Page 13 of Becoming the Alpha

I jerked, looking up and seeing Jason staring at me. He was still in his wolf form, a whine coming out of his throat. My wolf huffed before letting me take over. The shift took over, all of my injuries highlighting their dissatisfaction over my movements by causing searing pain to flood my body. As my shift finished, my legs gave out and I fell to the ground with a cry. Jason caught me before I fell completely down, easing me down slowly. I groaned, my eyes closing involuntarily.

“Please be okay. I don’t know what I would do without you, Lily. Please…”

14

Jason

Lily closed her eyes and went limp in my arms. My wolf went wild with concern and I threw my head back, letting loose a howl. I could hear several of our pack members answer with their own howl. My heart broke as I looked down at my mate. Her arms, legs, and waist were covered in scratches and gashes. The guard had really done a number on her, not holding back. She was bleeding profusely and I could hear her heartbeat slowing. I grabbed under her legs, shifting her into my arms some more.

Amara walked over to us. A growl let loose from my chest and she stopped moving. I wrapped my arms around Lily even tighter, refusing to let her go or let others get too close to her. I needed to protect her. I had failed. I should have been faster, stronger, better. She deserved more from me. She needed to survive so I could be better for her.

“Jason?” Amara’s voice asked softly.

Another growl released from me. I buried my head in Lily’s neck, pulling her as close as I could. A low moan came from her and I relaxed my grip. Amara settled on her knees in front of me. I looked up at her, trying to keep my wolf from snarling at her. I could smell a few other people in the clearing, one of them being Dean. I didn’t know who the other two were, but I could tell they were females. I blinked, refocusing on Amara. She had her hands stretched over Lily, a faint white light coming from them.

“Amara?” I asked sharply. She shook her head at me, tears falling down her face. I looked over her shoulder at Dean who looked furious, confused, and terrified all at the same time. His hands were clenched in fists and his body was stiff. The females standing next to him looked wary. I didn’t know what was happening, but as long as it helped Lily, that’s all I needed to know.

“She’s going to be okay,” Amara said, her voice quiet as she pulled her hands back into her lap. I raised an eyebrow, looking down at Lily. I waited, listening, and felt my entire body relax when I could hear her heart beat getting stronger. She groaned, shifting in my arms. I looked up at Amara, wanting to ask what that was all about, but she was already getting up and walking away. Dean stormed forward, wrapping his arm around her shoulders and pulling her tight to his side. She pushed him away and walked off. I watched Dean follow her, but Lily groaned again, so my attention was drawn back to her.

“Jason?” She whispered. I let a sharp breath out, closing my eyes in relief. “I’m here, baby. I’m here. You’re okay.”

“I feel like I got hit by a truck, so maybe not completely okay.”

I chuckled, shaking my head. She shifted, trying to sit up. I helped her move positions and then leaned back, cataloging every injury she had. “That’s what happens when you get in a fight with one of the lead Royal Guards.”

“Seriously? You’re saying ‘I told you so,’ now?”

I smirked. “When else do I get to do it?”

She rolled her eyes, giving me a small smile. “Yeah, yeah. Ibeata lead Royal Guard. How about that?”

“You did.”

“Where’s Amara?”

I cleared my throat and shifted, glancing away. Of course, Lily caught how uncomfortable I was and narrowed her eyes. “What? Where is she?”

“She’s gone. She did something to save your life and then took off. I don’t exactly know what happened or where she went, but Dean followed after her. She’ll be okay.”

Lily sighed, running her hand through her hair. My wolf was settling down now that his mate was awake and speaking, but that didn’t stop the spike of rage that flooded me as I realized why we were worried about that in the first place. Lily stood up and I grabbed her arm, helping keep her stable. Lily looked up at me, frowning.

“What’s wrong?”

“Nothing.”

“Don’t lie to me. I could feel a wave of your rage running through our bond. Is it the fact that your father has called open season on Amara and me?” Lily asked, cocking her head at me. I could feel her curiosity and anger through our bond. I took a deep breath. “Yes.”

Lily smiled. She patted my hand and then walked away, approaching the two females who were standing near the edge of the clearing. I noticed they looked on edge, the stench of their fear weaving around the area. Lily grabbed both of their arms, speaking low. My wolf insisted on making me wait away from the girls, his intuition letting me know they wouldn’t welcome a male near them at this point.

“Jason, this is Elle and Sarah. They are refugees from The Sampson pack. They are seeking asylum and I’m giving it to them,” Lily said, turning to me. I smirked, raising an eyebrow and folding my hands. I was amused, but proud at how she had taken the females under her wing. She lifted her chin in a silent challenge, daring me to object. Instead of responding to her, I turned to the females.

“Welcome, Elle and Sarah. I hope you find our home comfortable and to your liking. We apologize for all the chaos going on right now. We’re in the middle of a change in leadership.”

The females looked surprised and glanced at Lily before nodding at me. The older one stepped forward, bowing her head. “Thank you for allowing us safe harbor. We’re grateful for your assistance. We don’t want to be a bother.”

“Elle, you could never be a bother,” Lily said, stepping forward and smiling at her. Elle breathed a sigh of relief and her shoulders lowered.

“If I may ask, why are you seeking asylum? Did something happen with the Sampson pack?” I asked, watching the females’ responses. Elle stiffened, looking pissed. Sarah’s heartbeat picked up and she avoided looking at me. I narrowed my eyes, wondering what had happened. Lily threw me a sharp look, obviously not happy at my line of questioning.