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Joshua trained him. I've trained him.

At some point, training has to become trust.

Rylan answers first. "Thank you, Justin."

I swallow around the pressure in my throat. "Thank you."

"Go."

Rylan looks at me.

I look at him.

Then we stop holding back.

We run.

The warriors disappear behind us within seconds. Trees become streaks around me as I force more power into my legs. Arlene gasps against my chest when the increased speed jars her, and her pain tears through our bond.

“Fuck.” Tears pour down my face. "I'm sorry. I'm so fucking sorry."

"Darian..."

"I'm here."

"Hurts..."

"I know. I feel it."

I send more energy through our bond. Her heartbeat strengthens, but my legs immediately become heavier.

Too much.

I pull back until my speed returns.

Her heartbeat weakens.

Fuck.

I give her more.

Take, my wolf demands.

Her wolf reaches weakly for us. Trying.

I can't fucking win. Too much energy into Arlene and I won't have enough to get her home. Too little and she starts slipping away in my arms. So I keep adjusting. More when her heartbeat weakens. Less when my legs begin to fail. More when her wolf fades. Less when my speed drops. All while the silver stays buried in her chest, poisoning her because taking it out could kill her faster.

"Stay with me."

"Trying..."

"We're almost home."

We're not.

I tell her anyway.

RYLAN'S POV