Chapter 6: Escape
**Marcus's POV**
I sat watching Lily sleep as the early morning light began filtering through the curtains, casting soft shadows across her bruised face. She looked impossibly young like this—fragile and small against the white pillows. Every breath she took seemed painful despite the medication, her body instinctively curling around her broken ribs even in sleep.
My wolf had been pacing restlessly inside me for hours, whining and clawing to get out. He wanted to meet our mate properly, wanted to show her we could protect her, wanted to prove we were strong enough to keep her safe. The desperate need to shift was almost overwhelming.
*Let me out*, my wolf demanded for the hundredth time. *Need to see mate. Need to guard her.*
*Not yet*, I told him firmly, though it t
