Chapter 30 · One more step, Sera, and the child dies

His hand brushed mine as we ran. His fingers hooked around two of mine for half a second, then he let go to draw his sword.

The tunnel opened ahead.

The second pup stood at the far exit beneath the searchlight.

Small. Shaking. Wrapped in a torn gray blanket.

A hunter held a rifle against the ground beside it. Another had a bolt aimed straight at its chest.

Cole's voice came through a portable speaker.

"One more step, Sera, and the child dies."

I stopped.

Rayne moved with me, blade lifted.

"Show yourself, Cole."

"You first, Commander. Drop the sword."

Rayne's grip tightened.

I said, "Don't."

"He'll kill the pup."

"He wants you disarmed."

"He already has the child."

The pup made a small choking sound.

My wolf clawed at my ribs.

I stepped forward.

The hunter's rifle rose.

"One more," Cole warned.

"Take me instead," I called. "You want me? I'm right here."

"You think I need to bargain with you?"

"You built a whole lab under a warcamp just to steal my blood.