The Rejected Mate's Secret Heir

Chapter 13: Blood and Vow

The roar that erupted from Max’s throat was not human. It was the primordial, terrifying cry of an Alpha King whose mate and child had been pushed to the edge of death.

Before the giant rogue wolf could even scramble back onto its feet after being blasted by Jaxon’s power, Max was already there.

His massive silver blade sliced through the rain-soaked air in a blinding arc. A sickening squelch echoed across the glade as the rogue wolf collapsed onto the muddy earth, lifeless.

Max didn't pause for a single breath. His icy blue eyes were completely consumed by a dark, glowing flame of raw destruction.

He moved like a phantom through the rain, his twin blades carving through the remaining mercenaries with terrifying precision. Rogue wolves tried to leap at him, but Max intercepted them mid-air, snapping jaws and severing limbs until the dark forest ground ran red with the blood of traitors.

Up on the rocky ridge, Elder Richard felt a cold wave of pure horror paralyze his old bones.

"Retreat! Retreat!" Richard shrieked to his surviving men, stumbling backward into the thick bushes as he realized the horrific mistake he had made.

"Caleb! Leave no one alive!" Max roared, his voice echoing like thunder across the valley.

"Understood, My Lord!" Commander Caleb shouted, leading the royal guards as they pursued the fleeing mercenaries into the shadows of the woods.

The clashing of steel slowly died down, replaced only by the heavy patter of rain against the fallen pine trees and the ragged breathing of the surviving guards.

Max immediately tossed his bloody swords into the mud, turning around with frantic urgency. His terrifying Alpha aura vanished instantly, replaced by a desperate, agonizing fear as his gaze landed on the two figures near the crushed carriage.

Elena was sitting on the wet earth, clutching her bleeding shoulder with one hand. Blood seeped through her dark cloak, staining her pale skin. Beside her, Jaxon’s supernatural blue glow was rapidly fading, leaving the five-year-old child exhausted and trembling as he collapsed into his mother’s arms.

"Mommy..." Jaxon whimpered, his small voice weak and raspy. "I... I pushed the big bad wolf away..."

"I know, baby, I know," Elena sobbed, kissing his forehead while holding him tight against her uninjured side. "You were so brave, Jax... so brave..."

"Elena!"

Max dropped onto his knees right in front of them, his heavy, muscular frame shaking with suppressed emotion. His long fingers hovered above her injured shoulder, his face pale as death as he stared at her blood-soaked cloak.

"Goddess... Elena," Max rasped out, his voice cracking violently. "You’re hurt."

"I'm fine, Max," Elena choked out, though a sharp gasp escaped her lips as the cold rain hit her open wound. "Look at Jaxon... he used too much energy..."

Without asking for permission, Max reached out, his massive, warm arms gently gathering both Elena and Jaxon into his chest. He pulled them tight against his warm body, shielding them completely from the freezing woodland rain with his broad back.

Elena tried to push away out of habit, but she had no strength left. The sheer warmth radiating from Max’s chest, mixed with his rich scent of oak and rain, enveloped her senses. For the first time in five long years, she allowed herself to lean her tired head against his shoulder, her body shaking from the adrenaline rush.

Max felt her heavy weight against his chest, and an excruciating pang of guilt tore his heart to shreds.

Five years ago, he had let her bleed in the snow alone. Today, she was bleeding in the rain right in front of him because he had failed to keep the shadows away from her.

"I'm sorry," Max whispered into her wet hair, his hand gently cradling the back of her head while his other arm wrapped firmly around Jaxon’s small, sleeping form. "I'm so sorry, Elena. I let them hurt you again."

"Max... we need to get Jaxon out of the rain," Elena murmured weakly, her eyes growing heavy as exhaustion finally caught up with her.

"I know. I've got you," Max said softly, his tone filled with an unyielding, sacred gentleness.

With incredible care, Max lifted both Elena and his son up into his arms, standing tall amidst the muddy, blood-stained clearing. Elena instinctively wrapped her uninjured arm around his neck, resting her pale cheek against his warm collarbone.

Commander Caleb emerged from the tree line, wiping dark blood from his blade. He rushed toward his Alpha, his expression grave.

"Elder Richard escaped into the dark ravine, My Lord," Caleb reported. "Lady Freya was not among them. But we secured two fresh royal horses from the rear guard."

Max looked down at the unconscious mother and child cradled safely in his arms. His icy blue eyes turned back into cold, lethal steel as he looked toward the northern mountain pass.

"Forget the castle," Max ordered quietly, his voice carrying an unquestionable royal command. "We ride straight to Sunspire Keep. Signal the mountain garrison to activate the blood barriers."

"At once, My Lord!" Caleb bowed, hurrying to bring the royal steeds.

Max walked steadily toward the horses, his hold on Elena and Jaxon tightening with possessive, protective fury. He looked down at Elena’s serene, pale face resting against his chest, his thumb softly wiping away a drop of rain from her cheek.

I broke us once, Max swore silently to the Moon Goddess above, his heart hammering in a steady, fierce rhythm. But I will destroy this entire world before I let anyone take you or my son away from me again.