Chapter 20 Alaric I can't stop watching her . Sage has fallen asleep halfway through the movie , her small frame gradually relaxing until her head rests against my shoulder . The sweet scent of honeysuckle and rain that clings to her skin is slowly driving me mad , but I don't dare move . She needs this rest , this moment of peace . My animal prowls restlessly beneath my skin , desperate to claim what we both know is ours . Our second chance mate . The truth sits heavy in my chest , unspoken . Every protective instinct I possess screams at me to tell her , to sweep her into my arms and never let go . But I remember the terror in her eyes in the pantry earlier . The way she'd pressed herself into that corner , expecting punishment for daring to seek food . The fresh wounds Cassius left on her soul are still bleeding , and I won't be another source of pain . Iris catches my eye from her end of the couch , where she's curled up against Garrett , who joined us an hour ago . My sister's knowing look makes me want to growl . " Border patrol report , " Garrett mouths silently over Sage's head , careful not to wake her . I nod slightly . Even now , I can't escape my duties . The movement causes Sage to stir , making a small sound of distress in her sleep . Before I can think better of it , I find myself running my fingers through her silver - blonde hair . She settles immediately , pressing closer to my side . Mine to protect . Mine to cherish . The possessive thoughts come unbidden , and I clamp down on them hard . I lost the right to easy trust when I let her care for me in that cottage without revealing who I was . Even if I'd been half- dead and investigating rumors of mutant wolves in the area , I should have told her the truth sooner . " Alaric , " she mumbles in her sleep , and my heart clenches painfully . There's fear in her voice , and I wonder which nightmare has found her - the torture she endured at Cassius's hands , or the moment she realized I'd deceived her about my identity . " I've got you , sweetling , " I whisper , too quietly to wake her . " You're safe . " The movie's credits begin to roll , and Garrett shifts forward , his expression grim . Whatever news he has won't wait , even though every part of me rebels against disturbing this moment of peace . " Iris , " I murmur , " would you ... " My sister is already moving , gentle as she helps me ease Sage onto the couch . I tuck the blanket around her , allowing myself one moment to brush a strand of hair from her face . She looks so young in sleep , so vulnerable . The urge to hunt down every person who ever hurt her rises like a tide in my chest . Instead , I force myself to follow Garrett to my study , though my beast fights me with every step that takes us further from our mate , " Three more attacks along the northern border , " Garrett reports as soon as the door closes behind us . " The mutant wolves are getting bolder . And Ric ... they're organized . This isn't random anymore . " Ice slides down my spine . " Casualties ? " " Two injured , none dead . But ... " He hesitates . " The victims report the mutants spoke . Actually spoke , while shifted . It's never been recorded before . " Chapter 20 +25 BONUS " Fuck . " I brace my hands on my desk , the wood creaking under my grip . " Someone is weaponizing them somehow . But who ? And How ? I have to find proof so I can put an end to this ! " " Do you think Cassius could be involved ? I mean , the timing of these attacks ... " Garrett's voice drops lower . " Seems interesting they started escalating right after you brought her here . I don't think that's a coincidence . " My head snaps up , a growl building in my throat . " You think Cassius is retaliating because I took her ? " He nods grimly . " His father might have been willing to let her go , but Cassius ... you told me what you saw on his face when you claimed pack rights over her . You said he looked murderous . This feels personal . " The desk splinters under my hands . That sadistic bastard had tormented her for months , playing his gentle suitor act while plotting Moon knows what . And now that I've denied him the satisfaction of watching her die ... " I don't know , " I shake off my murderous thoughts , trying to see things clearly . " Cassius is an arrogant prick , but does he really have the intelligence or the drive to pull off something like this ? I'm not sure he does . Maybe it is just a coincidence . " Before we can argue it further , a scream splits the air - high , terrified , and heartbreakingly familiar . " Sage , " I breathe , already moving . I take the stairs three at a time , Phantom clawing to the surface . The scent of her fear hits me before I reach the media room , making my eyes bleed to amber . She's thrashing on the couch , caught in what must be a vicious nightmare . Iris hovers nearby , clearly unsure whether touching her will make things worse . " No , please , " Sage whimpers . "Cassius , don't- " The name sends rage coursing through my veins , but I force it down . She needs calm right now , not fury . Moving slowly , I kneel beside the couch . " Sage , " I call softly . " Sweetling , wake up . You're safe . He can't hurt you here . " Her eyes fly open , wild and unseeing at first . When they focus on me , the relief that floods her face makes my chest ache . Without warning , she launches herself into my arms , trembling violently . I catch her , of course . I'll always catch her . " I've got you , " I murmur into her hair , breathing in her scent . My wolf settles slightly , reassured by her presence in our arms . But Garrett's words echo in my mind . Whatever Cassius or whoever is behind the attacks is planning , whatever these mutant wolves want with my mate , they'll have to go through me first . And I've never been more willing to unleash the monster I keep caged inside . I just pray I can keep her safe without losing her trust completely in the process . Cara Anderson author