Finding You

chapter 66

The more I think about everything he's put me through, the more my rage takes over. The shift happens without my realization and soon we're both wolves, clawing and biting and slashing at each other.

He's a tricky opponent, his attacks are vicious and   But they're messy. He's desperate, this is his final chance for redemption. I dodge a lunge that was meant for my side and knock him to the ground instead.

He springs back up and bites my arm, a move I counter back with leaning forward and grabbing his leg in my teeth and twisting to the side.

The sickening crack of bone is satisfying. I twist harder as he lets go of me and howls in pain.

He manages to get away from my grasp and circles me, limping with the leg I broke. I circle around him as well, the human part of me faintly noticing how much bigger I am than him as a wolf.

The humane thoughts go away as soon as they come when he lunges at me again. We make more attacks at each other, but both of us are starting to wear out.

A noise in the distance breaks my concentration. I don't have time to figure out what it is. Ryder takes full advantage of my mistake and goes full force onto me.

I'm on my side and he's clawing over and over at me, slashing at my side digging deeper and deeper. All I can think of is if this was the pain my mother felt when she was burning alive in that fire.

All of me is bloodlust. I use every ounce of strength I have to push him off, jump over and pin him down. The motion thuds him to the ground and this time when he tries to get up, he's unsuccessful. I bare my teeth and snap whenever he tries to make a feeble attempt to move.

He looks around rapidly knowing he's out of moves. I have him trapped. I close in on his throat, ready to make the last move to end his life.

But then I catch Amber's scent and I see her in my mind. I see her telling me how precious life is, how everyone deserves a second chance. I see her slamming on her breaks just so she can spare the life of a squirrel who would probably die soon anyway. I see her love, even when no one deserves it.

And as all of this runs through my head, I can't bear to to take his life. I can hate him with all of my soul, but I could never forgive myself if I killed him. Just like Amber said, I would never get that innocent part of me back once I've killed. I couldn't do that to me or her.

So with all of my willpower, I growl at him once and back away, climbing off of him. I shift back quietly and watch as his wolf form does the same. His human body is passed out, with ripped bloody clothes.

My father, who I hadn't noticed had arrived, comes beside me. In his arms Amber, unconscious.

"I'm, very proud of you, son. I would have not had it in me to stop. You made the right choice."

I barely hear the words. I grab Amber's limp body into my arms and hold her close to my chest. She has bruises everywhere, her wrists, her arms, her face. "I'm so sorry," I whisper.

I turn to my father. "We need to get her to the medical unit. Why isn't she waking up?"

"I presume he drugged her. Take her to the car. We'll go straight away. The guards will take care of Ryder."

He stops me before I turn to leave and grabs my arm gently. "Everything's okay now."

***

My adrenaline is slowly fading away. The walk to the car was torture, but no part of me was going to let anyone help carry Amber. My arm is bleeding and the pain is

Now, we sit in the car driving back to the campground and I hold her in my arms, begging her to wake.

I run my hands through her hair rhythmically trying to soothe my worries. I kiss her forehead lightly and she moves just a bit. My heart skips a beat.

"Amber?" I whisper.

Her eyes crack open the smallest amount. "Zay? Whats happening?" Her voice is tiny, barely audible.

"Angel, you have to stay awake. I'm going to get you help."

Her head starts to droop and her eyes flutter shut again. I shake her. "Amber!"

She groans weakly.

"Amber, I love you. Just hold on a little longer, I've got you and I'm never letting you go again."

She doesn't respond. Her eyes are completely closed again and her chest rises and falls gently.

I close my eyes and will ya to get to the campground faster.

***

I immediately took Amber to the medical unit as soon as we arrived. She's undergoing tests right now, and strapped to IVs.

I was forced to leave the room and get looked at myself, but I can't let myself get treated until I know Amber is okay. So now I'm sitting outside of her room, waiting for any news.

An hour has passed by the time my father joins me.

"You should really get your arm bandaged. You don't want it to get infected," he says tenderly.

"No. Not until she wakes up," I say weakly. I'm tired and worn out, but I won't rest.

"Okay," he sighs. "Ryder's imprisoned. He won't be causing any more trouble."

"Good."

"Your mother would be so proud of you. You found a way to avenge her death the right way."

I look down somberly. "But look what I put Amber through."

He shakes his head. "When she wakes up I know she'll be just as proud. You did a great job Zyler."

I smile faintly at his reassurance. "Thank you, dad."

"I hope you let the nurses tend to you soon. No use in you being bed rested when she wakes up."

"I will."

He gets up to leave, but stops at the door. "One last thing son, I'm wondering. Have you not seen it?" he asks.

"Seen what?" I mumble.

"Zyler, look at your hand."

I do as he says, and for a second I can't believe my eyes. With all the commotion I hadn't even noticed it.

"I wasn't sure at first but there's no doubt of what that is. I don't know how, but my son you've been kissed by the gods."

I stare at it in awe. Stretching from my wrist to my knuckles is the mark. The mark that every wolf views with honor and respect. A symbol of humility, with undeterred strength. The mark of an Alpha.