Page 70 of Eclipsed Heart

Blood, fur, and skin clumped in my nails, and my back leg gave out under the pressure.

My back end hit the dirt, causing a sharp pain that caught my breath.

The slate wolf choked out a laugh. The prick knew I was injured, and he was enjoying every minute of my suffering. He prowled toward me, treating me as prey.

Bodey bounded in front of me, snarling as he bit into the wolf’s neck. The slate wolf whimpered and twisted, trying to shake him loose.

The dark-blond wolf lunged at me, going for the attack.

Adrenaline pumped through my body. If I didn’t take out this wolf, they’d gang up on my mate. I couldn’t allow that.

I dropped to my belly, and the wolf landed on my back. His nails dug into my sides, and he bit the back of my neck. With a deep growl, I forced myself to stand on all four legs and then rolled so I lay on top of him.

My back and neck burned from his bite, but I slammed my head back into his with athwack. His hold slackened.

I turned and got back onto four legs and then bit through the dark-blond wolf’s neck. He huffed, his eyes widening as life slowly left him.

Leg spasming, I forced myself to remain on my feet as I spun around to check on my mate, only to find Bodey on his back with the slate wolf on top. Bodey raked the wolf’s belly so deep that blood gushed out, coating my mate’s fur.

His adversary jerked, trying to get away from Bodey. It was futile. Using all four legs, Bodey tossed him several feet away. When the wolf hit the ground, he yelped as Bodey got back on all four paws and raced to him. He bent down and ripped out the wolf’s throat.

At least those two assholes were done. My leg was shaking so hard that it would give out any minute, but I tried to ignore the inevitable. I’d fight until I couldn’t stand anymore, and then I’d do what I could from the ground.

Callie,Bodey linked, running to me.Here, let me help you.

We’ve got to fight.I glanced around to see who needed help next but found the remaining thirty or so opponents racing away.

I started to chase after them, but I was limping badly. There was no way I’d be able to catch up, but we couldn’t risk them returning with backup.

They’re retreating,Samuel linked as Bodey reached me, nuzzling his head against mine.

What if they’re getting a witch or reinforcements?I didn’t want to be unprepared again. The queen had blindsided us already, and I was sick and tired of playing defense.

Miles linked,Lucas, Jack, and I will follow them to see where they’re headed.

I blew out a breath.No, let’s all stay close. We don’t need to separate with the possibility of more of us getting injured. We just need to make sure we have enough people watching the area in case they return so we aren’t caught off guard.I almost addedagainbut bit the bitterness back. That would only make me look even less competent. Granted, I wasn’t sure that was even possible at this point.

She’s right,Bodey added, backing me up immediately. He nuzzled me again before pulling away to examine my injuries.We need to stay together and help the survivors.

As Bodey inspected me, I did the same to him. Other than the slate wolf’s blood covering him, I noticed only a few nicks and scratches. He’d weathered the battle better than I had.

Knowing he was okay, I scanned the area.

There was overwhelming death, mostly on our side. My heart constricted under the pressure.

I swear.Jack’s light-blond wolf trotted over to us. He had blood splatters across his coat but not a scratch on him.Every damn time, it’s one of you two getting your asses kicked. I’m thinking I need to give you two fighting lessons.

Bodey growled.Callie went after the strongest wolves here.

I did?I hadn’t meant to; I was merely looking for people to protect.

Your wolf probably did it without you realizing.Michael hurried toward us. Unlike Jack and Bodey, the older man had fared a bit worse. He had a bite mark on his side, but he seemed to take it in stride.

I focused on my connections, counting links to this pack. I linked to Zeke,The enemy retreated. It looks like there are about sixty remaining pack members here.

So about thirty died in the attack.Zeke paused, and I didn’t sense any emotion from him, which I found odd.Heather just linked—she’s on her way to you to discuss the situation. She’s very upset. Her father and brother died, making her the new alpha of this pack.

Stomach knotting, I tried to ease the tension from my body so that I could heal and my pain might recede.

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