The loud gurgling yelp the gray wolf let out was sickening and Darius did not relish the sound of his uncle’s death nor the blood gushing into his mouth. In fact, it disgusted him. But it was all worth it, knowing Adrianna was safe.
Darius released Anatoli’s neck and limped away. As soon as he transformed, Alexandru came to his side and helped him to his feet.
“By the old ways, Darius Corvinus is our leader now,” he declared. “What are your orders?”
“Stand down,” he said in between heaving great gasps of air. The shifting and fighting were taking their toll on his body, plus the claw marks down his face were still throbbing. Once his lungs were fully functional, he waved Alexandru away and stood up straight. “The Family will continue under my leadership, but we will be pledged to the Alpha of New Jersey. Anyone who does not agree is free to leave.” He looked up at Frankie Anderson, who stood on top of the porch, a stunned look on her face. “We will obey her rules and serve her. Her allies are our allies and”—he looked at the mage, who stood rooted to his spot, seemingly frozen—“her enemies are our enemies.”
“Damn you!” the mage thundered. “You will die, Darius Corvinus!” The mage raised his hands and opened his mouth.
The killing spell. He knew those words, remembered them. The pain began to gather in his skull. He fell to his knees, and as he felt the life leaving his body, he heard a long, low growl, followed by a scream.
The pain was subsiding. His head shot up and the mage was on the ground, a large magnificent brown and white wolf on top of him. Its massive maw was attached to the mage's scrawny neck, tearing into the soft flesh. The mage’s body convulsed several times before eventually going very still. The wolf released its victim and turned to him, its mismatched green and blue eyes glowing.
“Adrianna.” He gasped and reached out to her, extending a hand. The wolf galloped toward him, licking his hand and nuzzling at his neck. As soon as his arms went around her, she was back in human form.
“Darius,” she cried. “Oh. God.”
“You saved me, Adrianna,” he said.
“Of course I did,” she exclaimed. “I love you, you damn fool!”
He chuckled and stroked her back. “I love you, too.”
They struggled, but leaned on each other as they got to their feet.
“Adrianna!” Julianna cried as she ran to them. “I thought you were …”
“I’m fine,” she said as Julianna embraced her.
“Mimma!” Frankie flew to her side. “Oh God, I thought I was going to lose you.”
“Mama,” she said. “I’m fine. In fact, I’m—” She stopped suddenly. “Can I please … can we get cleaned up? I don’t want their blood on us anymore.”
Darius glance down and realized that his jaw and chest were covered with Anatoli’s blood, while Adrianna bore matching stains from the mage.
“Go ahead,” Frankie said. “I’ll take care of things out here.”
“Thank you,” she said gratefully. She grabbed Darius’ hand. “Let’s go.”
Darius followed her into the house, but stopped when they got to the foot of the steps. “Adrianna, wait.”
“No,” she insisted. “Please, come upstairs with me?”
She seemed really eager, so he let her lead him to her room and into the bathroom. She pulled the shower curtains aside and stepped into the claw-foot tub, then motioned for him to join her. It was a tight fit, but they managed and she turned on the shower.
“Oh.” She let out a satisfied moan as the hot water poured over them. He had to admit, it was nice to get the stench of blood off him and feel clean.
“I’m sorry about your family.” She turned around to face him, then pressed her face to his chest.
“At least I finally know.” Somehow there was a part of him that always thought Anatoli had been responsible for their deaths. He just couldn’t find any evidence at the time.
She sighed. “I’m glad we can finally be alone.”
“There’s so much we need to talk about,” he said. “About what happened this morning.”
“Shhh.” A finger stopped his lips. “No need for that. It’s done.”
"But I should have been honest from the beginning.”
“You still saved me from those men,” she said. “You didn’t know at that time your uncle was responsible right? It’s obvious that he’s been keeping you in the dark about his involvement with the mages.”
“He’s kept everyone in the dark. I think deep down he knew it was wrong, but he was in too deep.”
“You still sympathize with him,” she said quietly.
“He was abusive and cruel, but that was a product of how he was brought up.” His Grandfather had been loving to him and his siblings, but Gregor Corvinus couldn't have grown The Family to what it was if he didn't rule with an iron fist.
“But Anatoli was also a murderer,” she reminded him. “Don’t feel bad for what you did.”
“He was still my blood,” he said. “I will have to live with what I did.”
“I’ll be here for you.”
“We’re clean,” he declared as he turned off the shower. “We should head down. Your mother is probably wondering where we are.”
“Yes—oh wait!” She snapped her fingers. “I almost forgot why I needed to get you alone.”
“You did?”
“Yes.” Her eyes seemed to sparkle. “Darius,” she took his hand and pressed it to her belly. “I’m pregnant.”
He stood there, dumbfounded, wondering if he heard her right. “You’re …”
“Yes,” she said, her voice caught in her throat.
“Are you sure? Isn't it too soon? It's only been a few days. Did you take a test yet?”
She nodded. “Yes, I’m sure. Darius, this isn’t just any pup. You and I, we’re True Mates.”
For the second time in a span of five seconds, he was confounded. But deep in his soul, he knew it was true, that she was meant to be his, the other
