere moments, where the man once stood now towered a massive bear, its dark fur bristling with aggression.

Frozen by fear, Ruby cast desperate glances around the clearing, searching for any signs of help. The bear-shifter pawed at the ground, a low growl emanating from its throat as it prepared to charge. She knew that even if she ran, she would never outrun a bear.

Behind her, the air reverberated with a deafening roar as an enormous grizzly emerged from the woods, moving between Ruby and her assailant. The ground trembled beneath her feet as the two bears clashed, their growls filling the air. She stood frozen, her mind unable to process the chaos unfolding in front of her. She knew the grizzly who had appeared had to be Knox. He was a formidable opponent, his massive size and strength giving him an advantage over the rogue shifter. But the other bear was skilled in battle, and it wasn't long before he landed a devastating blow to Knox's side.

Ruby's heart clenched in fear as she watched Knox stumble, blood pouring from his wound. The rogue shifter advanced, seemingly confident that he had the upper hand. But Knox wasn't one to give up easily. With a roar that shook the veryground they stood on, Knox lunged forward and grabbed onto the rogue shifter's neck with his powerful jaws. The two bears fell to the ground, rolling and thrashing as they fought for dominance. As they split apart, they both regained their feet.

Ruby knew she needed to do something, but fear kept her rooted to the spot. She couldn't risk getting caught in the middle of their fight. Just as she was about to turn and run for help, a woman’s scream cut through the air. Ruby's head snapped towards its source, and she saw a young woman she recognized as a member of Knox’s clan standing just beyond the tree line, her body posture suggesting she was terrified. Without hesitation, Ruby ran towards her. As much as she needed to stay, she knew that getting help was more important at this moment.

"We need help!" Ruby yelled as she reached the trembling woman.

The woman nodded, turning to run back to the compound. Ruby made her way back to where Knox and his attacker were still locked in combat. As she approached, it became clear that Knox was gaining the upper hand—or in this case, paw. His powerful jaws were clamped tightly around the other bear’s throat, cutting off its oxygen supply. With one great heave of strength, he flung his enemy away from him.

The rogue shifter landed with a thud, its body going limp as it gasped for air.

‘Get back, Ruby!’his voice boomed in her head, a command that transcended his bestial form, clear and authoritative even without words.

Ruby stumbled backward, her heart pounding as she witnessed the raw power of the alpha. Knox grappled with the rogue, sheer strength evident in every movement. With a swift motion, he pinned the other bear to the ground, his jaws clamped on the opponent's neck in a display of dominance that made Ruby's skin prickle with awe and fear. Knox shook theattacker, forcing him to shift. Knox did the same and wrapped his hand around the man’s throat.

"Leave, and don’t return," Knox warned, the threat in his tone unmistakable. He was more interested in getting Ruby back the compound than taking his opponent into town. The rogue shifter whimpered, submitting to Knox’s order before regaining his feet and retreating into the shadows, nursing not only his wounds, but his wounded pride.

Knox turned on her, the intensity of his gaze locking onto Ruby's. There was something wild and untamed about him, a protector's resolve that promised safety yet reminded her of the dangers she had subjected them to.

"Are you hurt?" he asked, his voice a deep rumble that seemed to echo the residual adrenaline present between them.

Ruby shook her head, still processing the speed and brutality of the encounter. "No, thanks to you."

Knox's jaw tightened, and he reached out a hand to steady her, the touch sparking an unexpected warmth despite the chill of fear that lingered in the air. "You’re safe here," he vowed, the intensity of his promise enveloping her in a sense of security that was as formidable as the man himself.

Ruby felt the residual tremor of her pulse as Knox's grip tightened around her arm, his fingers firm. His face was stormy, a tempest brewing in the depth of his dark eyes.

"Dammit, Ruby, what were you thinking, wandering off alone?" His voice was a harsh whisper, charged with adrenaline and fear for her.

She bristled at his tone, the fiery streak in her igniting. "I was thinking the last time I checked, you did not have the right to order me around." The excuse sounded lame even to her.

"Think not?" he snarled as he gestured broadly at the surrounding wilderness, his sarcasm slicing through the tension."Out here is danger, especially when we have more questions than answers."

"I can take care of myself." Ruby jerked her arm free and stepped away, her pride stung, even though part of her thrilled at his protectiveness.

"Can you?" he challenged. His presence, even with the space between them, enveloped her, the heat from his body mingling with the cool mountain air. "Because what I saw was you, frozen in place, a bear's jaws seconds away from snapping shut around your throat."

She opened her mouth to argue, but the words died on her lips as she caught the fleeting look of pain in his expression. Ruby realized then that his fury was born from a well of something deeper, something raw and vulnerable.

"Knox, I...” Her defiance wavered, disarmed by the intensity of his emotions.

"Ruby," he said, his voice low, laden with unspoken feelings. "You can’t just go wandering off alone, especially without telling someone. I don’t think I could stand it if I lost you."

The air between them crackled, charged with an energy that was more than just leftover fear. It was electric, alive with the possibility of what could happen if they closed the gap between them. And suddenly, she wanted nothing more than to erase that space, to feel the certainty of his arms around her.

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