A whimper escaped the shooter's lips as Tyr lowered his head, fangs grazing the tender flesh of his neck. The man's terror was intoxicating, a fitting punishment for what he'd done to Beth.
With a growl of rage, Tyr dove his fangs into the man's neck. He didn't stop even when the man's struggles became weak and the man slumped in his grip
"Tyr."
It was Aleksei.
“Tyr, stop."
Tyr snarled, blood dripping from his fangs. "He shot Beth!" The words came out guttural, barely human through his extended fangs.
"Nonetheless." Aleksei's tone held centuries of authority, brooking no argument.
With a snarl of rage, Tyr flung the unconscious man away from him. The shooter's body tumbled across the fallen leaves, coming to rest against a gnarled oak root.
Tobi materialized from the shadows, anger radiating from him as he knelt beside the shooter. "We'll handle this one, brother." His fingers traced the puncture wounds on the man's neck, sealing them with vampire magic. "Go to your Chosen."
A faint whisper brushed against Tyr's mind, delicate yet unmistakable. His name, carried on a thread of desperate need.
Tyr.
The single utterance echoed with a depth of need that sent a jolt of raw fear through him. "Beth!" he shouted, the name tearing from his lips like a prayer. Panic surged in his chest as he bolted back toward the clinic, vampire speed transformingthe forest into a blurred tapestry of moonlit shadows. Each heartbeat echoed in his ears, urging him onward, driven by an instinctual need to reach her before it was too late.
He burst through the trees into the parking lot, anguish flooding through him at the sight of her life force bleeding away around them. He dropped to his knees beside her and Liam, his hands shaking as he reached for her.
Liam looked up, his face a mask of agony. Blood pooled around them, spreading across the asphalt in an ever-widening circle. "The bullet went through her liver," he choked out. "I've called for an ambulance, but..." His voice trailed off, the unspoken words hanging heavy in the night air.
Beth's skin felt cold beneath Tyr's fingers, her pulse weak and thready. Her clouded leopard spirit flickered dimly, struggling to maintain its connection to her failing body. The metallic scent of her blood filled his nose, triggering every predatory instinct he possessed. He ruthlessly suppressed them, focusing instead on her face, willing her to hold on.
Her eyelids fluttered, a soft whimper escaping her lips. The sound tore through him like a physical blow. In all his centuries of existence, Tyr had never felt so helpless.
Tyr's hands trembled as he cradled Beth's face, his entire being consumed by helpless rage. The universe's cruelty burned through him like acid. After everything - the years of abuse, the false accusations, being locked up as a rogue - she'd finally started to believe she might have a future. She'd begun to heal… to trust.
And now this.
Minutes ago she'd been practically bouncing on her toes, looking forward to telling Naomi about the evening's events. She'd been so alive, so vibrant.
And now… Each labored breath she took reminded him how fragile her human life was. He ached with the need to hunt downwhoever was responsible, to make them suffer as she suffered. But he couldn't leave her. Not now. Not like this.
A soft whimper escaped her lips, and Tyr's fingers tightened around hers. Sweet Beth didn't deserve this. She deserved the chance to build the life she'd been denied for so long. To work at the clinic. To spend time with her sister. To learn who she really was without fear shadowing her every move.
His fingers brushed her cooling cheek as another wave of fury crashed through him. It wasn't fair. None of it was fair.
Aleksei's voice cut through Tyr's anguish, calm and certain. "You know what must be done."
Tyr lifted his head to face Aleksei, seeing centuries of wisdom in those stern features. His Commander gave a slight nod, granting permission for what they both knew was forbidden except in the most dire circumstances.
With trembling fingers, Tyr lifted Beth's limp form. Her blood stained his shirt as he cradled her against his chest. His fangs extended, and with infinite gentleness, he pierced the delicate skin of her throat. Her blood flowed into him, carrying the essence of her spirit, her memories, her very being.
When he felt the connection forge between them, he pulled back. Using his fangs to tear open his own wrist, he pressed the bleeding wound to Beth's pale lips. "Drink, little cat," he whispered. "Please."
Her throat moved weakly as she swallowed, each drop of his immortal blood carrying the power to anchor her to life.
"Enough." Aleksei's command snapped Tyr back to awareness. "The EMTs and police will arrive soon. You must take her away from here now." His eyes held Tyr's with fierce intensity. "She will need four more exchanges before dawn."
Tyr gathered Beth closer, her body limp in his arms. Her breathing seemed steadier, though her skin remained deathlypale. The first exchange had bought them precious time, but they weren't safe yet.
Tobi emerged from the shadows, his twin's expression one of grim determination. "I am with you, brother. The prisoner is secured and unconscious."
