Page 72 of Edward’s Bunny

I roared. It had been a long day, and I wanted this over. “There is no stepping down or denouncing. I accept this challenge.”

Dothan's eyes appeared to gleam at my words, and he snarled, transforming into his massive lion form. His dark, tawny fur was a stark contrast to his previous olive skin, and it shimmered under the patio lights. His powerful muscles rippled beneath his coat, and his imposing presence was amplified by his sheer size. His eyes, still as dark as coal, stared at me with an unnerving intensity. In a way, they were saying, ‘Prepare to die.’

The crowd surrounding him stepped away, and the pride formed a circle around us. I looked at Brian and gave a reassuring nod. Brian nodded back and mouthed: “I love you”. I smiled before releasing his hand and stepping forward.

“This pride. These people will never be yours. You made a grave mistake coming here,” I said calmly before allowing my lion to take command.

I shook my black mane, and my gigantic roar rent the air. Snarling, Dothan and I began to circle. He swatted his huge paw a few times, and I swatted mine. It was typical lion behavior—test your opponent.

Dothan lunged at me, and I met him head-on. Our enormous bodies collided with a resounding thud, claws cutting and fangs biting. We rolled on the ground, growling and snarling, each trying to gain the upper hand.

Suddenly, Dothan raked his claws across my side, drawing blood. I roared in pain, retaliating by sinking my teeth into his shoulder. We broke apart, panting heavily as we sized each other up, our eyes locked in a fierce battle of wills.

With another guttural roar, we charged at each other again, our massive forms a blur of fur and muscle. As we grappled, I managed to knock Dothan off balance, sending him sprawling to the ground. Before he could recover, I pinned him down; my teeth bared and ready to deliver a decisive blow.

I prepared to strike when a strangled cry made my heart stop. I tore my focus from Dothan, and my heart was in my chest. In my moment of distraction, Dothan took advantage and flung me off his body and into the air with a surge from his powerful legs.

Landing on the ground with a thud, I groaned but quickly got to my feet. I had to save Brian and stop her. Dothan swiped his massive claw at me, and unable to dodge the blow; I tumbled to the ground.

“Dothan, hold. We need him alive,” said Trudy, my ex-wife, in a shrill voice.

He snarled but didn’t advance. I climbed to my feet and focused on the scene before me. Trudy held a knife to Brian’s neck while Walter was being restrained by Dan. I rumbled low in my throat and stepped forward but stilled as the blade pushed harder against Brian’s flesh.

“If you want your boytoy to die, by all means, come forward, Edward. I’ll kill him just like I killed Ellen.”

Gasps sounded from the pride at her confession and I felt my legs tremble at those words. She’d killed Ellen. She killed my wife, I thought.

Trudy smirked. “This pride is mine, and I wasn’t going to let some human take my place. For twenty-eight years, you were oblivious. You would have stayed that way had that runt died with his mother.” I snarled and took a step, but the knife pressed harder again and Brian swallowed.

“Here’s what’s going to happen if you want your prey princess to live. You’re going to submit, and Dothan will take over. Then you’re going to sign over Satchel Industries to me.”

“That wasn’t part of the deal,” Dan called out.

“Deals change, Dan.” She focused on me. “You and your boyfriend can go. Just sign everything over to me or….” She didn’t say the words, but I knew what she’d do.

I looked at Brian. Instead of the fear I was expressing, determination and anger shined bright. My eyes widened as his foot lifted, and he stomped his heavy boot down. Trudy cried in pain, dropping the knife. Dothan snarled, and I lunged at him, tackling him to the ground and delivering the blow I wasn’t able to earlier. I squeezed his throat, and my massive jaws clenched down. I needed to end this and get to Brian.

Shouts echoed in the night sky, but I couldn’t turn. I had to trust that Brian and Walter could handle the situation. I shook my head, and the crack I wanted to hear sounded. Dothan’s body went limp. I released my jaws and let loose my victorious roar.

The pride fell to their knees, and I spun toward Brian. Trudy lay unmoving on the ground, a pool of blood surrounding her lifeless form. Brian stood beside Talon, who had taken a defensive position, while Walter subdued Dan. I ran toward them, shifting as I did. I grabbed Brian and pulled him into a strong embrace.

I pushed him back, holding him at arm's length and examining his body. "Are you okay?" I asked breathlessly.

"I'm fine.... bitch had it coming," he replied, nodding and equally out of breath.

I hugged him again. "Don't ever fucking scare me like that again.

He wrapped his arms around me and hugged me back. "I didn't do it on purpose."

I chuckled and pulled back. "I love you, Bunny."

He smiled. "I love you, too."

I leaned in and kissed him. I heard some quiet murmurs around us, and I stilled. I pulled back and scanned my pride, who were all still on their knees.

"I am your king!" I roared. "This is MY pride, and it is now led by two men—a lion and a rabbit. Brian Bondar is my fated mate, my consort, and my all. If any of you have a problem with that, you may leave my territory because Brian is going nowhere."

The pride didn't speak, and no one moved. I turned and looked at each and every one of them, making a point if they wanted out, now was the time. I would tolerate no argument.

I looked down at Dothan's dead body. Luckily for shifters, the form in which they died is the form they'd remain in. Dothan's body could be easily disposed of. Trudy's, on the other hand. We'd have to involve authorities.

"Walter, handle Dothan’s body and have someone ca—"

A boom rent the air, and my chest stung as if something had bitten me. "Edward," Brian screamed frantically.

I wanted to reply, but it hurt too much to breathe. I closed my eyes to concentrate, but darkness overwhelmed me.

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