It was the smell of her blood that gave him pause.

That smell brought the beast forward with a violent change. Seconds later, a large brown wolf stood over Renee's limp body, whining and licking at her face. When she didn't respond, he sat back and let out a mournful howl before laying down beside her. He pushed he head to the side with his nose and started licking the cut on the back of her head. His mate was hurt, and the beast had not been fast enough to stop it.

Derek and Amanda had come running as soon as they felt Renee's distress. Without hesitation, Derek lowered himself...