Chapter 77

Elara's POV

When I bent down to untie my sneakers, the pain at my ribs shot sharp enough to steal my breath.

"Doctor, he's not—" I started, but my words froze in my throat.

Zarek Vane was already crouched in front of me. The Alpha of the Steelbound Alliance, the man who ruled with steel and fire, was holding my ankle in one hand like it weighed nothing. His other hand moved with precise ease as he