Bryan's POV
I carried Irene in my arms, her body limp, her breath shallow, and blood still staining her lips. My chest tightened with every step I took out of that damned arena. Her head rested against my shoulder, but the weight of her felt heavier than any burden I had ever known. The crowd’s noise followed me out, their chants and mocking laughter stinging my pride like knives. They had hailed Lisa, a nobody compared to Irene, the daughter of Alpha Rowland, my wife, my pride—my responsibility.
Yet there she was, nearly lifeless in my arms.
I could barely hear anything except the sound of my heartbeat thundering in my ears. My wolf paced inside me, furious, restless, wanting blood, but I forced him back. This wasn’t the time. I had to get her to the infirmary, I had to save her.
“Mov
