Page 34 of Protector Dragon's Shattered Mate

Yes, it was closed and there was no one there, not even the librarian, but she could not let them destroy Levi’s town. The wolves were there because she was.

They seemed to be under the misapprehension that because they captured her once, that they could do it again. But they had nevertrulycaptured her. She had gone with Koryak willingly.That would never happen again. The wolf she had just fought was a stranger to her, but now a familiar male was close by.

Was it Koryak? Dammit. She yanked away from Levi.

“What’s wrong?” he asked.

“There’s another one,” she said. A second later Levi was in front of her, blocking her view of the rest of the parking lot.

She grabbed his arms. “It’s not you they’re after.”

“Exactly!” he shouted. He slashed his arms through the air. “We’re not going to let you sacrifice yourself, we’re not even going to let you use yourself as bait. We are all here to protect you. Especially me. I will do anything to keep you safe.”

Now was not the time to break down, now was not the time to cry or lament, but those rational thoughts did not stop her tears.

“See,” she sobbed, wiping at her eyes. “That’sexactlywhy I wanted to leave. You guys are so kind and you’re such a good clan. I knew that you would help me. You would helpanybody. I love that about you. But I can’t let you do it for me. I couldn’t live with myself if something happened to you, and I couldn’t live with myself if something happened to one of the others. I don’t want to be the reason a clan falls apart.”

She couldn’t stop the flood of tears. Her throat burned. Her eyes stung. And her heart ached as if someone had crushed it flat.

He wrapped his arms around her and held her close, brushing his lips over her head. She could hear him inhale, as if he was taking a moment to inhale her scent.

She relished the time, but it wasn’t nearly long enough. They both had to refocus.

No. No. No.

Her bear growled.

She felt another wolf.

She reached out with her senses. She pulled away from him. “There’s another one,” she whispered. “Do you feel it?”

“No. I don’t feel anything, other than you and all of the familiar dragons around us. What does he feel like?”

She loved that he didn’t question her or doubt her. “It feels heavy. Oppressive.” She shuddered. “He’s getting closer.”

“I can’t feel him at all. Is it a male?”

“Yes. It’s a male. It’s the pack Alpha.” Her spine stiffened and her shoulders tightened as she felt him. She still remembered that day in the woods when Koryak had offered her money.

“Has he harmed you?” Levi demanded.

“He’s the one who lured me into the compound. He’s the one that lied to me about its purpose. He is the leader.”

“So, hedidhurt you and heisresponsible.” Levi’s eyes glowed yellow. It was actually quite sexy, but now was not the time. “I will rip him limb from limb,” he growled.

“Pleasebe careful. He’s ruthless,” she said, pleading with him. She didn’t want him hung up on her past with Koryak. The present was all that mattered, at least until they’d prevailed. She clutched at his arm. “I’m sorry, I don’t mean to imply that you can’t take care of yourself. Koryak has no morals. You do.”

“I didn’t take it that way. I’m glad you care. But I’m well trained and I’m ready,” Levi said. “How close is he, can you tell? Do you think you can feel him because of your magic?”

“Probably so.” She knew it was Koryak. He’d been able to sneak up on her in the woods all those months ago, but she had more training now, and a better understanding.

She glanced around the parking lot where the other shifters were subduing the wolves. Brennan had just tied another one up when Levi reached for her hand and squeezed it. “Hey. I can feel him now too. But it’s very faint,” he said.

“Oh no.” Sofia grabbed onto Levi’s arm. “He’s changed courses. He’s running away from us. I’m getting flashes from him—threats.” Her fingers dug into Levi’s skin. “Oh God. He’sheaded to the ranch.” Her face went very white. “He’s going to set Kellan’s house on fire.”

“No, he won’t. I’m going to call Kellan, and we’ll tell him. There are still plenty of us at his house. They will make sure everyone is safe.”

Kellan answered on the first ring. “What’s going on?”

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