THE ALPHA'S UNWANTED MATE

Chapter 17: Wounded

The healer's tent smelled like herbs and blood.

Aria hadn't moved from Damien's side in hours. Leo was asleep on a mat in the corner, clutching a wolf toy.

"Will he make it?" Aria whispered.

The old healer sighed. "The silver is poison to us. I removed two bullets. But the one near his heart..."

She shook her head. "Only he can fight it now."

Aria grabbed Damien's hand. It was so cold.

"You can't leave us," she said. "Not like this. Not after everything."

Damien's chest rose. Fell.

Then his eyes snapped open. Gold. Burning.

"Who... dared... touch my mate?" he growled.

The tent went silent.

The Alpha was awake.

Aria gasped. "Damien?"

She cupped his face. "You're awake. You're okay."

Damien looked around the tent. His eyes were sharp despite the pain.

"Where's my son?" he rasped.

"I'm here Daddy!" Leo ran and jumped onto the bed.

Damien pulled him close with one arm, wincing. "Good boy."

Then he looked at Aria. Really looked at her.

"You saved me."

"I didn't," Aria whispered. "I just didn't let go."

Damien reached up and brushed her hair back.

"That's the same thing."

The healer cleared her throat. "Alpha. You still have silver in you. You need to rest."

Damien ignored her. He pulled Aria down until their foreheads touched.

"I'm not resting until I know you're both safe."

Outside the tent, a wolf howled.

Damien's eyes flashed.

"Someone's coming."

**THE END OF CHAPTER 17**

**TO BE CONTINUED IN CHAPTER 18: THE VISITOR**