Chapter 176: Time for This to End

RETH

Elia slumped against his chest, clinging as if she didn't want to see what was happening around her. He held her, watching to make sure Lucan was really gone, and no further threat. He grieved the loss of an Anima, always. But Lucan had attacked them—gone for Elia—with no intention of mercy. Reth had no regrets. He just prayed she'd come to understand that it was kill or be killed. Right now all she saw was a bleeding body at her mate's hands—or teeth, as it were. He knew she struggled with the ruthlessness of the Anima in these situations. He celebrated her soft heart and the way it rose with passion for him. But he would not regret removing a very real threat from her.

Howls had risen outside, answering the call of the wolves they'd heard in the building. Reth looked at Brant, who sighed and shook his head.

"They will be here soon," Reth muttered.