Malric’s Pov
Blood.
That was the first thing I smelled.
Delilah’s blood.
I watched her fall to the ground, her body hitting the hard earth like it had no weight, and in that instant, everything around me blurred. The bastard who had pushed her raised his claws again, aiming straight for her chest, but he never had the chance.
I was faster.
I didn’t think. I didn’t breathe. I just moved.
My claws ripped through his body like it was nothing, a single strike, and he was gone, torn apart before he even realized death was coming for him. I didn’t stop. Anyone near her, anyone within reach, anyone who so much as looked at her — I destroyed them.
By the time I reached her, her breathing was shallow, too shallow.
“Stay with me,” I growled, scooping her into my arms. Her blood was warm aga
