When I get to the house, I can’t see anything wrong, but I know that there is. Right before I shift back to sneak into the house, I scent her blood, lots of it. God please, let her be okay. My wolf is furious that his Mate may be hurt. I’m barely able to keep from snarling my warning to whoever is harming her.

I can’t scent another wolf in the house, but it feels wrong. I’m not able to reach her at all. Her mind is closed to me, and I won’t think about what that could mean.

As I creep through the kitchen, I see my mother with her head lying on the counter. I know she’s not dead. My father would be here now if he felt that. I move to her quickly and find a steady pulse. Rushing past her toward our room, my chest aches when I see a blood trail across the floor. The wall where my hand is braced cracks under the pressure. Unable to control my rage further, I throw myself down the hall, following the path of blood closer to the garage. I bellow, enraged as I see her broken body lying in a pool of her own blood. The figure near her backs away slowly. Her mouth moves rapidly, but the only sound I hear is my heart beating as it breaks for the beautiful creature crumpled at my feet. I don’t dare touch her for fear of hurting her further. When the figure moves, I reach out grabbing her neck. It snaps like a twig in my crushing hand. Her eyes plead with me as she dies. I wish I could make her suffer more, I wish she could feel the pain searing my insides right now.

I throw the body far from my beloved and fall to my knees and roar before I put my ear to her lips, hoping to hear a breath. “Why didn’t you shift?” I cry as I feel one small puff of air hit my neck. That’s the only sign I need.

I push every ounce of my strength through our bond. I will not let her die. No one will take her from me!

“Mase!” I hear Cass yell in a panicked voice down the hall. “What the fuck is going on? Oh God, how?”

“Doctor, I need a doctor and Dad. Please help me, Casper. I need to fix her.” My face is wet with tears, my eyes are blurry as I look at my brother’s stricken face.

CHAPTER 32

The first sound I hear is Masen’s deep voice begging me not to leave him. Does he think I’ve left? Did she somehow convince him I’ve left him? “Masen,” I croak, my voice sounding broken and rough.

“Shh, I’m here, baby. Don’t try to talk. You’re safe now.” His voice is strangled.

“Alpha, I need you to back up so I can get a closer look,” says an unfamiliar voice. A snarl followed by growling splits the air.