Unwanted Mate Of The Lycan Kings (by jessica hall) novel Chapter 124

~Regan~

As we drive through the city and onto the highway, my gaze is fixed on the wolves. My condition worsens with every passing minute. My hand clutches at my chest, trying to ease the burning sensation. The wind whipping through the open window provides temporary relief. I needed the wolves; the risk was worth it. “Are you good?” James asks as we hit the highway. I nod, letting the cool air drive away my unease. I knew the risks, but I needed them. “I’ll be fine,” he nods, gritting his teeth but following the wolves.

An hour into the journey, I notice the wolves flagging. They have made serious ground, but we won’t make it much further with their state and mine weakening. I need to do something. I watch the wolves starting to tire. Pulling over, I climb out of the car and whistle, they run back to me, and I look at the SUV.

“Fuck!” I curse, trying to figure out where to put them. My gaze locks with James as he emerges from the driver’s side. His eyes are wide and filled with unspoken questions, but he only pops open the trunk.

“I won’t tell him if you don’t?” James says, and I peer in at my father.

Suddenly, in the distance, a staggering figure catches my attention.

“Slow down!” I snap at James.

“Wait…is that…?”

“It’s Gnash,” I choke out, my eyes welling up at the sight of my own wolf struggling against the rising sun. He’s so far from home, so far from help. The car screeches to a halt, and I jump out, rushing toward Gnash. He turns his head at the sound of my voice, his eyes meeting mine briefly before he collapses onto the rough terrain.

“Hey, boy. Daddy’s here,” I assure him, stroking his fevered fur. I need to cool him down, but we’re in the middle of nowhere. I promise him, “Hang on, boy. I’ll find a way to cool you down.” A breeze carries a tantalizing whiff of water to my senses. I look around and find a dam at the bottom of the mountain.

I carry Gnash back to the car. We have a chance. We just need to reach that water to cool him down.

The drive to the bottom of the mountain is a blur, a haze of fear and worry. Gnash is panting heavily in my lap, the air conditioner doing little to help him. I can only hope we’re not too late.

As the car races down the slope, the dam comes into sight. It’s more like a large pond set in the middle of a sprawling farm. James skids to a halt at the edge of the property, the tires sending up clouds of dust. I’m already out of the car before it comes to a complete stop, my heart pounding in my chest. With a quick leap, I scale the rickety wooden fence, the hard-packed earth of the farm crunching under my boots. Gnash is a heavy, feverish burden in my arms, but I don’t dare slow down, his labored panting echoing in my ears.

The water of the dam is murky but cool, a welcome relief from the blistering sun. I wade into it, the water lapping around my knees, then my waist. With a splash, I lower Gnash into the water, cradling him against my chest. The sudden chill seems to spark a bit of life into him; his eyes flutter open, meeting mine with a flicker of recognition. “You’ll be fine, boy,” I promise him, my voice choked with emotion.

Looking at Gnash’s battered paws, raw and bloody, I realize the extent of his determination to get to Zirah.

I take a deep breath and sink my teeth into my wrist, the metallic taste of my blood filling my mouth. It’s a desperate move that could risk my life, but I need to try. I offer my bleeding wrist to Gnash, who laps up the blood weakly.