the ligaments rip apart. He thrashed and finally released his hold on Dimitri’s leg to turn all his attention on her. Blood dripped down Sitri’s fangs as he crawled toward her, looking like a big, black, six-legged spider, claws that operated as a second set of hands protruding from the bottom middle of each wing.
Whimpering, she backed away, terror turning her blood cold. This monster was going to rip her to pieces. She retreated faster, despite the burning in her chest and lungs, but the demon advanced with unholy speed.
He was almost upon her, fangs extended and a malicious gleam in his glowing, red eyes, when a massive foot stomped on his head, splattering his brains all over the ground. Dimitri scooped her into his arms, taking her to safety as a giant, fleshy throat opened under Sitri and sucked him in before closing.
Holding her tight, Dimitri shuddered and slumped to the ground. She shifted into human form and retrieved her shredded gown, ripping off a long swath of fabric and tying it around his injury to stop the bleeding. She flinched every time he groaned. Beneath his thick, white fur, were hundreds of raised welts. They covered every inch of his body—demon burn.
“Dimitri,” she said, wishing she had Amara’s power to heal with her touch. “You’re injured.”
“That doesn’t matter. Are you okay?”
“I think so.” A wave of pain rolled through her. At least one rib was broken, but none of that mattered. All she cared about was Dimitri. “You came into the haunted forest for me?”
“I’d walk through hell for you.” He cupped her cheek, his movements slow. “I’m so sorry for what I said in anger. I swear you’re the only mate I’ve ever wanted.”
For the briefest of moments, it didn’t matter that they could very well lose their lives in this forest. What was important was that Dimitri wanted her. “I’m sorry, too. I should never have put you off. I’ve longed for you ever since we first met, but I’ve felt so guilty over Katarina’s death. I didn’t think I deserved to be your mate.”
He took her hands in his. “It wasn’t your fault, but I understand why you felt that way.”
He understood? She frowned at his furry paws. Even the pads of his fingers had blisters. He’d literally walked through fire to save her. “Thank you. You don’t know how much that means to me.”
He heaved a groan and stumbled to his feet. “We need to get out of here.”
She let him help her up, then shifted back to wolf form. The thick pads on her paws were better protection against the hot soil. Besides, she was a fiercer wolf than human. As she scanned the forest, seeing several pairs of red, glowing eyes gazing at them, she had the sinking feeling she’d need to use her claws and fangs again before they escaped.
Chapter Thirteen
AS THE PAIN IN ANDREI’S leg abated, his heart rate slowed to a dull thud, and his vision tunneled on his brother’s grief-stricken face.
“Brother, hang on. Help is coming.” Dejan’s voice sounded strangely hollow where he knelt beside him in the snow, as if he was speaking to him in a dream.
Andrei looked down at his human body. When had he shifted back? Though he was naked, he didn’t feel the bitter sting of winter’s freeze. Odd. A huge puddle of blood had pooled around his leg, and he realized the bullet had hit an artery. Strange how his entire body felt numb. His subconscious warned him he was dying, but he didn’t feel fear. Only peace.
Constantine, still a giant protector, was beside him next, easily scooping him into his long, furry arms. “Hang on, brother.”
Andrei reached for the big, red bullseye of dried blood on Constantine’s chest, wondering what had happened. He didn’t see a wound.
“Eilea healed me,” Constantine said stoically. “I had one foot in Valhol, and she brought me back.”
“Valhol,” Andrei whispered.
“Nope,” Constantine said as he hurried across the battlefield with long strides. “You’re not going.” His voice sounded strained, even for a mighty protector. “You’re staying here with us.”
Andrei felt himself float out of his body, and he observed his brother from above. His witch stepmom was sitting in a courtyard, looking like a faery queen, robes billowing around her feet while injured wolves limped toward her. Constantine moved ahead of them and placed Andrei at her feet.
Eilea put her hands on his mangled leg, which hung by a thread, looking like a shark had tried to