Chapter 17

• Cain nimalistic instinct and human self are worn out. Six lycans, who had been in pursuit of Cielo, had already fallen to his might. Not having located her yet, a slight sense of relief washes over him. If he can't trace her, neither can anyone else. Isn't that so? He pulls away from the lifeless body of the sixth rogue lycan, his inner animal fighting him for full control. It yearns to seek out their partner. His preference, however, is to keep her safe and maintain his reputation with the Beast Council. He is intent on ensuring she bears his mark after this savage event is over.
• Eventually, he catches the fragrance of daisies mixed with sweet cinnamon, a scent so enticing it makes his mouth water and lures his beast forward. His heart constricts momentarily when he detects the smell of her blood. Following the scent, he discovers three bodies in a field blanketed with daisies. One is a lycan with black hair and a defined jawline, a man who might be seen as attractive by females. None of the trio are rogues, but he carries the scent of Cielo. He sniffs him carefully and lets out a low growl. Cielo's blood is under one of his nails. He'd scratched her. Judging by the injuries he sustained, Cielo had her fair share of retribution.
• Crouching beside him, he identifies him as Cielo's tormentor. His beast, Rajin, is itching to tear his throat out, but Cain holds him back. He wishes he didn't have to. If he killed him, Cielo would be blamed and face severe consequences from the Council. She already has enough on her plate dealing with them, so he vows not to exacerbate her situation.