ALPHA BIKER WHO CLAIMED HIS BROTHER'S MATE

46

RAFE’S POV

"I’m fine," I gritted out, but the words didn't stop the fire blooming at my side. I shoved Jax’s hands away, pressing my own palm flat against the wound to stop the flow of blood.

"Get the scouts from the MC. We need men here now to guard this woman or get her somewhere safe. She can't stay here alone, because that man might return." I looked at the dead man. “They should also do something about this body.”

"Rafe, you look pretty cut up," Jax said, his voice laced with concern. He wasn't looking at the dead man anymore; he was looking at the way my face was paling under the night sky. "That blade went deep. You should see a doctor. Or at least let me—"

"I said I’m fine!" I snapped, my eyes flashing deep yellow. "Do what I said. It is an order!"

Jax held my gaze for a second before he nodded. He knew he had no right to defy his Alpha. He pulled out his phone and placed calls for the scouts to come to the borders.

While he was occupied, I took a breath, trying to summon my wolf. Usually, a stab wound like this would already be knitting back together. I should be able to feel my cells being repaired, but this felt different. The pain was heavy, and with every second it felt like fingers gouging out my skin. It made my vision swim, but I managed to hold up.

I told myself I was just tired and today had been eventful, from the wedding to my fight with Maya. I just needed to have a good night's rest.

In no time, the scouts arrived in uniform with their weapons. They stood in line, and I faced them irrespective of the injury on my skin.

“The border has been compromised. I heard there are illegal activities going on beyond those trees. It is too late to investigate, and it would be stupid if we plunged in there. We don't know what awaits us. It is better to let them trespass for now while we gather intelligence.” The pain stung and I groaned, pressing my hand harder against the wound.

Jax stepped in instantly.

“What the Alpha is saying is that he wants the perimeter guarded, and that lady's house should be the top priority. Kill whatever or whoever makes it into here that isn't ours!” he stated, then he dismissed them.

Once I was sure the woman was being handled and the area was locked down, I didn't wait for Jax. I hopped onto my bike and kicked it into gear. The vibration of the engine sent a jolt of agony through my ribs, but I clenched my teeth so hard I thought they might break. Then, I set out for home.

The ride home took an hour, but it felt like an eternity. By the time I pulled into the driveway, the clock on the dash told me it was nearly midnight. I stumbled through the front door, moving as quietly as I could, but the house wasn't as empty as I’d hoped. I saw a silhouette in the kitchen. It was Maya. She was standing there with a glass in her hand, the soft light of the refrigerator casting a glow over her face.

"Why are you still awake?" I asked, my voice coming out more like a groan than I intended.

She jumped slightly, turning to look at me. "I wanted water. I couldn't sleep."

I stayed in the hallway, gripping the banister to keep my balance. I didn't want her to see the dark stain spreading across the side of my shirt. "Goodnight, Maya."

She narrowed her eyes, stepping closer. "Rafe? Is there something wrong? You’re walking... funny."

"No," I said quickly—perhaps too quickly. I forced myself to stand straighter, even as the world blurred at the edges. "I'm just tired. It has been a long night. Go back to sleep, Maya. We’ll talk tomorrow."

Jax’s words about women knowing things rang in my ears, but I pushed them away. I climbed the stairs before she could question me. It was agonizing, but I made it to my room. I didn't bother taking off my boots or even checking the wound again; I just collapsed onto the bed with the last strength I had. Then I shut my eyes, waiting for my wolf to do its work while I slept.

MAYA’S POV

Something in my chest felt off. Even after I returned to my room, the way Rafe had been leaning against the banister replayed in my mind. He looked like he could barely hold himself up—like he was in pain or injured. But I didn't want to push him.

I lay down and shut my eyes, trying to force my brain to quiet. He’s an Alpha, I reminded myself. He’s unbreakable, and I shouldn't worry about things that don't concern me.

I mean, it did, because...

Sleep took over before I could even finish the thought. But it did not last long enough.

A thick, guttural grunt followed by a choked groan echoed through the wall, vibrating from Rafe’s room. It was the sound of pure agony, and it pierced through my sleep. I jumped out of bed instantly, my heart in my throat as I raced down the hallway.

His groan tore through the house again. I pushed the door open, met only by the scent of blood and the sound of his shallow breathing. Rafe was shaking violently on the bed, his large frame convulsing as if he were fighting an invisible force.

"Rafe?" I whispered in a cracked voice.

I slammed the light switch, and the sudden brightness stung my eyes. I rushed to his bedside, reaching out to grab the edge of the duvet to pull it back. The moment my skin brushed his, I gasped. He was burning with an unnatural heat that felt like it was radiating from his bones.

"Goddess, Rafe, you're on fire," I breathed.

I yanked the covers away, and my breath died in my throat. My face paled, the blood draining from my head as I saw the side of his shirt. It was completely soaked through. The dark red stain had spread onto the white sheets.

With shaking hands, I pulled the fabric of his shirt upward. There, on his side, was a huge wound that I could have passed my hand through. It wasn't healing. The edges were angry—a mottled shade of purple and black that didn't look like any normal stab wound. Instead of knitting back together, the flesh seemed to be falling apart.

"Rafe, what the hell is going on?" I cried.

"I... I am fine," he groaned, pressing his hand to the wound.