Page 54 of The Alpha and His Enemy Wolf
Rafe nodded.A wise decision, my mate.
She turned to Victoria, who stood alone and apart from all the shifters.I owe my gratitude to you, Victoria.I wouldn’t have made it over here if it wasn’t for your bravery.
Is this true? Rafe asked.
Yes,Mila replied.My father locked me up when I told him about us being mates. Victoria helped me escape. I hope you’ll find it in your heart to show mercy as you have with all of us today.
Rafe gazed at Mila and an understanding appeared to form in his expression. He strode over to Victoria.I owe you my gratitude, Victoria. You are welcome back to the Franconia pack.
Victoria bowed her head.Thank you, my Alpha. But I cannot stay.She addressed her former packmates.I’m sorry for what I’ve done. It’s time that I leave. But maybe one day, if you can forgive me, I’ll return.
Rafe nodded.I hope so, Victoria. Safe travels.
Victoria turned and scampered toward the forest, all eyes on her retreating form.
When Mila returned her glance to Rafe, he stumbled. On the next step, he fell into the snow.
She rushed over to him. He lay unconscious on his side. Damn, he must have lost too much blood and expended too much energy in the fight.
As she touched his fur, her fingers trembled. What could she do to help him?
Only one answer became clear as his warm body rose and fell under her fingers. She had to restore what he’d lost. Although she couldn’t transfer blood, she could replenish some of his energy, the same as her mother had to save Mila. That was why she thought her father was so virulent about her existence. Both Mila and her mother had suffered during the childbirth and the situation had been bleak. Her father had said that her mother must have transferred her life force into Mila so that she could live.
Whether Mila could not only accomplish this powerful task to save Rafe, but survive, was a big question. What she did know is that she couldn’t live without her mate.
Mila gathered her energy. She pulled all her love and her feelings for Rafe in with this magic that coiled inside her until it became palpable—a small, bright white light near her heart. For a moment, everything seemed blissful. She’d fallen in love and found her mate. Nothing else was more important.
She counted to three and sent her light outward and into Rafe. Her vision dimmed, and she collapsed beside him into the snow.
Chapter 16
Rafe
What an ordeal. Rafe ran one hand through his hair as he paced outside his house.
The past thirty-six hours had been the most trying in his life. He wouldn’t be surprised if his hair was as stark white as the snow. Mila had shared her life force with him, saving his life. While he prayed for her to wake, he didn’t leave her side. She lay like an angel in his bed, chest rising and falling with slow, but steady beats. He’d promised to do anything for her to wake—anything.
How could he have ever thought those terrible things about her, thinking she’d betrayed him? He’d vowed never to doubt his mate again.
Hours stretched on before she woke up with a flutter of eyelids. He’d kissed and caressed her, thanking the universe for giving her to him—and blessing them with one more chance to be together.
Now, as he waited for her at home, he treaded in impatient circles, wearing the snow down to the dirt. She’d gone over to the Saccos to mourn her father and discuss the future of their pack.
Minutes slipped into hours before she appeared like a beautiful mirage before him, pale under the moonlight.
He rushed over to her. “Mila, you returned.”
Despite the sadness in her eyes, she smiled. “Of course I did.”
He embraced her, holding her tightly as if to prevent her from going away ever again. “Are you okay?”
“I am.”
He pulled back and caressed her cheek. “Your father. I’m so sorry.”
She swallowed. “I am, too.” She took a shuddering breath. “He made his choices, and some of them were mistakes.” She inclined her head and gazed at Rafe with appreciation. “I’m just relieved you beat Lars.” Otherwise, the consequences would be..." She shook her head and squeezed her lips tight.
He cupped her chin. “Lars is gone. He received the fate that he deserved.” His broken body had been recovered near Kane’s.
