As soon as he sat down in the passenger seat, Christopher felt the tension drain from his body, taking his strength with it. He would have liked to close his eyes and surrender to exhaustion, but he couldn't afford to rest just yet. Straightening up, he glanced at Alex in the rear-view mirror. She sat stiffly, her gaze proud and unyielding. The moment she realized she was being watched, she met his eyes briefly before looking away.
The pack leader allowed himself a faint smile. Michael had chosen a mate with a strong, independent spirit. She had the makings of an alpha—if she could learn to temper her impulsiveness and stubborn streak. And yet, despite having been a she-wolf for only a short time, she had already gained remarkable control over her instincts.
He hadn't welcomed her among his warriors because she was his brother's mate, but because of her courage and tenacity—because she never backed down, even when her resolve verged on recklessness.
Michael had asked him to be the one to remove her from the camp; Alex had learned to respect him and would not question his orders.
"How are you?" Lucian's deep voice pulled him from his thoughts.
"Don't worry," Christopher replied, casting him a brief look. The scent of blood filled the cabin—his blood.
"You should call Gabrielle," the pack leader said. "She'll be worried."
"As soon as we get to the hospital."
Christopher nodded, then reached for his phone and called Anthony. He reported the outcome of the mission, praised Jia Hao's conduct, and informed him that both Jia Hao and his mate had been injured but were already at the hospital.
The vampire leader thanked him and reaffirmed his willingness to continue their alliance.
Christopher ended the call just as the car turned into the hospital entrance.