Chapter 10

Blaide

The fourth alpha took a little more work to subdue. He was wiry, quick, and wary after seeing what Blaide had done to the first three. Blaide took a few more blows before he could get close enough to get a good enough hold to put the man out of commission.

He was doing his best not to kill the alphas despite the rage simmering behind his calculated movements, but as his eyes drew to the red omega, the sight of another male pinning her to the wall with his mouth on hers broke his control.

Tossing the alpha he'd been fighting into the wall so hard bones snapped, Blaide froze when the blond spoke.

"Don't come any closer, or I'll kill her."

Teeth clenched around the roar threatening to break free, he tried to calm himself and find a solution. The alpha who had been holding her was on the ground, clutching his crotch and letting out a high-pitched whine.

Unable to resist lashing out, Blaide's foot shot forward, toppling the big male with a kick to the temple. He'd live, he'd just have a hell of a headache when he woke.

The blond's fingers tightened around Red's throat, lips pulling back to snarl at Blaide. Blaide let his own canines show, shifting his weight as he gauged what options he had.

The little omega's eyes clung to him, the sharp odor of her fear burning his nostrils with each breath but unable to hide the sweetness of her natural scent. The alpha pinning her had no regard for her wellbeing, and Blaide knew he'd do what he threatened if provoked, but he doubted the male could carry it out before Blaide got to him.

Still, was it worth the risk?

"Back off. I'll wring her scrawny neck and neither of us will have her."

"Then you'll die."

He delivered his words with calm certainty. The other alpha shook. Calculating the consequences of his actions, Blaide made the only remaining decision as desperation filled the other male's face.

His knife was in his hand before the blond could react. Expecting the way he turned to use the woman as a shield, Blaide aimed high, his target small but his hand sure.

The alpha's fingers loosened, the omega's feet hitting the ground as he wavered. It took a body a moment to realize it was dead when the brain stopped sending signals, but the hilt protruding from the alpha's eye socket proved Blaide's aim had been true.

Blaide closed the distance between them before the body toppled, one hand gripping the woman's shoulder as the other retrieved his knife, letting gravity pull it from its target. Putting his chest between her and the gruesome sight, he finally focused on the little omega whose scent had been calling to him since he arrived.

"Are you okay?"

She kept her gaze trained toward the fallen body despite him blocking her view. Tucking his blade into his belt, he moved his fingers to her chin, tipping her head back and forcing her to look at him.

Emerald eyes shifted up to his, her pupils mere pinpoints. Her chest rose and fell in steady waves, though her pulse hammered against his fingers on her throat.

Her face was gorgeous, with pouty lips parted as though she waited for a kiss. Forcing himself to swallow the urge to take the offer, he tipped her head back further and moved his gaze to her neck. The deep red of her flesh didn't appear marred, so after indulging in a quick stroke of her soft skin to check for swelling, he let her head lower to a more natural position.

"I don't see any injuries, but your throat may be sore for a day or two. You should stick to soft foods and speak as little as possible."

The words weren't what he wanted to say, but the silence between them was growing too thick and falling back on his training was the only way for him to keep it together.

The female gave a small nod but did not pull out of his grasp. Her shiver drew his attention down to the rest of her. The side seam of her shirt—from her armpit to the hem—had ripped in the fight, leaving her trim curves exposed.

Stepping back to pull his shirt over his head, he paused when she let out a whimper.

"Is—Is he… dead?"

Blaide's face tightened as his lips pulled down and his brow lowered. Taking off his shirt, he moved forward again, putting it over her head and lifting her arms to guide them into the holes. She stood still the entire time, eyes resting on his face until he let out a sigh and glanced away.

"Yes."

A quiet growl had his head snapping back to the female in front of him, but she was gazing toward her attacker's boots.

"Good."

She filled the word with venom and hate, but he could hear the quake of fear beneath it all. Her trembling increased, and he worried she would collapse, so he swooped down and lifted his fierce little Red into his arms before he realized she may not appreciate another alpha manhandling her.

Slim arms moving up his chest to twine around his neck assured him she wasn't upset, and when her head tucked under his chin, he could scent the salt in the silent tears dripping into his fur.

Letting out a soft purr, he tightened his hold, turning to leave the alley before the others stirred. He hadn't decided where to take her, but his feet led him back to his hotel. Hesitating in the doorway, he wasn't sure how she'd react to being enclosed in a room with him, but there was no way he could put her down and leave her in her current state.

Stepping inside, he let the door slide shut and braced for her reaction.