The air in the alleyway felt heavier, thicker with the tension between them and the approaching danger. Zayden's body was tense, his eyes scanning the shadows, every muscle coiled and ready for whatever was to come. Riley could feel his anger radiating off of him in waves, but it wasn't just anger that filled the air—it was desperation.
She wasn't ready for this. She wasn't ready for anything that had come her way since she'd met Zayden. Everything had been a whirlwind of emotions, of revelations she never could've imagined. But now, with the sounds of the Pack closing in, all she wanted to do was get away—get out of this world that was slowly suffocating her.
Her mind was racing. She had to get away, but Zayden wouldn't let her. She could see it in his eyes—the determination, the protectiveness that he wore like a second skin. But she wasn't sure how much longer he could keep her safe.
"Zayden..." she whispered, her voice shaking despite her attempt to remain calm. "What's going to happen?"
"We fight," Zayden answered simply, though the edge to his voice was unmistakable. "We hold our ground. And we don't let them take you."
Riley swallowed hard, her throat dry. "I don't want to fight. I don't want to be part of this—any of this." Her heart hammered in her chest as she glanced over at him. "I don't know what's real anymore."
Zayden's expression softened for a moment, his eyes briefly flickering with emotion—emotion she couldn't quite understand. The depth of what he was feeling, what he was willing to sacrifice for her, was something that was far beyond what she had imagined when they first met.
"You don't have to understand it all, Riley," he said, his voice soft but firm. "But I'm here, and I'll protect you. That's all that matters. Nothing else."
But even as the words left his lips, Riley could hear it—the sound of wolves growling, the rustle of their movements. They were getting closer, their heavy footfalls echoing louder, reverberating off the walls.
The time for talking was over.
Suddenly, Zayden moved. His hand shot out, grabbing Riley's wrist and pulling her into him. "Stay behind me," he ordered, his tone cold, commanding.
Riley felt a jolt of panic rush through her, her heart threatening to burst out of her chest as she saw the outline of the Pack emerging from the darkness. There were at least six of them, their eyes glowing faintly, their fangs bared. They circled them, slowly, deliberately, as if savoring the moment.
Zayden's stance was unwavering, his shoulders squared, his eyes locked on the leader of the Pack. "This is your last chance," he growled, his voice low and dangerous. "Leave, or I'll make you."
The leader, a tall man with eyes that gleamed like amber fire, chuckled. "You think you can scare me, Zayden? You're nothing but a weak little pup now. The Alpha's orders are clear. She's coming with us."
Riley's breath caught in her throat as the leader's gaze flickered to her, his eyes narrowing. "You belong with us, Riley. You can't run from what you are. It's time to face your fate."
Riley recoiled instinctively, but Zayden was there, blocking her from view, his body a shield between her and the Pack.
"Not while I'm here," Zayden growled, his eyes flashing with anger. His claws extended from his fingertips, a deadly gleam in his gaze. "If you want her, you'll have to go through me first."
The leader's smirk faded slightly, but he stood tall, unafraid. "So be it." He raised his hand, signaling his Pack to move in.
Without warning, the first of the wolves lunged toward them, and Zayden was already in motion, a blur of strength and speed as he met the attack head-on. Riley's heart raced, her body frozen with fear as she watched the fight unfold before her eyes. Zayden's movements were fluid, deadly, as he took on the Pack one by one, his every motion precise and filled with power.
Riley wanted to look away. She wanted to close her eyes and pretend none of this was happening, but she couldn't. She couldn't tear her gaze from him, from the raw strength he exhibited, the sheer determination he poured into every strike.
But then—then, she saw it. She saw the moment when the leader's gaze shifted toward her, his eyes locking on hers with an intensity that sent a shiver down her spine.
"Get her," he commanded, his voice low but filled with malice.
Before she could react, two wolves broke from the fight, moving swiftly toward her. Zayden saw them too, his eyes widening with urgency. He let out a feral roar as he charged toward them, his claws slashing at the air. But it was too late. One of the wolves was already upon her, its fangs bared.
Fear gripped Riley like a vice. She couldn't breathe, couldn't move. But then, she felt it—Zayden's arm around her waist, pulling her to the side just as the wolf lunged toward her.
The wolf's teeth sank into Zayden's arm instead.
A violent growl left Zayden's lips as he twisted, throwing the wolf off of him. But the damage had been done. Blood seeped from the wound, and Riley's stomach churned at the sight of it.
"No," she whispered, her voice trembling. "No, Zayden!"
She reached for him, but he pushed her back, his eyes fierce. "Stay back, Riley. I'm not letting them take you."
But the fight wasn't over. The leader had already started to move toward them, his eyes narrowed, his claws gleaming in the moonlight. This was it—the final showdown.
Zayden's breath came in heavy gasps, his body showing the signs of wear from the battle. He was tired, but his resolve was unshaken. He wouldn't let them take Riley. Not now, not ever.
Riley felt a surge of emotion rise within her—fear, yes, but also something else. Something stronger. She wasn't going to let Zayden face this alone.
And so, she did something she never thought she would.
She stepped forward.
"Leave him alone!" Riley shouted, her voice defiant despite the fear flooding her chest. "I'm not your property!"
The leader froze, his eyes widening slightly at her boldness. Zayden, too, glanced at her, a flicker of surprise crossing his face.
But Riley wasn't done.
"I'm not running. I'm not hiding anymore," she said, her voice shaking but steady. "If you want me, you'll have to take me with your own two hands."
Zayden turned to her then, his eyes softening with something that could only be described as pride—and something more.
And in that moment, Riley understood. She was no longer just a bystander in her own life. She was fighting for it.
And she would fight for him.