“He’s not claiming her. He’s just insane,” Enzo cut in.

“We hope,” Hunter growled.

Nova’s left arm looked like it was broken, but it wasn’t bleeding. Her head wound seemed to be the only source of blood, and the bleeding was already slowing down, so it couldn’t have been too bad.

Considering the state of the car, it was a miracle that she seemed relatively uninjured otherwise.

“How is she?” Aspen called out.

I steeled the bars around my wolf as I put two fingers to her throat, checking her pulse.

Just because my wolf didn’t want Nova dead at the moment didn’t mean my sister-in-law would survive a meeting with him.

“Looks like she has a bad head wound and a broken arm, but her breathing is steady,” Enzo said for me.

Aspen stepped up beside Enzo. He tried to tuck her behind his back, but she dodged him, and he growled.

I slammed my eyes shut as more fur climbed over my shoulders. “Her heartbeat is strong. Don’t come closer.”

“The doctor’s only two minutes out,” Enzo said, an edge to his voice now that his mate was risking herself.

I snarled, and a needle jammed into my shoulder. I tore it out, but Hunter had already depressed the plunger and stepped back.

My gaze quickly grew unfocused. “Keep her safe.”

“She’ll be fine.” Hunter’s promise was serious.

I believed him.

The fight finally faded from my wolf as my eyes rolled back, my brothers catching me before I hit the ground.

Nova was going to be okay.

That was what mattered.

nine

NOVA

My nose twitchedas I finally managed to get my eyes open. Afternoon sun streamed in from the window of a room I recognized by the ceiling and smell alone.

The Lodge’s single-room hospital.

“I think you’re officially my best patient,” the doctor remarked from beside me, and I flinched at the sudden sound.

I couldn’t remember his name. Kevin? Steven? Logan?

Yeah, I was clueless.

“How is your arm feeling?” he asked.

“Hurts,” I mumbled.

It did hurt. The whole thing felt like someone had taken a hammer to it.

I knew it was probably from the way I’d rolled my car partway down a small mountain, even though I couldn’t recall the rolling. Or the moment of impact. Or if I’d woken up in the vehicle.

My stalker’s hands around my throat? I remembered that.