23. Chapter Twenty-Three

Chapter Twenty-Three

F ury

I nudge Shaddai farther down the bed until he obligingly eases off. Our kiss deepens, Tally's fingers tangling in my hair as she presses closer. My cock thickens, desire a low, insistent hum beneath my skin. Just as my hands begin to wander, a distant whirring shatters the silence.

Breaking apart, we stare at each other, wide-eyed. "Is that…?"

"A helicopter." The words taste like ashes. "Rescue's here."

We scramble out of bed, fumbling into clothes with shaking hands. Assuming the rescue party would reach us today, we'd packed our gear earlier. Both backpacks sit ready beside the door. Shaddai watches us, head cocked, confused by the sudden flurry of activity. My heart rabbits against my ribs as sour dread churns in my gut.

It's too soon. We're not ready. I've only just found Tally, found this fragile, wonderful connection. I can't lose her now, before it's even begun.

After a swift, perfunctory knock, the cabin door bursts open and a swarm of uniformed humans pours in, led by broad- shouldered Captain Marks. His eyes settle on Tally, relief flashing across his face.

"Natalie Marsh!" He crosses the room in two long strides to inspect her more closely. "Alive and standing upright. We've been wanting to search for days, but the storm was too severe. Each time the weather cleared, the storm would swirl again before we could load into the copter to look for you."

His gaze darkens as it flicks between Tally and me. "Are you alright, Miss Marsh?"

Tally stiffens, her gaze finding mine. "I'm okay, Captain. Thanks to Fury. He saved my life, carried me here from where I'd fallen into a ravine."

Marks pulls back, assessing me coolly. His jaw tightens. He scans my wild hair, fangs, and claws and his lip twitches ever so slightly. "Is that so?" He turns back to Tally, dismissing me. "Well, let's get you to the medic at the extraction point. I've ordered a full exam."

He takes her arm, steering her toward the door. It takes every ounce of self-control I have to keep from leaping across the room and placing my fangs against his throat. If several of these people weren't carrying guns, I think I'd do it. It feels like gasoline is running through my veins at just the sight of his flesh on hers.

Tally resists his touch, yanking away as she casts a desperate look my way. "Wait! What about Fury? And the wolf pup, Shaddai? We can't just leave them…"

"Fury will go on the snowcat that's headed this way, and the wolf…"

When he pauses, I assume he'll never let the pup go with her. I'm quick to insist, "Is well-behaved and coming with me." My tone leaves no room for argument.

"Let's not worry about anything but you right now, Miss Marsh. You're our first priority. The wolven will be taken care of. "

Taken care of. The words send a chill down my spine. I know that euphemism, that clinical detachment. I step forward, a snarl building in my throat. "Like hell you will. She's not going anywhere without me and the pup."

The rescue team tenses, hands twitching toward weapons. Marks eyes me like I'm a rabid dog about to bite. "Natalie is injured and needs medical care. You've done your duty , wolven." His voice drips condescension. "Now stand down and let us take it from here."

"Please." Tally's gaze locks with mine, fierce and imploring. "It's okay, Fury. I'll be fine. I'll see you soon, I promise."

My need to protect her battles with the knowledge that she might need treatment I can't provide. Around us, the humans close ranks, an impenetrable wall of distrust and thinly veiled hostility.

With a growl of frustration, my fists clench. I meet Tally's eyes, trying to convey everything I can't say aloud. "Okay." I'm outnumbered. There's no way to fight. Besides, they mean her no harm. She'll be safe with them. "I'll find you, Tally."

Her chin dips, a barely perceptible nod. Then Marks hustles her out the door, barking orders to his team. I quickly gear up and tuck Shaddai inside my coat. Two beefy National Guardsmen flank me, not quite touching but making it clear I'm to follow.

Outside, the sun glares off the snow, almost blinding after so many stormy days. The helicopter, smaller than the one I arrived in only days before, waits in the clearing, rotors whirring. Marks bundles Tally into the back while I'm herded toward a snowcat.

Craning my neck, my eyes find Tally's through the chaos. Her face is pale, lips pressed into a thin line. She mouths something, the words snatched away by the wind.

Then the door slams shut, blocking her from view. The helicopter rises, putting distance between us with every moment. Slumping in my seat, Shaddai at my feet, I press my temple to the icy glass .

It's happening again. Another chasm ripping open, tearing me away from everything I…

From everything I love.

But it's not the same. This time, I'm not some helpless prisoner who is young, inexperienced, and doesn't understand a word of a foreign language. This time, I have a pack at my back and a female to fight for.

This time, I won't stop until Tally's in my arms again. No matter what it takes.