Chapter 44

Nathan's POV

The door slammed against the wall, but I barely heard it.

I didn’t remember the walk here. I didn’t remember crossing the hallway or the blur of faces I passed. I only felt the pull ‒ a sharp, jagged tug in my chest that told me she was hurting.

The pain. Her pain.

My eyes locked on her instantly, cutting through everything else in the room. Emily stood there, looking far too small and far too pale. She was like a statue, frozen in the middle of the living room.

And then, I saw her hand wrapped in bandages.

Inside me, the wolf didn't just snarl. He tore at my throat, demanding a sacrifice for every drop of her agony.

“What happened?” The words weren't mine. My voice was low, a deadly rumble that made the air vibrate. And I saw my mother take a cautious step back.

But Emily didn’t move. She didn’t even answer. Her silence only made the fire in my veins burn hotter.

I said it again, every word a threat.