Chapter 43 Chapter 43
ELLA
When I woke up that morning, I felt disgusting. My stomach had been bothering me since last night, and I had hoped it would have gone away when I woke up.
Assuming I just ate something weird, I went on with my day, excited for my little picnic with Zane.
I had caught him staring for most of the time we were in the office, and it excited me to know he wanted me so much.
That field, though. When we stepped into the clearing, I just about died. Wildflowers and long grasses dotted the whole field, and I knew this was heaven.
The sun was bright, making the grasses glow a golden hue. Sitting under the tree, spending time with Zane, it was all perfect.
I still felt gross and attempted to nibble a bit on my sandwich before finally just settling on eating some grapes. Our lunch was relaxing and exactly what I needed.
I was enjoying my new way of life and all of the time I had to do things like this. Before Zane, all I did was work. I looked over at him and smiled warmly. I loved that man.
We packed up the basket and began making our way across the field when we heard a growl from the tree line.
Zane perked up and pushed me behind him, taking up a fighting stance.
Suddenly, a wolf I knew all too well jumped out of the trees and circled us.
“Mariah…,” Zane growled. I saw his eyes glaze over for a second and I heard him over the mind-link speaking to his father.
Mariah shifted back to her human form, completely unashamed of the fact she was nude.
“You look good, baby,” she said coyly, as though I wasn’t standing right there.
DID SHE JUST HIT ON OUR MATE? my wolf yelled in my head.
I let out a low, involuntary growl, and Zane squeezed my hand.
“I’ve been looking for you, Mariah,” Zane replied, his voice cold.
“I know, baby. We’ll be together soon. I just have some business with this little omega.” Mariah turned her gaze on me and growled.
I was angry now. I wasn’t an omega, I was the damn luna!
I stepped out from behind Zane, standing tall and proud.
“It’s Luna to you. What can I help you with?”
“You can help me by getting your slimy paws off what’s mine!” Mariah yelled.
Zane grabbed my hand, but I pushed it away. I heard Daniel arrive and stand at the tree line.
I turned to Daniel with a wink, and he returned a nod, informing me that he knew I was ready. I stepped forward closer to Mariah.
“Ella! What are you doing?” Zane yelled, panic clear in his voice.
“Step back, son,” Daniel said, placing his hand on Zane’s shoulder.
Zane shook his head.
“No. That’s my mate! It’s my job to protect her, she can’t… I can’t lose her.”
“Step back,” Daniel warned.
I turned back to Mariah with a smirk.
“You missed so much while you were away, Mariah. Did you see anything new?”
I pulled back the neck of my T-shirt to show my mark.
“Do you think Zane has one to match?”
I could hear Daniel chuckle as Mariah screamed, and I smiled. I knew I was getting to her.
Mariah started pacing again.
“That just means that to break your bond, I’ll have to kill you. Slut!”
I smirked.
“Just a minute, I really like this shirt.”
I took off my shirt and smiled when I heard Daniel let out another chuckle, clearly amused. I was doing exactly what he had taught me.
Daniel’s words echoed in my head. Get them angry. Attacks fueled by anger might have strength, but they don’t have clarity. Keep your head clear and get inside theirs.
Mariah let out a loud growl before shifting and lunging toward me. I shifted quickly, my stance aggressive and ready for a fight.
I stepped out of the way and took advantage of Mariah overshooting my position. I clenched my jaws down on Mariah’s stomach, eliciting a loud yelp from her.
Mariah turned and tried to bite at my neck, but I moved away so that she was barely able to leave a scratch on my skin.
I could feel a small sting, but I knew it would be healed before the fight was even over. We separated, stalking each other in a circle until Mariah ran toward me again, and I lunged to meet her.
We collided and fought, wrestling each other, biting at anything that we could sink our teeth into. Mariah had managed to roll on top of me, and I heard Zane’s worried gasp.
I wasn’t worried, though. I dug my claws deep into Mariah’s stomach, which made her jump back and howl in pain.
I circled her, knowing this time I wouldn’t be the one left for dead. I could feel every bit of pain, anger, sadness, self-doubt, and misery Mariah had inflicted on me.
But I wasn’t cruel. As much as I hated Mariah, I wouldn’t kill her. There was a fair way to do this.
I shifted back and stood before Mariah. I could see the blood dripping from Mariah’s wounds and knew she was barely keeping herself upright.
“Mariah, I’m finished. Submit and we can end this. Let them take you to medical for care and receive a fair council.”
Mariah growled, hate and anger in her eyes, before lowering her head. She had given in. I nodded and turned to walk away.
“ELLA! Look out!” Zane yelled.
I shifted back to my wolf and turned in time to see Mariah lunge. I flipped around and clamped my jaws on Mariah’s neck, biting down hard until it snapped.
My heart pounding, I dropped Mariah’s body to the ground.