If he survived.
He sprung to four paws and ignored the pain to focus on his opponent. He had been stupid to allow himself to be distracted by her arrival, but how could he not?
Blood dripped from the wound in his side as they resumed circling each other, assessing each other for a weakness to exploit.
Although he had youth and speed on his side, he was now slowed by the wound. And Kane was a strong wolf with formidable muscle.
Shifters moved on restless paws in Rafe’s peripheral vision, including Damon and Valen, both bloody from battle. Wolves from both packs had stopped fighting while their alphas clashed, yet adrenaline from the fight must have kept them from remaining still.
Stay back, Grayson reminded their agitated packmates.
Kane’s gaze narrowed before he lunged forward and swiped at Rafe. He evaded the sharp claws this time.
Kane moved in once more. His swings grew more careless as he shot them over and over. Whether that was due to overconfidence or frustration, it wasn’t clear.
Rafe avoided each swing and lunge while taking note of a pattern. Kane often swiped. When Rafe avoided it, Kane lunged forward, aiming for Rafe’s throat. He used this insight to his advantage while he attempted to tire Kane.
They edged ever closer to the cliff. That had to be intentional. If Kane pushed Rafe toward it, he’d be trapped between Kane and the precipice. Either could lead to Rafe’s death.
Rafe assessed the situation. Retreating was not an option. It would lead to a fatal fall. What he had to do was not only avoid Kane’s advance, but escape it.
His heart hammered as he anticipated Kane’s next move.
Kane lunged. This time, Rafe ducked low and advanced on Kane, knocking his legs out from under him. When Kane fell, Rafe leapt on top of him, pinning him onto his back with a paw.
This was it. Rafe craned his head to deliver the death blow. Kane could not escape. The anticipation of killing his rival—the one who’d caused so much anguish in Rafe’s pack in recent weeks—made him salivate. He itched to taste Kane’s blood and pin him down while his body twitched and his life drained out of him. Not only would he destroy his enemy, Rafe would gain his pack.
Sweet victory was only seconds away.
Rafe could feel Mila’s eyes on him and feel her tension even more pronounced than the other restless shifters awaiting the outcome.
He sensed her anguish. It pulsed through him, swelling him with doubt at what he was about to do.
Rafe hesitated. He could take his victory and claim the spoils, but at what cost?
He’d lose his mate.
Kane turned his head, baring his neck for the blow to come, submitting to Rafe. Do it fast.
Rafe glanced at Mila and glimpsed the despair in her blue eyes. Kane was her father, her only family member. Even if she’d deceived him, Rafe couldn’t hurt her. Despite everything, he wanted nothing more than to protect her and make her happy.
He thought the worst of her by thinking she’d betrayed him, but he hadn’t given her a chance to explain. She’d shown him nothing but love and affection in their short time together in his house. If there was to be any sliver of a chance between them, he had to begin by trusting her.
He removed his paw off of Kane’s chest.
Murmurs of relief or surprise reverberated from the shifters surrounding them, but what stood out was Mila’s sigh of relief.
Thank you, she said.
What are you doing? Kane barked. Finish it.
No. I don’t want this victory, Rafe declared to all present. I’m in love with Mila. She’s my mate and I’m hers. We wanted to bring peace to our packs rather than more suffering.
Mila released a hopeful sigh. Yes, Rafe.
Those two words rewarded him more than any of his successes. That biggest risk might give him the biggest reward.
Stand. Rafe stepped back so Kane could rise.
Wounded, Kane stumbled to his feet, appearing a bit stunned by Rafe’s mercy.
Another shifter roared from the circle and rushed toward them. Lars. He shoved Kane to the edge of the cliff. Kane slipped over, but gripped the ice on the edge before falling. He held on with clawed paws.
Papa! Mila shouted and ran over. Lars stepped in her path and raised a paw, preventing her from reaching him.
Rafe growled in warning. Let her go. He brought his attention to this Sacco.
I’m sorry, Mila, Kane replied.
Papa, she cried.
You were right, he replied. His claws disappeared over the cliff and he with it.
No! Mila howled into the night, which was then echoed by the howls of all the Sacco shifters—except Lars. No one could survive a fall from that height.
Lars let her pass as he postured before Rafe with hateful eyes. He snarled, You haven’t won anything. I’m their alpha now.
Shit. That truth settled as hard and fatal as a drop off the cliff. Lars was right. According to pack law, Lars had assumed command of the pack no matter how vile and treacherous his act.
You betrayed your alpha and your pack, Rafe hurled his retort while preparing for another fight. The last one had taken a toll, especially with the loss of blood.
I saved them before we were defeated, Lars countered. By challenging you, we remain free.
Shit. If Rafe wanted any chance of a future with Mila and peace between their packs, he’d have to fight Lars. Even if he didn’t survive this, he’d have to give it everything.
You know nothing of pack loyalty. Rafe circled Lars and gazed his stance for any weaknesses.
I know we’d rather die than be ruled by a destructive Franconia and a traitorous whore, Lars replied.
Fury rose in Rafe so quickly at hearing Lars insult Mila that all the pain vanished in a surge of adrenaline. He lunged for Lars’s throat.
Mila
Mila’s heart was about to burst through her chest. Not only had Lars just killed her father, but he now fought Rafe. They clashed and lashed at each other with tooth and claw, tumbling over one another in the snow. If she thought watching Rafe fight her father was bad, in a way, this was worse because Rafe was clearly affected by that fight. He moved slowly, and continued to bleed.
She desperately wanted to jump in and help him somehow, but pack law still stood and she couldn’t interfere. They were both alphas now, even though Lars had acquired that title by betraying the pack, but the shifters wouldn’t see it that way. They’d believe his twisted explanation that he was doing it to keep the Saccos free.
A traitor who would be admired for his betrayal. She jerked her head in disgust.
It might have been better had Rafe not given her father mercy. Rafe would have gained control of both packs and the fighting would have stopped—for the moment.
She knew why he let her father live—for her. Her heart swelled against her ribs, threatening to shatter into shards as delicate as melting snowflakes.
She’d lost her father tonight. Although still in shock, grief would follow. Despite how he’d treated her, he was still her father. What he’d said about her being right would circle in her mind for a long time. What did he mean specifically? About bringing the packs together? About being mates with Rafe? With him gone, she couldn’t ask him. It was up to her to interpret his words.
Rafe and Lars tussled perilously closer to the cliff. After they parted, Rafe stumbled, slipped, and fell on the side where he was wounded. He moaned in pain.
Lars coiled up to lunge—what was sure to be a death blow if he knocked Rafe off the edge as he had done to her father.
She lost someone she loved tonight. She couldn’t lose Rafe, too.
Look out, she warned. He’s coming.
He pulled himself up onto his paws and squared his shoulders as he turned toward Lars with jaw unhinged. He reached up and clasped his teeth on Lars throat a heartbeat before Lars gripped his throat. Lars wailed as he crumbled into the snow and then slipped. As he fell toward the edge, he dragged Rafe with him.
&nbs
p; No!
Rafe removed his fangs from Lars throat and skidded to a halt while Lars tumbled over.
Surprised gasps echoed among the shifters as Lars fell in a certain fatal plunge.
His death was just. It was over.
She rushed over to Rafe. Are you okay?
He stood on wobbly legs. I am, thanks to you. If you hadn’t warned me, I might have been the one to go over.
She’d never been so relieved and grieved, let alone all at once. Her father was dead, but Rafe survived. She wasn’t supposed to have interfered with her warning, but she didn’t care. Lars exploited pack law and was a murderer. He deserved no respect, and she was glad he was dead.
You’re the victor, she declared to Rafe. That means you’ve won control of the Sacco pack as well.
Rafe shook his head. I don’t want it.
Shifters in both pack muttered questions about what he’d just said.
She questioned it herself. What alpha wouldn’t want more to rule, let alone one like Rafe who thrived on obtaining new land?
I want you, Mila, Rafe said. But most of all, I want you to be happy.
What was he saying? What was he doing?
Counter to what you may have heard, Rafe addressed the Saccos, we never wanted to take your land. We still don’t, despite what happened here today. Our quarrel stemmed over a misunderstanding that started when a shifter found his mate. As one who has found mine recently, I know how powerful that connection is. It’s one to be admired, appreciated, and nourished.
Some of the shifters murmured yesses and other sounds of assent.
He turned his attention back to Mila. As Kane’s daughter, I believe you should succeed as alpha of your pack. And as the victor of that fight, I give up all claims to Sacco land to you, my love and my mate.
A collective gasp echoed through the forest.
Mila was just as surprised. She tried to find a coherent thought in all the mind-blowing developments that had happened one after another, knocking through her like an avalanche following a blizzard.
Rafe, thank you for your kindness and your generosity. She glanced at her pack, and all who watched her waiting for her reaction. I believe what’s best is that we allow our pack to have a say in the future. We’ll talk it over.
Rafe nodded. A wise decision, my mate.
She turned to Victoria, who stood alone and apart from all the shifters. I owe my gratitude to you, Victoria. I wouldn’t have made it over here if it wasn’t for your bravery.
Is this true? Rafe asked.
Yes, Mila replied. My father locked me up when I told him about us being mates. Victoria helped me escape. I hope you’ll find it in your heart to show mercy as you have with all of us today.
Rafe gazed at Mila and an understanding appeared to form in his expression. He strode over to Victoria. I owe you my gratitude, Victoria. You are welcome back to the Franconia pack.
Victoria bowed her head. Thank you, my Alpha. But I cannot stay. She addressed her former packmates. I’m sorry for what I’ve done. It’s time that I leave. But maybe one day, if you can forgive me, I’ll return.
Rafe nodded. I hope so, Victoria. Safe travels.
Victoria turned and scampered toward the forest, all eyes on her retreating form.
When Mila returned her glance to Rafe, he stumbled. On the next step, he fell into the snow.
She rushed over to him. He lay unconscious on his side. Damn, he must have lost too much blood and expended too much energy in the fight.
As she touched his fur, her fingers trembled. What could she do to help him?
Only one answer became clear as his warm body rose and fell under her fingers. She had to restore what he’d lost. Although she couldn’t transfer blood, she could replenish some of his energy, the same as her mother had to save Mila. That was why she thought her father was so virulent about her existence. Both Mila and her mother had suffered during the childbirth and the situation had been bleak. Her father had said that her mother must have transferred her life force into Mila so that she could live.
Whether Mila could not only accomplish this powerful task to save Rafe, but survive, was a big question. What she did know is that she couldn’t live without her mate.
Mila gathered her energy. She pulled all her love and her feelings for Rafe in with this magic that coiled inside her until it became palpable—a small, bright white light near her heart. For a moment, everything seemed blissful. She’d fallen in love and found her mate. Nothing else was more important.
She counted to three and sent her light outward and into Rafe. Her vision dimmed, and she collapsed beside him into the snow.
Chapter 16
Rafe
What an ordeal. Rafe ran one hand through his hair as he paced outside his house.
The past thirty-six hours had been the most trying in his life. He wouldn’t be surprised if his hair was as stark white as the snow. Mila had shared her life force with him, saving his life. While he prayed for her to wake, he didn’t leave her side. She lay like an angel in his bed, chest rising and falling with slow, but steady beats. He’d promised to do anything for her to wake—anything.
How could he have ever thought those terrible things about her, thinking she’d betrayed him? He’d vowed never to doubt his mate again.
Hours stretched on before she woke up with a flutter of eyelids. He’d kissed and caressed her, thanking the universe for giving her to him—and blessing them with one more chance to be together.
Now, as he waited for her at home, he treaded in impatient circles, wearing the snow down to the dirt. She’d gone over to the Saccos to mourn her father and discuss the future of their pack.
Minutes slipped into hours before she appeared like a beautiful mirage before him, pale under the moonlight.
He rushed over to her. “Mila, you returned.”
Despite the sadness in her eyes, she smiled. “Of course I did.”
He embraced her, holding her tightly as if to prevent her from going away ever again. “Are you okay?”
“I am.”
He pulled back and caressed her cheek. “Your father. I’m so sorry.”
She swallowed. “I am, too.” She took a shuddering breath. “He made his choices, and some of them were mistakes.” She inclined her head and gazed at Rafe with appreciation. “I’m just relieved you beat Lars.” Otherwise, the consequences would be..." She shook her head and squeezed her lips tight.
He cupped her chin. “Lars is gone. He received the fate that he deserved.” His broken body had been recovered near Kane’s.
She nodded. “I have some news.”
He stroked along her jawline. “About?”
“From my pack.” She gestured with an open palm. “Or should I say our pack?”
He stared, waiting for her to explain.
“You earned much respect with the way you handled the situation. We’ve all agreed to bring our packs together as one without the border separating our lands—with both you and I leading them.”
Rafe exhaled and a boulder of anxiety lifted from his shoulders. “No more fighting.”
“No more fighting,” she agreed.
He took Mila in his arms once more and peppered her face with kisses. “Good, because all I want to do is love my mate—my queen—and treat you the way you deserve.”
Rafe led her inside the house. “Will you stay here with me tonight?”
“Of course, Rafe. I wouldn’t want to be anywhere else.”
“Not just tonight,” he added. “Forever. As my mate?”
She touched his cheek and gazed into his eyes. “Yes.” She traced her index finger over his bottom lip. “And forever starts now.”
He bent down and kissed her gently, yet quickly. Fire ignited. Passion burned bright as they tore at each other’s clothes, desperate to be together once more. They shed a pile of discarded garments on their way up to his bedroom. No, their bedroom. What was his was hers. His home, his heart, his soul.
By the time, they fell onto the bed, they were both naked and touching each other with greedy hands.
“I want you so much, Mila,” he murmured between kisses.
“Yes, Rafe. I need you.” She ran her fingers through his hair.
He kissed her face and then down the front of her body, eager to leave every inch of skin marked with his love and appreciation for Mila—his mate.
Mila
After such an emotional ordeal, Mila savored every sensation of Rafe’s body on hers. It felt exquisite, almost magical. She thought she might have lost him forever in the fight. To feel his lips on her skin, and his rough fingertips caressing her body seared her with gratitude to be with him again.
He slid his hand over her belly and paused there. She ached for him to edge lower and squirmed with the desperate yearning.
“Rafe.” His name came out on a sigh. “I need you.”
“I know what you need.”
The sensual edge in his voice heightened her desire.
He trailed his fingers lower, caressing her thighs, and moved up with sinuous circles. By the time he touched her sex, she was so sensitive and receptive to his touch. She was as slick as a summer rainstorm and full of wanton desire.
He slipped his finger inside her. “You’re so wet and ready for me. I love it.” His voice lowered to that dark velvet baritone that captivated her with its sensuality.
“Yesss,” she purred. “I can’t wait any longer.” She reached for him, pulling his large body over hers.
He pressed his hard length between her legs and then bent to kiss her. Tongues tangled as he teased her with the head of his shaft.
“Please,” she begged against his mouth.
“Anything for you, Mila.” He slipped the tip in. “I’m yours.” Slowly he drove deeper inside her.
She arched her back as her body adjusted and welcomed him in.
When he was fully buried inside her, he tangled his fingers into her hair and stared into her eyes. “And you’re mine.”
His eyes gleamed with golden, feral hunger, captivating her.
The Alpha and His Enemy Wolf: White Mountain Shifters 3 Page 13
