Chapter 38

THIRTY-EIGHT

T he roar of big engines echoed through the narrow streets of the city, a sound that sent shivers down Emma’s spine. She gripped Lucas’s hand tightly as they darted through the shadows of the alleyways, her breath coming in short, sharp gasps.

The city streets, once bustling with humans and shifters going about their lives, now felt like a labyrinth of danger. Malcolm’s forces were everywhere, their growls and footsteps growing louder with every turn. Emma’s tablet clutched against her chest contained the files that could expose the truth about Malcolm’s plans—but only if they managed to get away.

“I sense them closing in,” Lucas said, his voice a low rumble. His injuries had slowed him slightly, but his determination was unshakable. He glanced at Emma, his golden eyes full of worry. “How are you holding up?”

“I’m fine,” she lied, the weight of the crystal around her neck heavier than ever. Its faint glow pulsed in time with her racing heart. “We just need to make it to somewhere safe.”

Lucas stopped suddenly, pulling Emma to a halt. “You’re pushing yourself too hard,” he said, his voice tight. “I can feel it through the bond.”

“We don’t have time for this,” Emma replied, though her tone was sharper than she intended. She placed a hand on his chest, feeling the warmth of his skin even through the fabric of his shirt. “I’m not going to let Malcolm win. Not after everything he’s done.”

Lucas studied her, his jaw tightening, but before he could argue further, angry voices reached them from around the corner.

They ducked inside a shop as a group of Malcolm’s enforcers rounded the corner. Emma held her breath, clutching the tablet tighter as Lucas pressed close to her, shielding her with his body. His heat and the steady thrum of his presence calmed her fraying nerves.

The salesperson and a few shoppers stared at them with frightened eyes. Lucas put a finger over his lip to signal them to be quiet.

The enforcers outside on the street paused, sniffing the air. One of them—a tall shifter with a scar running down his cheek—growled low in his throat. “They’re close. Spread out.”

Emma’s heart raced as the group split, some heading down side streets while others continued down the main alley. Lucas motioned for her to follow him, and they slipped out the back of the shop.

“We’re running out of options,” Lucas muttered as they emerged onto a wider street. The city sprawled out before them, a conglomeration of urban buildings mixed with hiding spots and potential traps. “They’ve got us boxed in.”

Emma’s mind raced as she considered their options. “If we can reach Fifth Street, we might be able to get to your penthouse.”

Lucas nodded. “It’s risky, but it’s our best shot. Let’s go.”

They darted through the streets, their footsteps muffled against the pavement. But just as they neared Fourth and Main, a deafening roar split the air. Emma turned to see a group of enforcers on motorcycles barreling toward them.

“You’ve got to be kidding me!” she hollered. “Shifter on bikes?”

“Malcolm has more surprises than I expected. Go!” Lucas shouted, pushing Emma ahead as he shifted mid-stride. His panther form leaped forward, claws scraping against the asphalt as he charged the oncoming riders. Zayne joined him, his own transformation seamless and feral.

“It’s about time,” Lucas growled. “Where have you been?”

“I saw how much fun you were having without me.”

Lucas could only grunt.

Emma hesitated, tapping the keys on the tablet. “This is incredible. The amount of electromagnetic--” The crystal around her neck flared suddenly, its light surging outward in a protective wave. The nearest motorcycle skidded to a halt, its rider thrown off by the force of the energy. The others hesitated, their pause giving Zayne and Lucas the upper hand.

“Emma!” Lucas’s voice, half-growl, half-command, pulled her back to reality. “Run!”

She obeyed, her legs burning as she sprinted toward the next block. The sound of claws and roars filled the air behind her, but she didn’t look back. Her focus was on the files and the promise of safety that lay just beyond.

By the time she reached the corner, her chest heaved with exhaustion. She turned to see Lucas and Zayne close behind her, both in human form once more. Blood streaked Lucas’s face, but his eyes were bright with determination.

“They’ll regroup soon,” Zayne said, scanning the area. “We need to keep moving.”

Emma nodded, but before they could cross the road, the air around them shifted. A chill ran down her spine as a familiar presence filled the space.

“Going somewhere?” Malcolm’s voice was smooth and mocking as he stepped out from between buildings. Behind him, a group of enforcers emerged, their eyes glinting with predatory intent.

Emma’s hand instinctively went to the crystal at her neck, its light flaring in response to the threat. Lucas moved to stand protectively in front of her, his body tense and ready.

“Zayne, run, track,” Lucas murmured. Before anyone could move, Zayne shifted and sprinted away. If someone was going to rally a rescue party, it would be his second-in-command.

“Let him go.” Malcolm turned to Emma. “Give me the files,” he said, his tone deceptively calm. “And I might let you walk away.”

“Over my dead body,” Lucas growled.

Malcolm’s smile widened, but it didn’t reach his eyes. “That can be arranged.”

Massive trucks rolled up along both sides of the street, cutting off any escape route. Emma’s heart pounded as she looked around, searching for an opening, but there was none. They were surrounded, and the odds were stacked against them.

The crystal pulsed again, its energy coursing through her veins. She gripped it tightly, drawing strength from the mate bond she shared with Lucas. They might be outnumbered, but they weren’t outmatched.

As Malcolm stepped closer, Emma met his gaze, her resolve unshakable. “You’re going to regret underestimating us.”

Malcolm chuckled darkly, his confidence unshaken. “We’ll see about that.”

The tension crackled like a live wire as the standoff reached its breaking point. Emma tightened her grip on the crystal, ready to unleash its power. Then a sting hit her arm and she saw a dart sticking out of it. She looked up to see ten stuck to Lucas. Then everything went dark.