The Bite Of Destiny

moved with calculated precision, their sweat-slicked bodies gleaming in the cold morning light as they followed L

hrough the air like a blade. "If you can

turn away. The bond between us, fragile yet unyielding, tugged at me like a ch

mine, gray eyes locking me in

rough the crowd. Some smirked, other

lling into fists. "I'm n

s tone leaving no room for argument. "And th

kin. Swallowing my pride, I stepped forward

t caught me off guard. Lucas wasted no time,

is voice low and taunting. "Show m

, claws bared. He dodged effortlessly, his

that sent me stumbling back. "Or are the g

ies flooded in-blood, fire, Damon's cold betrayal. M

issed, chargin

me in seconds, pinning me to the ground

d, his face inches from mine. "Beca

on't get to judge me," I spat, shov

s breath was warm against my face, his eyes stormy and unreadable. For a fleetin

he d

ds, my anger simmering just beneath the surface. I didn't hear h

aid, his tone sharp. "That

ve. Pushing me like that in front of eve

alive," he snapped. "Whe

t get to decide what I can handle, Lucas

"You think I don't know? I've been investigating that night for years,

me cold. "What are

voice low and urgent. "And I think they're the

ted. "Why shoul

r this pack," he said, stepping closer

orld around us faded, and all that remained was the pull between

en, a scout burst onto the sce

t a blood-streaked satchel. "W

ts. Among the torn fabric and scraps of parchment was an em

e," I whispered,

ed to mine. "You'v

to the surface. "It was at the atta

of time. The rival pack isn't just planning anoth

t. "Gather the counci

y voice firmer

his eyes narr

. "I'll infiltrate their territory

lenching at his sides. "Absolu

shot back. "This

eds you aliv

ntered. "But we need answers, Lucas. A

through steel. "You don

s gaze. "Because last I checked, I'

I slipped away, the satchel clutched tightly in my hands. M

gh the trees, carrying with it the faint scent of danger. I hes

-the faint crackle

t the shadow

rest, my resolve hardening. Whatever awaited

itory, gripping the emblem in his hand. His expressio

the traitor

hake the feeling that I wasn't alone. A presence li

me the chilling certainty: this wasn't just a

as bein