The hybrid pup crouched low on the fracturing ice, its glowing eyes fixed on Ryker with predatory hunger. Ryker’s blood dripped from its claws, shimmering with the cursed energy I had tried to bind. My king was on one knee, chest torn open, golden eyes dimming as the rebound from my curse binding hit him hard.
“Ryker!” I shouted, clutching Leo tighter to my chest.
The rogue Alphas reacted instantly. Jax and Kai lunged at the hybrid, driving it back with savage force. Zane and Draco shifted partially, their wolves snarling as they formed a wall between us and the creature.
Ryker coughed, blood flecking his lips. “Don’t… stop for me. Get the boy out.”
I ignored him.
I dropped to my knees beside him on the cracking ice, Leo still in my arms. My surgeon hands moved on instinct, pressing a
