Chapter 15

15

Gideon and his brothers had been tirelessly tracking Rob's scent down the mountain. A coven of witches driving with the top down on their Jeep swerved to avoid them, calling out woots of encouragement and even howling at the moon. The women were clearly drunk. A clan of bears peered down at them from the top of a cliff, watching their progress. Gideon knew if he called out to them, they would join the hunt, but this was wolf business.

The crisp night air was filled with the sounds of their pursuit—leaves rustling, branches snapping underfoot, and the distant calls of nocturnal creatures. The scent trail had grown faint, evidence that Rob had taken to a vehicle. Desperation gnawed at Gideon; every second that ticked by felt like an eternity, with Maize's life hanging in the balance.

He knew where she was, or at least the direction she was headed. His only worry was that he got there in time before Rob could harm her. That thought made his gut clench. His heart pounded with renewed urgency as he raced through the trees, his brothers flanking him.

The forest opened up to a narrow road, and there, in the middle of the night, Gideon saw the car. The bastard was speeding, causing the old vehicle to fishtail. Gideon would claw out his entrails for putting his mate in danger. He leaped in front of the car, forcing the vehicle to swerve violently to avoid a collision. The tires screeched against the asphalt, and the car skidded to a halt, the smell of burning rubber thick in the air.

Rob leaped out of the car, his eyes wild with fear and desperation. "Give me Liza," he demanded, his voice a frantic snarl. "She's mine. Give her to me and I'll let Maize go."

Gideon didn't waste time with words. Rage and protectiveness surged within him, and he launched himself at Rob, aiming for his throat. Rob dodged at the last second, his form blurring as he shifted into his wolf form.

Rob's wolf was big. Gideon's was bigger.

Rob was angry. Gideon was pure vengeance.

The fight was brutal, a whirlwind of teeth and claws. The sounds of growls and snarls filled the night, a terrifying symphony of violence. Gideon's wolf was larger, more powerful, but Rob fought with the desperation of a cornered animal. They clashed, bodies slamming into each other with bone-jarring force. The metallic tang of blood filled the air, mingling with the scent of night blooms.

Gideon lunged again, his jaws snapping shut around Rob's shoulder. The rogue wolf howled in pain, twisting to break free. Rob's claws raked across Gideon's side, the sharp pain barely registering in his adrenaline-fueled state. Gideon released his grip and leapt back, circling his opponent, his eyes locked on to Rob's every movement.

Rob charged, aiming for Gideon's throat, but Gideon was ready. He sidestepped and came down hard, his jaws closing around Rob's neck. This time, he didn't let go. He tightened his grip, feeling the frantic pulse of Rob's heartbeat against his teeth. Rob struggled, his movements growing weaker as the life was choked out of him.

With a final, desperate thrash, Rob went limp. Gideon held on for a moment longer, ensuring that his enemy was truly defeated before releasing his hold. He stepped back, his chest heaving, blood dripping from his jaws. The rogue wolf lay still, the fight gone from his eyes. The threat was over. He lifted his nose, scenting his mate.

Gideon shifted back to his human form, his body aching from the battle. He turned toward the car. "Maize," he called out, his voice rough.

The trunk of the car popped open with a metallic groan, and there she was—Maize. She stumbled out, her movements unsteady, and his heart clenched at the sight of her.

Maize was bruised, her skin marred with cuts and dried blood that painted a grim picture of what she'd endured. Her clothes were torn, clinging to her as if they, too, were barely holding on. Despite the injuries, despite the fear etched into every line of her face, she was the most beautiful sight he had ever seen. She was alive. She was here.

She reached for him, and he closed the distance in a few strides, catching her in his arms and lifting her off the ground. The warmth of her body against his was a balm to his frayed nerves, soothing the raw, ragged edges of his worry.

He held her close, as if he could somehow shield her from all the horrors she had just faced, as if by holding her tightly enough, he could make it all go away. His hands were gentle, careful not to touch the bruises and cuts that marred her skin, but his grip was firm, anchoring her to him.

"Maize," he breathed, his voice thick with emotion. He buried his face in her hair, inhaling the scent of her, the scent that had been his guiding light through the darkness. She was shaking, but she clung to him just as fiercely, her fingers digging into his back as if she was afraid to let go.

Gideon wanted to protect her from everything, to shield her from the sight of the nightmare she had just escaped. He positioned himself between her and the lifeless body of Rob, trying to block her view, to spare her the sight of the man who had caused her so much pain.

Maize wasn't content to be sheltered. She shifted in his arms, leaning slightly to the side to peer around him. Her breath hitched, and he felt her tense as her eyes landed on Rob's body. She didn't look away, though. It was as if she needed to see it, to confirm for herself that the danger was truly over.

"Gideon," she whispered, like a plea, like a prayer. "I was so scared."

He cupped her face in his hands, his eyes searching hers. "You're safe now, Maize. I promised I'd protect you, and I will. Always."

Tears streamed down her cheeks as she nodded. "I believe you. I feel the bond, Gideon. I accept it."

A surge of joy and relief washed over him. He leaned in and kissed her, a gentle, tender kiss that spoke of promises kept and a future they would build together. The chaos of the night faded away, leaving only the two of them in a moment of perfect peace.

As his brothers approached, their expressions a mix of relief and respect, Gideon held Maize close. The battle was over, but their journey was just beginning. And with Maize by his side, he knew they could face anything that came their way.

"Where's Liza?"

At least he hoped they could face what was about to come. The very next thing they'd have to face after taking down the wolf who'd stalked Liza was Gideon's Alpha, who swore that Maize's sister was his.