Chapter Eight : Weight of Protection NATHAN This had to be a setup . The thought wouldn t leave my head as I stood frozen in the doorway , staring at Daniel . The boy I had doubted was mine . just hours ago but moment I saw him , my wolf stirred growling low and possessive . The connection between us snapped into place like a cord pulled taut , undeniable and primal . I had a son . The whispered realization echoed through my head , sharp and disorienting . My chest tightened as I looked at him . He sat on the floor , perfectly still , his face eerily blank . Too blank . A child shouldve been crying , trembling , something . But Daniel did nothing . Before I could process any of it , Nicoles 45 % 11:37 7/6 Chapter Eight : Weight of Protection sharp voice cut through the fog . Daniel ! I turned just in time to see her rushing past me toward him , panic etched on her face . My reflexes kicked in , and I grabbed her arm before she could move further . She whirled on me , her gasp loud and startled . What the hell do you mean , stop He s right there ! Thats the problem , I said , my voice low and tense . My gaze shifted back to the boy my son and unease rippled through me . Why was he left here , so easy for us to find ? Why is he just sitting there ? Why isn t he scared ? Or crying ? Or … What if this isnt what it looks like ? Something feels wrong about this . Nicoles eyes narrowed , and she yanked her arm out of my grasp . The only wrong thing here is that you re trying to stop me from getting to my child , she hissed , her 49 % 11:38 2/6 Chapter Eight : Weight of Protection voice trembling with raw emotion . I opened my mouth to stop her , to say something anything but she was already moving . She bolted toward Daniel , her steps quick and determined , as if sheer willpower could erase the wrongness in the air . I cursed under my breath as I watched her drop to her knees in front of him , wrapping her arms around his small frame and pulling him close . And then I saw it . At first , it was almost imperceptible a faint shimmer in the air near Daniel . It wasn t natural . Something invisible coiled around him like a trap waiting to spring . NICOLE , DON T ! I shouted , my voice a harsh roar that echoed through the cabin . But it was too late . She scooped Daniel into her arms , lifting him off the ground . 455 11:38 3/6 11:38 Chapter Eight : Weight of Protection The moment she did , the trap triggered . 479 A metallic click rang out , followed by a low hum , and then the cabin exploded into chaos . The walls around us groaned as hidden . mechanisms sprang to life . From the rafters and corners , silver arrows shot out . in every direction , their tips gleaming with deadly precision . Nicole , get down ! I bellowed , already moving . But she froze , her arms tightening around Daniel . Her wide eyes locked on the arrows that were hurtling toward her . In that instant , instinct took over . My wolf surged to the surface , taking control , and I leapt across the room . Time seemed to slow as I positioned myself between them and the incoming barrage . Pain exploded through my body as the first arrow struck . Then another . And another . 45 % 11:38 4/6 Chapter Eight : Weight of Protection I growled , a feral sound vibrating deep in my chest , even as the silver burned through me like molten fire . My wolf bristled , standing its ground , shielding Nicole and Daniel as more arrows rained down . From behind me , I felt it Nicole s Alpha energy surging , raw and electric . She was about to shift . My stomach twisted . If she shifted , she wouldnt be able to take Daniel and run , and we d all be caught in wed whatever hell this trap still had waiting . I forced through the mental link Id closed years ago , the connection rusty but still there . Through the excruciating pain , I growled , Don t shift . Take him and run . Her eyes widened in shock as her mind brushed against mine . Her voice , panicked and defiant , reached back . What about you ? Another arrow pierced my shoulder and a growl of pain tore from my throat , 45 11:38 5/6 Chapter Eight : Weight of Protection reverberating through the cabin . NOW ! My command was primal , leaving no room for argument . Her hesitation shattered . She clutched Daniel tighter , his sobs breaking through the chaos , and then she ran , her feet pounding against the shaking floor as she bolted toward the exit . The hum swelled , deafening , as if the walls themselves were screaming . I watched them go Nicole s figure disappearing through the doorway , Daniel s cries fading into the distance . Relief flickered in my chest , but it was short lived . The sound shifted , turning into a high- pitched wail , and the cabin trembled violently . I barely had time to brace myself before . the entire structure collapsed . 45 11:38 6/6 11:38 Discover our latest featured short drama reel. Watch now and enjoy the story!