Chapter 74 – Moment–1
–LIA’S POV–
18 min left
My heartbeat skyrocketed, pounding so loudly it drowned out every other sound around me.
“Blake,” I whispered, voice trembling, “no. Please, don’t.”
“I should’ve done this a long time ago,” he muttered. “I can’t risk losing you to him.”
Before I could move, Blake grabbed both my wrists with one of his hands and pinned them firmly above my head, pressing his entire body tightly against mine, caging me against the tree.
Panic surged through me. I opened my mouth to scream—to call for Zane—but Blake slapped his free hand over my lips, muffling the desperate cry before it could escape.
Tears instantly blurred my vision, but I didn’t stop fighting. I struggled, kicked, and thrashed with everything I had.
Zane. Zane. Zane. Please. Please find me.
Blake pressed his lips against the skin of my neck, licking and nibbling, sending waves of pleasure through me. But my mind screamed with agony, feeling disconnected with my body. My body wanted this. But I didn’t. I hated it. I did not consent to this.
1/5
16:13
Chapter 74 Moment–1
That special spot on my neck started to pulse. My heart thumped louder with each passing second.
Oh my God.
He’s going to mark me.
18 min left
Zane said once a mark was placed, there would be no choice. I wouldn’t be able to decide anything.
And now Blake was trying to do it.
Tears streamed down my cheeks as Blake nuzzled my neck, his breath hot against my skin.
“Mine,” he growled, his voice almost unrecognizable, pulling away just enough to let his canines elongate.
I squeezed my eyes shut, bracing for the pain.
But before he could bite, he was yanked off of me.
“Get behind me,” Zane growled, grabbing my wrist and pushing me behind him, shielding me with his entire body.
Loud sobs broke from my chest, and I trembled uncontrollably, feeling violated and broken.
“Lia, are you okay?” Sheila asked frantically, as the Hounds
2/5
16:13
Chapter 74 – Moment–1
me in
18 min left
rushed to surround me. She pulled her arms, hugging me tightly while Warner, Ajax, and Aaron formed a protective barrier around us.
“He—he tried to mark me,” I sobbed, clutching Sheila’s shirt like a lifeline. “He almost marked me.”
“Shh, it’s okay, sweetheart,” she whispered into my hair, rubbing soothing circles on my back. “You’re safe now. Zane would never have let him succeed. You know that.”
Harsh growls caught my attention, and I looked up to see Zane and Blake locked in a brutal, savage fight.
Both had shifted into their wolves, teeth bared, and eyes wild with fury. Zane’s movements were fluid and controlled, but Blake’s were erratic, fueled by something almost feral. He wasn’t fighting like an Alpha.
He was fighting like a rabid animal.
“Why did Blake do this?” I asked, still clinging to Sheila. “How could he? How could he try to hurt me like this?”
“Because he wants you for himself,” Sheila answered softly, tightening her arms around me. “He can’t handle the idea of sharing you. And after seeing you getting closer to Zane… this was his twisted way of retaliating.”
“But it’s his own fault!” I cried, voice cracking. “If he had saved
3/5
16:13
Chapter 74 – Moment–1
me that night, it would’ve been him!”
18 min left
“I know,” she whispered, her tone filled with pity for me. “You’re absolutely right.”
“I think we should get her inside,” Ajax said, glancing nervously at the open space around us.
“Agreed,” Aaron said firmly. “Get her somewhere safe.”
“And the fight needs to move to the woods,” Warner added. “With The Order on our trail, it isn’t safe to fight in the open like this. This could attract too much attention.”
“Come on, Lia,” Sheila urged, gently leading me back towards the school building. Ajax hovered protectively beside us, scanning the area.
I kept glancing over my shoulder, my heart twisting painfully every time I caught a glimpse of Zane in the chaotic fight.
But soon, the trees and the walls of the school blocked the view.
“He’s going to be fine,” Sheila reassured me when she caught me looking back again. “Zane’s stronger than Blake. By a lot.”
I nodded shakily. “I know… I know he is.”
“I’m really sorry this happened,” she added, her voice heavy with guilt. “We should have gotten to you faster.”
4/5
16:13
Chapter 74 – Moment–1
18 min left
“You got there in time,” I said, sniffing. “You saved me. Again.”
“Zane did,” Ajax said quietly, offering me a small, awkward
smile.
“You all helped,” I insisted, my voice thick. “Thank you. Really.”
Ajax’s smile grew just a little, though he still looked
uncomfortable. Owing to our prior relationship of bully and victim, there was always an air of awkwardness. But in that moment, all past bitterness had been forgiven.
These people had saved my life. Twice now.
I owed them everything.
Sheila guided me to a table in the cafeteria, and Ajax hurried to bring me a bottle of water. I took a few grateful sips, feeling my trembling start to ease.
Sheila reached out and took my free hand, gently rubbing my wrist where Blake had gripped me so cruelly.
5/5
