I WILL SHED BLOOD TO PROTECT HER.

✓ Nathaniel

"Everyone, stop moving!"

The man pointed the gun at Riya's head and even the sight of it, made my torso shake with fury.

“Release him now or I would burst her brain open!” He shouted, moving closer to where Riya was.

My gaze stayed on Riya for a minute, and I could tell that I hadn't seen anyone as scared in my entire existence. She looked utterly terrified as she wrapped her arms around Maria, and drew closer to her, even almost syncing with my sister's body.

My heart ached badly, but I had to deal with the current pest. My eyes narrowed- even at his boldness, and my wolf danced at the consequences that would followed suit.

I summoned and merged with my wolf, while locking eyes with the fool, yellow flecks dancing in my irises.

Suddenly, like being hypnotized, he began to tremble, and the hand with which he held the gun kicked off trembling terribly, while turning towards his right temple.

He struggled immensely to control himself, grunting loudly, and wetting himself in the process with sweat dripping down his face. “What are you doing to me?! What…”

I was having fun- the fun of taking the life of someone who threatened the life of my woman.

Bang. He shot himself and slumped to the ground, thick red liquid gushing out of his skull, and making my heart bleed with the fact that I didn't get a chance to rip off his head from his stiff shoulders, myself.

“Howie!” Brandon shouted and began to struggle with the guards, but they kicked him and held him to the ground.

Brandon’s squad dispersed as soon as they saw Howie’s lifeless body, but unfortunately for them, they were caught and carried away by my guards who chased immediately after them.

The image of Riya's stepmother flashed through my mind, and I snarled.

She flinched and started to run as soon as I turned my gaze toward her direction, but collided with the guards who had already positioned themselves behind her.

They grabbed her, and she set about bawling. “Leave me alone! I am her mother! Riya, tell them! Riya!”

“Make sure she receives more punishment than the others!” I ordered grudgingly as the guards pulled her away. I wish there was more punishment to give. I could kill her right at the spot, but what would I gain? It would only scare Riya the more.

Finally, my attention returned to Riya. The earlier fear was so evident on her face now that my heart squeezed at the sight.

She was watching her stepmother being dragged away with tears streaming down her face.

As I walked towards her, she cried, the sound of her crying shattering my heart into thousands of unmatching pieces.

Upon reaching her, I crouched before her, and she jumped into my arms immediately, holding me tightly so much so that I could be squashed at the impact. “I… I thought I was going to die. I was so afraid… I'm so scared. What if they come back?”

“They won't be coming back.” I said, rubbing her hair one hand, and patting her back with another. “They are going to be locked up for the rest of their lives.”

“He's right, Riya. You're free now. They do not have a say in your life anymore.” Maria added.

“I'm going to protect you for the rest of my life. With anything. With everything.”

Maria frowned at my words, but I pretended as though I didn't see her reaction.

We waited for a response from Riya, but didn't get any. Then, I detached her from my embrace, only to find out that she had fainted.

“She's lost consciousness, Maria!”

“Oh, my gosh! What do we do?!” Maria sprang up.

“Go and get the cars ready! We're leaving for the hospital, right away!”

I lifted Riya into a bridal carry, holding her carefully as I sped out of the alley to the car, my heart pounding, and breath coming in quick.

I reached the prepared car and yanked the door open, sliding Riya’s slack body into the back seat, while supporting her head from hitting the door.

My hands shook slightly as I adjusted her, checking her face every passing second to see if she's awakened.

Rushing to the driver's seat, I flung the door open, dragged out the driver, and jumped in, ignoring Maria's warnings.

Without a second thought, I twisted the key, and the engine roared to life.

I sped off, praying nothing would happen to Riya. “Hang in there, Riya. I will save you.”