POV: Kendrick
The emergency mind-link jolted Kendrick awake from the first real sleep he'd managed in forty-eight hours.
"Alpha! Northern border breach. Multiple rogues, they're heading straight for the manor."
Kendrick was on his feet before his eyes were fully open, his wolf surging to the surface. Beside him when had he moved from the chair to the bed? Ashina stirred, her eyes blinking open in confusion.
"What's wrong?" she asked, already reading the tension in his body.
"Border breach. Rogues." He was pulling on clothes, his mind already running through defensive strategies. "Stay here. Lock the door. Don't open it for anyone but me or Ryker."
"Kendrick..."
"Please." He cupped her face, pressing a hard kiss to her forehead. "Please, just this once, stay safe. I can't fight if I'm worried about you."
Through the bond, he felt her fear and frustration, but also understanding. She nodded, and relief flooded through him.
He was halfway to the door when her voice stopped him.
