Chapter 8 The Return of the Alpha

Lila's POV

"You must first pass through me," Kian snarled in a low, menacing voice.

With my heart thumping in my chest, I gazed at him. Kian was between Cyrus and me.

His fists were clenched tightly, and his broad shoulders were strained. His blue eyes were blazing with rage. I momentarily lost my ability to breathe.

Cyrus's ruby eyes gleamed in the darkness as he grinned at us. "Well, well. Look who made the decision to attend. To save his damsel in danger, the powerful Alpha Kian has arrived.

Kian remained silent. He simply took a step toward Cyrus. He moved cautiously and slowly. His voice was as cold as ice as he stated, "You're not touching her."

Cyrus chuckled. The sound was rough and sent shivers down my spine. Kian, do you think you can stop me? The Alpha you once were is no longer you. You're not strong. You're broken.

Kian's mouth tensed, but he remained firm. He stated resolutely, "We'll see about that."

They both lunged at each other before I could react. The earth beneath my feet trembled as their bodies collided with one another. I staggered back, reaching for my stomach out of reflex.

I was itching to run. I wanted to leave this conflict as quickly as possible. However, my legs remained immobile. I was paralyzed. As Kian and Cyrus fought, my gaze was fixed on them. Their claws and teeth moved in a flurry.

Cyrus was brutal, but Kian was powerful. My blood ran cold as he battled with a fierce spirit. With deadly determination, his claws sliced through the air.

"Kian!" When I witnessed Cyrus strike Kian's side viciously, I yelled. And it knocked him down hard.

I noticed blood streaming from a deep cut on Kian's shoulder as he moaned. He didn't stay down, though. His eyes were burning with resolve as he forced himself to stand.

His voice was full of anger as he hissed, "You're not taking her."

Cyrus grinned once more. A ruthless smirk curved his lips. He teasingly said, "We'll see about that."

It felt like the war would never end. Every strike they delivered to one another was more vicious than the last. I felt helpless, but I wanted to do something to aid them. I could only watch Kian fight for our child, for me.

At last, Kian kicked Cyrus hard, sending him crashing into a tree. The tree split from the force of the blow, and Cyrus fell to the ground, unconscious.

Kian was standing over him, his body covered in bruises and blood, his chest heaving up and down. I noticed relief and remorse in his eyes as he turned to face me.

His voice cracked slightly when he said, "Lila." "I sincerely apologize."

My heart ached as I gazed at him. "Kian."

I retreated when he took a stride in my direction. I had shaky hands. I murmured, my voice cracking, "Don't." "Kian, you turned me down. You turned away our child. Now, how can I trust you?

His face grew softer. His hand trembled as he extended it toward me. "Lila, I was mistaken. I was a fool. I allowed my pride and prior transgressions to impair my judgment. But now I'm here. And I'll go to any lengths to put things right.

I stared at him with tears running down my cheeks. It split my heart in two. I wanted to think he was real. I desired to have faith in him. However, the hurt of his rejection was still very much there. I'm still really saddened by it.

I said in a tremulous voice, "I'm not sure if I can forgive you."

He gave a nod. He had grief in his eyes. "I get it, but allow me to protect you, please. Allow me to keep our child safe."

I paused. As I tried to think of what to do, my mind was racing. However, a deep growl reverberated across the jungle before I could react. My heart fell. When I looked, I noticed Cyrus getting up. Malice was shining in his eyes.

Cyrus growled as he forced himself to stand up, "This isn't over."

Kian moved ahead of me, his body stiff as a spring in a coil. He gave a stern command, "Lila, stay behind me."

But a howl shattered the silence before Cyrus could strike. I held my breath as we all turned. Out of the forest came a pack of wolves. Like brilliant flames, their eyes glowed in the darkness.

Hayden was at the head of the group. He stared at Cyrus with his emerald eyes. Cyrus stated in a chilly tone, "You're not the only one who wants her."

Kian holds my hand and yanks me into the forest as Cyrus and his troop approach. His voice is anxious as he continues, "We have to leave." However, I can't get rid of the impression that we're approaching even more danger as we run.