His wolves prowl forward, circling us, their eyes glowing with hunger and malice. I can hear the others growling and snarling, ready to pounce, but the sound is nowhere near as terrifying as what this bastard just said to me.
“If you have laid a hand on her, I will tear you apart,” I snarl.
Lionel laughs, his voice echoing through the trees. “I haven’t had the opportunity yet, but I’m looking forward to it.”
My wolf surges to the surface, and I can feel him clawing at my insides, desperate to break free. I grit my teeth, forcing him back down. I need to stay in control until the right moment.
“I’ll tell you what,” he says. “If you can take her from me, you can have her. But if I win, she’s mine.”
Without warning, Lionel shifts into his wolf form, his body expanding and transforming into a massive, powerful beast. His fur is a mottled gray, and his eyes blaze with predatory fire. The rest of his pack follows suit, their bodies morphing into various shades of gray and brown. It’s like a sea of evil converging, and my own allies leap out from hiding.
I waste no time. I shift into my wolf form, feeling the familiar rush of strength and agility as my body changes. Jack and Gael shift alongside me, their wolves sleek and ready for combat. The four of us move as one, our coordinated effort aimed at taking down the rogues quickly and efficiently.
The battle erupts into chaos. Lionel charges at me, his massive jaws snapping. I meet his attack head-on, our bodies crashing together with a thunderous impact. I manage to sink my teeth into his shoulder, but he’s strong and fast, and he quickly dislodges me.
I twist away from his bite, using my powerful hind legs to propel myself into a counterattack. I rake my claws across his side, feeling the resistance of his fur and muscles as I strike. Lionel howls in pain, his eyes narrowing with fierce anger. He lunges again, his jaws closing in on me, but I dodge and retaliate with a sharp bite to his shoulder.
Jack and Gael are already engaged with the other rogues. Jack’s wolf is a blur of motion, his claws and teeth working in deadly harmony as he takes down a rogue with a fierce swipe. Gael, on the other hand, is using his agility to outmaneuver his opponents. What he lacks in size and strength, he makes up for in speed and precision.
Richard, Gwen, and Sonya are also fighting with intense focus. Richard’s wolf is a hulking presence, and his strength and experience allow him to overpower the rogues he faces. Gwen’smethod is completely different, her movements a graceful dance of attack and evasion. Sonya’s strategy is to support them both, sneaking in and biting the rogues when their backs are turned.
The clearing is filled with the sounds of snarls, growls, and the thud of bodies hitting the ground. The fight is fierce and brutal, and every moment is a struggle for survival. I keep my focus on Lionel, who’s proving to be a formidable opponent. He’s relentless, and his attacks are calculated and powerful.
I manage to dodge one of Lionel’s swipes, rolling away and quickly regaining my footing. He’s on me again, his jaws snapping. I sidestep his attack and counter with a powerful bite to his flank. The blood flows, but Lionel doesn’t falter. He roars in fury, shaking off the pain and lunging at me with renewed vigor.
I dodge again, trying to stay one step ahead of him. As we go on, Lionel’s attacks are becoming more erratic, his frustration evident. I seize the opportunity, launching myself at him with all my strength. I crash into him, sending him sprawling to the ground.
Lionel’s roar echoes through the clearing as I slam into him, our forms crashing to the ground in a tangle of fur and fury. I can feel his strength waning, his previous confidence crumbling under my relentless assault. My fangs are poised for the final strike when a sudden shift in movement catches my eye.
Jane, in wolf form, emerges from the trees, and Lionel stumbles in surprise. She must have been waiting for the perfect moment to strike. Seeing her now, my heart leaps with a mix of relief and hope. She’s here. She’s safe.
She moves with a predatory grace, darting through the melee of rogue wolves. Her fur gleams in the light as she navigates the chaos with a clear goal in mind. I watch as shemaneuvers closer to Lionel without even acknowledging anyone else. She has her sights set on her target, and there’s no stopping her.
I press my advantage, keeping Lionel pinned beneath me as I wait for Jane to make her move. She’s almost within striking distance now, her muscles coiled and ready to pounce. Lionel senses her approach, and he struggles beneath me, his eyes wild with fear.
“No!” he shouts, his voice distorted by his wolf form. “You can’t do this!”
Jane ignores his pleas, her gaze fixed on her prey. She’s only a few feet away now, her body tense and ready to spring. I can feel the anticipation building inside me, the desire to see justice done. Lionel has caused so much pain and suffering, and it’s time for him to pay the price.
With a mighty leap, Jane launches herself at Lionel, her jaws clamping down on his neck. He lets out a strangled cry, his body shuddering as she delivers the final blow. I release him, stepping back as he crumples to the ground. Jane stands over his lifeless body, her muzzle stained with his blood.
The battle is over. We’ve won.
I shift back, and the others do the same. I look around the clearing, taking in the sight of the fallen rogues. The ones still standing are cowering with their tails tucked between their legs. With their leader down, they’re no longer a threat.
I turn my attention to Jane, who’s still in her wolf form. She’s staring down at Lionel’s body, her expression unreadable. I walk over to her, my heart swelling with pride and admiration. She’s a true warrior, and I couldn’t be prouder of her.
When I reach her, I run my hand through her coat, feeling the softness of her fur. I whisper her name, and she turns to me, her eyes shining with emotion. It takes her a moment, but then she shifts back to human form, and I follow suit. I wrap my arms around her, holding her close.
“I knew you’d come for me,” she murmurs, her voice soft and full of love.
“I’d do anything for you,” I reply, my voice thick with emotion. “I’m so sorry for not telling you how I felt before, Jane, but I need you to stay with me. Stay in Green Lake. I can’t live without you.”
“I’ll stay,” she whispers, her eyes glistening with tears. “I’ll stay forever.”
We kiss, and it’s everything I’ve ever wanted. It’s a promise, a commitment, a vow. I know that whatever the future holds, we’ll face it together.
“I love you, Jane,” I say, my voice barely above a whisper. “I always have, and I always will.”