Sage's POV
He was dying in my arms.
Kael's skin burned like fire. Black veins crawled up his neck, pulsing with poison. His breathing came in short, desperate gasps. The silver glow in his eyes flickered and dimmed.
Do something! Cole shouted, dropping to his knees beside us. Sage, please!
My hands were already moving. Golden light poured from my palms into Kael's chest, brighter than it had ever been. The poison fought back, burning through my veins like liquid darkness. I screamed but didn't let go.
It's too much, Lyra warned. You'll kill yourself!
I didn't care. Something inside me something ancient and powerful refused to let him die. The Mark on my shoulder blazed so bright it lit up the entire room.
The black poison retreated. Inch by inch, I pulled it from his blood, watching it dissolve in the golden light. Kael's breathing steadied. The terrible heat began to fade.
His eyes snapped open.
Silver. Bright as stars. Locked onto mine with an intensity that stole my breath.
Then he grabbed my wrist.
Power detonated between us like a bomb. Not painful overwhelming. Every cell in my body recognized him. Wanted him. Needed him. The bond snapped into place like a chain wrapping around my soul.
Mine, Kael growled. His voice wasn't entirely human. His wolf was right there, beneath the surface, claiming me. My mate. My healer. Mine.
I tried to pull away. Couldn't. The bond held me like gravity.
Let me go, I whispered.
Never. His grip tightened, but not painfully. Possessively. You're coming with me. You're staying with me. Forever.
Kael. Cole's hand landed on his Alpha's shoulder. You're scaring her. Let her breathe.
Kael blinked, and some of the silver faded from his eyes. He looked at me really looked and something like horror crossed his face. He released my wrist and stumbled backward.
I'm sorry, he rasped. My wolf... I can't... He pressed a hand to his chest, breathing hard. What did you do to me?
I saved your life, I shot back, my own hands shaking. You're welcome.
The mate bond, Lyra said quietly. It's already forming. Stronger than I've ever seen.
What's a mate bond? My voice cracked.
A soul connection, Cole explained. When a shifter finds their true mate, their other half, the bond forms. It's... permanent.
Permanent. The word hit me like a punch.
No, I said. No. I don't want this. I don't even know you!
Pain flashed across Kael's face, but he nodded. I know. I'm sorry. This isn't... I didn't plan this.
The poison, Cole interrupted. Sage, you slowed it down, but it's still in his system. He needs daily treatments or it'll kill him.
I looked at Kael. Already, I could see the black veins starting to return. The poison was fighting back.
What kind of poison is it? I asked.
Silver nightshade, Lyra said. It shouldn't exist. Someone created it specifically to kill Alphas. Every supernatural healer has tried to cure it. You're the first to even slow it down.
I thought of the gray wolf at my door. The same poison. Someone was testing it on pack members before using it on Kael.
How long does he have? I asked.
Cole and Lyra exchanged glances.
Days, Cole said finally. Maybe a week if you keep treating him.
I looked at Kael this stranger who'd called me his mate, whose touch had set my soul on fire. He was dying. And somehow, I was the only one who could stop it.
Behind me, Emma made a small sound. I'd almost forgotten she was there, watching everything with terrified eyes.
Sage, she whispered. You don't have to do this.
But I did. The bond pulled at me, demanding I help him. And beneath that, something else. Something human. I couldn't watch anyone die when I had the power to save them.
One week, I said, looking at Kael. I'll come with you. I'll heal you. But when the week is over, when you're cured, I'm leaving. And you'll let me go.
Kael's jaw clenched. His wolf flashed in his eyes, clearly furious at the idea of letting me leave.
Kael, Cole warned quietly.
Fine, Kael ground out. One week. Then you're free to go.
We both knew he was lying.
I need to pack, I said. And Emma stays safe. That's not negotiable.
I'll post guards, Cole said immediately. No one will touch her.
Emma grabbed my hand, squeezing hard. Be careful, she whispered. These people... Sage, they're not human.
Neither am I, I said softly. Not really.
Ten minutes later, I stood outside with a small bag, watching Cole help Kael into the black SUV. My entire life packed into one backpack. Emma crying on the doorstep. Guards already taking position around her building.
Ready? Cole asked.
No. I wasn't ready. I was terrified.
But I got in the SUV anyway.
Kael sat beside me, close enough that I could feel the heat radiating from his skin. His silver eyes found mine in the darkness.
Thank you, he said quietly. For helping me.
Don't thank me yet. I looked out the window as we pulled away from everything I knew. You don't know what I am. What I can really do.
Neither do you, Kael said.
He was right. I didn't know what I was. What I could become.
But as we drove into the forest, toward a world I'd never imagined existed, I felt the Mark on my shoulder pulse with silver light.
And somewhere deep in the darkness, wolves began to howl.
Not in warning.
In greeting.
The pack was welcoming me home.