Chapter 78

*Wade POV*

Grunting and snarling echo around me as I search for Ali. I know she was here. I could smell her, feel her. Unless I imagined it all, but how could I imagine the strength that is flowing through me or the desire to protect that was now cemented in my being. Protect her, at all costs. No matter what. She is everything.

I groan slightly, pushing myself into a sitting position. Looking around, I see mangled bodies and red grass. My stomach churns at the sight and I spin to my hands and knees trying to regain my constitution. A commotion further in front of me draws my attention and I force my eyes to focus.

Two enormous figures stand near a woman who is on her knees, breathing hard. Fear courses through me upon recognition and I try to stand, failing, as I stumble over a body after a few shaky steps. I land with an oomph and look up quickly to see Ali turn her face in my direction. A beautiful misshapen smile reveals her bloody teeth, and she winks at me.