Mate

Kael's snarl rumbled through the clearing as Reana dug her paws into the earth, lowering into a defensive crouch.

This wasn't about winning anymore.

This was about surviving.

But just as he pounced, a massive grey blur flashed forward and slammed into Kael mid-leap, knocking him sideways.

Kael hit the ground with a furious growl, immediately rolling to his feet, teeth bared, hackles high.

A colossal grey wolf stood between him and Reana, head low, a deep warning growl vibrating from his chest, despite his injuries.

It was Beta Thane.

Reana could see that the injured Beta couldn't beat Kael. She knew it was a gamble, a desperate, dangerous gamble. But he wasn't here to win.

He was here to buy her time to find a solution.