Noleen's POV

The room was silent except for the faint rise and fall of Maria's chest. Her pale face stood out starkly against the dark sheets, twisting something deep inside me.

I couldn't get the image of her bruised and broken out of my head. It haunted me-a stark reminder of my failure.

My fists clenched, nails digging into my palms.

"Melinda," I growled under my breath, the sound low and threatening. She had dared to harm what was mine-my mate.

My wolf stirred restlessly, a storm of rage boiling beneath my skin. She had ordered her betas to lay their hands on Maria. The memory of Maria collapsing in...