2.9

I did’t know what to say or do when I saw Lachlan panting breathlessly at the start of the dock, his chest heaving like he pushed himself to the limit to get there as fast as he could.

His face is more aged, worn with stress. His eyes are wide in disbelief, and I can see Killian shining in them, making Val lose some of her malice with a soft, almost inaudible whimper inside my head.

“Lira,” he whispered hoarsely, moving to walk quickly towards me.

I stood frozen, not sure what to do. Everyone moves to give him a clear path, but before he can reach me, just as he steps past Cedric, Jack moves to tuck my body behind his.

“That’s far enough, Alpha,” Jack warns Lachlan, his aura pushing out of him, stronger than I ever felt it before in defense of me.

A menacing growl leaves Lachlan. “Move.”

“Not a chance. Though, I’m sure my Ela could handle herself, I don’t like the crazed look about you.”

“My Ela?!” Lachlan snarls. “She’s not your anything. She’s my wife.”

Jack hums deeply in his c