Chapter 28 Council Lucius lifted his hand in solemn authority , his voice ringing through the grand hall . " Proceed . " A hush fell over the crowd , so heavy it seemed even the flames in the lanterns flickered more quietly . Every wolf leaned forward , eyes unblinking , as though afraid to miss even a breath of this sacred moment . This was more than a ritual . It was the birth of a new era for the pack . Elaine , hidden in the shadows at the back , felt every gaze turn into a blade slicing into her soul . Michael's eyes found hers across the hall . For a fraction of a second , his golden gaze softened - pleading , begging her to understand . He didn't speak , but she read the silent words in his expression : Forgive me . Her parents ' eyes followed , meeting hers as well . The Alpha and Luna stood beside them , faces carved with regret , yet their resolve was unshakable . Their message was clear : this would happen . The marking would proceed , no matter what it did to her . Elaine's heart clenched violently , her wolf snarling in her chest . Michael tore his gaze away , turning fully toward Kathy . His eyes glowed faintly gold as his wolf surged forward , answering the call of the ceremony . Kathy , radiant in her Luna gown , tilted her head , baring her neck with practiced grace . A collective murmur of admiration swept through the crowd like a wave of reverence . Elaine's nails dug so deep into her palms she broke the skin . Blood slicked her fists , dripping onto her dress , but she barely noticed . Her breath came in ragged gasps , each inhale burning like fire . Her wolf thrashed wildly , howling in despair . ' That's ours . He's ours . ' Her stomach seized with a sudden cramp , so sharp she doubled slightly . Pain lanced through her abdomen , white - hot , and for the first time she realized - her pup was reacting too . The tiny life inside her , the life she had discovered only moments ago , cried out at its father's betrayal . Her knees wavered . A cold sweat broke over her brow . Michael lowered his head toward Kathy , his lips grazing her skin . The crowd erupted in excited whispers , their joy like a rising tide . 1/4 < Chapter 28 More Rewards Elaine bit down on her lip until it bled , trying to choke back the scream clawing at her throat . Then Darius's arm slid around her shoulders , steady and unyielding . His presence was a wall against the crashing storm , but it did little to soothe the devastation ripping through her chest . Don't look . Don't look . She begged herself . But her eyes betrayed her . They locked on him- her mate , her fated - sinking his teeth into Kathy's neck . The instant his fangs pierced her sister's flesh , agony exploded through Elaine . It was as if molten fire poured through her veins , tearing at the bond she had once cherished . She convulsed , her body wracked by pain so sharp it stole her breath . A strangled scream tore free , muffled only because she buried her face against Darius's chest . Her wolf shrieked inside her . ' Mate ! Ours! Ours ! Pup ! Protect pup ! ' Her legs buckled . Darius caught her with ease , cradling her trembling form against him . The moment he touched her , he felt it - the waves of pain , primal and raw , so intense it rattled even his Alpha instincts . Alarm surged through him . At the altar , Kathy gasped as Michael pulled back , blood glistening on his lips , the shimmering mark blazing bright on her neck . The hall thundered with applause , feet stomping the ground in triumph . " Now you , future Luna ," Lucius intoned solemnly . Kathy's smile was radiant , her eyes bright with victory . With unhesitating confidence , she leaned forward and sank her teeth into Michael's neck . The second bite was worse than the first . Elaine screamed . This time unrestrained . The sound ripped through the hall like a blade slicing through silk . The cheers faltered . Heads whipped toward her . Whispers spread like wildfire . The bond snapped . Shattered . Broken into a thousand pieces that stabbed into her heart . She couldn't breathe . She couldn't think . All she felt was pain - raw , all - consuming , endless . Her body convulsed . She clutched her stomach desperately , every muscle trembling . Tears streamed down her face , blurring her vision until all she could see was light and shadow . Darius's wolf surged to the surface , growling deep in his chest , his protective aura flaring so strong it silenced half the hall . 2/4 < Chapter 28 More Rewards > He bent close , his voice urgent , cutting through the chaos . " Elaine ! What's happening to you ? Tell me ! " But she couldn't speak . Her lips formed only one thought . Survive . Survive for the pup . Above her pain , the cheers rose again for the newly marked couple . Their joy rang out like cruel mockery , drowning her suffering beneath its weight . Her body gave out completely , collapsing into Darius's arms . Her voice came out as a broken whisper , fragile as glass . " Please ... don't let me break . " The hall froze . Every eye was on them . Michael stiffened at the altar , his face pale with shock . Kathy's victorious glow faltered as she stared at Elaine's crumpled form in disbelief . The Alpha and Luna exchanged grim looks , but said nothing . Darius roared , his Alpha aura crashing down like a storm . " Where is the pack hospital ? " His voice was thunder , leaving no room for hesitation . The sheer weight of his authority forced everyone to bow their heads . A trembling omega scurried forward , his voice quaking . " A - Alpha , this way - please , follow me . " Darius gathered Elaine into his arms with ease , holding her as though she were the most precious thing in the world . Her head lolled against his chest , her tears soaking his shirt . Even unconscious , her face twisted in agony , and her eyes - though closed - still leaked tears that would not stop . The hospital wasn't far . Relief flickered through Darius when he saw the small building looming ahead . A wolf doctor stood at the entrance , already waiting , his eyes wide with alarm . Someone must have mind - linked him . " Alpha , please lay her here ," the doctor urged , pointing to a prepared cot . " We'll examine her immediately ." Darius lowered her gently , but when the doctor moved closer , his instincts flared . " Alpha ," the doctor said respectfully , though his voice was tense , " may we have a moment alone with her to conduct the examination ? " Darius's eyes blazed , his wolf's snarl rumbling low . " Not on your life . " His voice cut like steel . " She asked me not to let her go before she fell 3/4 Chapter 28 unconscious . I will not break that request . Not now , not ever . " More Pewards The doctor swallowed hard and bowed . " Then you may stay , Alpha . But what we find - you must be prepared to hear . " Darius's gaze softened as he looked down at Elaine , his hand brushing a strand of damp hair from her face . His jaw tightened with resolve . " I will hear it . And then I'll find out who- " his voice darkened , " or what - has done this to her . " Comments