To protect what's mine (Amalie) novel Chapter 181

**Guard 181**

**Chapter 181: Markus**

A low, guttural growl escaped my lips as Cal dashed toward the basement, a torrent of frustration boiling within me. I yearned to follow him, to unleash the tempest of anger that had been festering inside me ever since Ama was taken. The desire to inflict pain, to feel something—anything—was overwhelming. I craved action, a chance to channel this fury into something tangible.

Yet, here I was, shackled by responsibility, tasked with overseeing the aftermath of the chaos.

“Rosebud, Kim will take you to the pack house for a little while. There are a few things I need to take care of,” I said, reluctantly handing her back to the Omega, who stood ready to distract her.

“Let’s whip up some snacks for everyone who’s working hard,” Kim chimed, her smile a beacon of warmth meant to ease my pup’s worries.

Rose reached out, her little fingers clutching at my arm, a silent plea to stay.

“It’s alright, sweetheart. I’ll check on you in an hour, and I’m looking forward to tasting those snacks you’re going to make,” I reassured her, forcing a smile.

With a big, watery nod, she finally released her grip and latched onto Kim, who gently led her away.

“Mind link me if you need anything,” Kim called back over her shoulder.

I nodded, though it should have been me offering her that reassurance. I shook my head, trying to dispel the dark thoughts swirling in my mind. ‘Anything?’ I thought, reaching out through the mind link to Sam. He had taken two of our best trackers with him to search for Ama, just in case there was a glimmer of hope. But deep down, I knew better; she had been taken by magic, and we were unlikely to find any trace of her. Still, it was better than sitting idle.

‘No,’ Sam growled, his response curt before he severed the link.

“James, how are things at the high school?” I asked, turning my attention to my Beta, who was approaching alongside his mate.

“The school sustained some damage. Vickie and Jimmy have minor injuries and are on their way to the hospital. Unfortunately, we lost four warriors during the attack. The west wing took the brunt of it,” James reported, his voice steady but heavy with the weight of the news.

“The west wing is where we have the safe rooms,” I muttered, piecing together the implications. “Kira, I know we’ve already asked, but is there any way you could help us reach Ama?”

“Not without a witch. We need magic to access the coven,” Kira replied, her tone laced with sorrow.

A growl threatened to escape me at her words, but I fought to keep my composure.

“You can with my help,” a voice interjected from behind me.

I spun around, my instincts on high alert, and found myself staring at a girl I had never seen before.

“Sara?” Kira exclaimed, disbelief evident in her voice.

“Hi,” Sara greeted, her smile almost disarming.

“Speak, witch,” I commanded, my voice low and edged with irritation. I had no patience for games right now.

She bristled at my tone, her eyes narrowing. “You need me; I do not need you,” she retorted, her disdain palpable.

“Sara, please,” Kira interjected, her voice a plea. “You don’t want the Countess in control any more than we do. You are loyal to the goddess Hecate, and the Countess seeks to destroy her.”

“You’re right; I am loyal to the goddess. But I do not appreciate the tone of the mutt,” Sara shot back, her expression defiant.

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