Page 79 of Alpha Fate

“Let her go, Rack,” I snarl. “Your fight’s with me now.”

Rack’s mouth splits into a sadistic grin. “Come to play the hero again, have you? You never learn.” He whips a knife from his belt and presses it to Savannah’s throat. She gasps, eyes wide with fear.

I freeze, cursing under my breath.

“That’s right,” Rack sneers. “Take another step, and the pretty wolf dies.”

Savannah meets my gaze. Despite her fear, those beautiful emerald eyes anchor me. I know what I have to do. With a deep breath, I push down the panic clawing inside me.

“What do you want, Rack?” I ask through gritted teeth. Stall him. Buy time to find an opening.

“You know exactly what I want!” he roars, pressing the blade harder against Savannah’s skin. She flinches but doesn’t cry out, even though a trickle of blood slides down her neck. “I want what’s mine. Her!”

Savannah keeps silent, trembling against her bonds. So brave, my mate. I ache to comfort her, to whisk her away from this monster. But I have to be careful. The man has no conscience. No scruples. One wrong move, and she’ll be dead.

“You’re not going to get away with her, Rack. You know I’ll never let that happen.”

Rack snorts, tossing his head at me. “Try me! I paid good money for her. For both of them! You think I’ll let you get your hands on her again? You’re not getting another chance to play hero, wolf. You only got away with her the last time because I was weakened.” His lips peel back from his teeth. “I’m back on my feet now, stronger than ever. And I will have what I paid for, one way or another.”

As he rants, I analyze the situation. The distance between us. Possible routes of attack. Anything I can use to gain an advantage. But Rack keeps Savannah squarely in front of him, blocking any clear shot.

Motherfucker!

I flex my fists helplessly.

Savannah’s gaze burns into mine, willing me to stay calm. To not give Rack the satisfaction of seeing me come undone. She’s right. I force my body to relax and give Rack a mocking smile.

“Is that what this is about? Your wounded pride?” I chuckle darkly. “Face it, Rack. You’ve already lost. Twice now. First, when Sierra smashed that ugly face of yours. Then, when my pack crushed yours at Leadmills. You’re washed up. Finished. The only way you can feel powerful now is by terrorizing a bound woman.”

Rack’s face reddens, his lip curling back in a snarl. “You think you can get away with mocking me?” He jabs the knife against Savannah again, and she cries out.

“No!” The word rips from my throat. I surge forward before I can stop myself, almost reaching them before I come to an abrupt halt. Rack’s eye glints with sick pleasure. He has me right where he wants me. Off-balance. Reacting instead of thinking. I curse inwardly.

Get control back. Do it.

“Uh-uh-uh…” Rack croons. “Not another step. Drop to your knees.”

Clenching my jaw so hard it aches, I obey. The concrete is cold and rough beneath me. Rack towers over me, the knife still pressed to Savannah’s throat. Her breath comes in short, panicked gasps.

“Please,” I rasp. “I’ll do anything. Just let her go.” The words burn like acid on my tongue. But my pride means nothing if she dies here today.

Rack taps his chin with the forefinger of his free hand, pretending to consider. “Anything, you say? How very interesting.” His grin makes my stomach turn. His nostrils flare, and he contemplates me. “You’re the male she stinks of. Doesn’t surprise me, the way you’ve been acting like a fool to save her.”

“Let my mate go,” I growl, feeling my wolf fighting to come to the surface. I can’t allow that. It would put her at risk. Rack drags the knife lightly along Savannah’s collarbone. She whimpers, eyes pleading with me to stay calm.

I dig my fingers into my thighs hard enough to leave bruises.

Just a little longer. Wait for him to make a mistake.

His nostrils are still flaring, sniffing at her. And then he starts to laugh. “She may stink of you, but…” He sniffs again. “You never sealed the mate bond, did you?” he sneers. “And these pups aren’t yours.”

I don’t answer.

“Well…lucky me.” His chuckle is ominous. “Not that it would matter if you had. Killing you would break the bond anyhow.”

“No!” Savannah gasps. “No! Please!”

“Why should that bother you?” He presses the blade into her skin. “You’ve survived it before. You’ll get through it again.” He shrugs.