Ragal POV

Mate??

I gasped, pain smearing all over my body as my bones cracked painfully, forcing Leo into control.

I couldn’t believe Leo was betraying our bond because of some girl. Before I could say anything further, Leo sprinted into the dark street, leaving the comfort of the car. I hated being the lesser one in control as he nudged me toward a flickering streetlight at the corner of the road.

I never desired love—neither did I want a mate—but Leo had a mind of his own, and like a moth drawn to a flame, our mate pulled him closer.

There, lying on the cold ground, was a girl—her blood sprawled across the sand as it poured profusely. I could feel her life force ebbing away with each painful breath she took.

Her body was so weak and bloody that I knew it wouldn’t take much before she gave up the ghost. At least she wasn’t killed by me first. I smiled darkly, not caring for Leo’s feelings toward our mate.

Leo stood rooted in place, glaring at his mate and poking his nose at her body, willing her to wake up.

“It’s useless,” I groaned loudly. “Let’s turn back,” I said, unwilling to save her.

“Quit being stubborn, Ragal.” Leo forced me to take another step toward the creature I loathed. Even without knowing her, I could sense she reeked of trouble.

I grumbled, stealing a glance.

My mate’s hair was scattered wildly in different directions, some strands covering her face. Her neck was clawed open—by teeth, or should I say, fangs of a werewolf. This wasn’t a hit-and-run; this was intentional. Someone was trying to kill her. Considering she wore little to no clothing, she might have been attacked by one of those rapists lurking around.

*Who dares touch our mate!* Leo growled, his pride overriding his reason.

“I decide if she lives or dies.”

I sniffed the air. There was someone else here—definitely a werewolf, but stronger. Did it seek to kill my mate? I wondered, standing closer to the feeble being in front of me.

“Save our mate,” Leo said, pushing back to take dominance again.

I shifted back to human form—naked.

Leo surprised me today. He hardly ever allowed me to take control, and on the few occasions I tried, I ended up straining our bond.

Was this because of her?

I stared coldly at my mate. Nothing would give me greater pleasure than to let her rest peacefully. Whoever did this to her deserved an award, but Leo wouldn’t let me leave.

I was the Alpha King of over nine packs—a liberator of injustice.

So whether I liked it or not, I would save her... and then decide what to do next.

I bent forward, carrying her slender body in my arms. My wolf lurched forward with a protective snarl.

I walked toward the car parked by the street, where a terrified Morgan stood waiting.

“Alpha King!” he rushed forward, eyes flickering downward to avoid my nakedness.

I didn’t care. What mattered more was her life. Leo wanted her alive, and so it would be.

“Morgan, head straight to the hospital.” I opened the car door and gently placed her frail body on the seat.

“Alpha, but… you’re naked—” Morgan stammered.

“Find me clothes later. She needs a doctor now!” I yelled, watching her face pale by the second.

Morgan ignited the car. The engine roared to life as we drove in silence, my thoughts heavy and chaotic.

My mate appearing out of nowhere was a cruel joke. The Moon Goddess knew I had no time for love, yet she gave me this challenge.

Thoughts of my informant faded into the background as I watched her pale face, her cheeks growing colder.

Anger rose in my gut as I brushed my fingers through her hair. She looked weak and vulnerable.

*Who dared touch her without my permission!* My body contorted in pain at the mere thought.

Morgan handed me a hoodie and a pair of shorts. I wore them, my eyes never leaving her. I wouldn’t admit it, but I was scared she would die.

I would find out who did this to her—and they would pay dearly.

As I brushed a few strands of hair from her face, my breath caught in my throat.

She was the same woman from the hotel hours ago.

Damn. This had to be the biggest joke of the century.

Rapheal was her mate. How could she be my mate?

Leo had to be mistaken. She was weak—and worse, an Omega.

Why would the Moon Goddess be so cruel as to pair me with someone like her?

How could this even be possible?

After she recovers, I’ll reject her. That is—if she survives.