A low, menacing growl tore from Kaelan's chest. The shock of her resistance morphed instantly into brutal, possessive rage.
"You defy your Alpha," he hissed, his grip tightening painfully on her chin.
The moment Kaelan's fury spiked, the Mate Bond retaliated. A searing bolt of white-hot pain—pure feedback from the Command's failure—shot through Anya's chest, doubling her over. She gasped, fighting the pain and the urge to submit.
Kaelan instantly registered her distress through the bond, and his fury was replaced by confusion and a reluctant wave of distress/protection. He released her chin, catching her as she swayed.
"What did you do?" he demanded, his voice edged with panic, sensing the bond's violent rejection.
"I fought you," Anya choked out, trembling. "The bond punishes defiance... but it punishes you for hurting your Mate."
Before Kaelan could analyze this new limitation, a frantic shout echoed from the main office. "Alpha! Incoming attack! A coordinated Hybrid breach at Sector 4! They're hitting the communications hub!"
Kaelan's attention snapped back to the security of his pack. He shoved Anya towards the private suite.
"Stay here! Alpha Command: Do not leave this room!" His blue eyes flashed with grim determination. "The only person who can keep you alive is me."