Henry scoffed.“That’s a Shifter custom.”
“It’s also a Chitah custom.”
Henry’s face turned red as he stepped through the doorway, forcing Lucian to back up.“As far as I know, it’s only with kindred spirits, and you two aren’t kindred.”
Tak joined Lucian’s side.“Lucian lives in my pack.That means he’s granted typical pack rights.I’m certain his elders would also grant him permission if he spoke with them.”
Threads of blue light dripped from Henry’s fingertips, raising the hair on Lucian’s arms.“You’re willing to lose your life for a woman?”His eyes narrowed.“What’s therealreason behind this?”
“I love her.”Lucian inched forward.“She’s mine, and you can’t have her.”
Henry’s scent filled with uncertainty.Perhaps he wondered if Lucian knew about his involvement with the murder.
“She’s already mine.”Henry stepped back into his house.“Do yourself a favor and leave town before you wind up back in jail.Now get off my porch, or I’ll sic my dog on you.”
“Just try it.”
“Get him!”When Henry stepped aside, the Doberman lunged.
Tak dove between them and dropped to his knees, startling the animal.
“Attack!”Henry snarled at the animal.
Tak locked eyes with the dog until it whimpered and submissively lowered its body to the ground.Even regular animals recognized an alpha Shifter.Their power was felt in the air and in their voice.Tak finally stood and slammed his hand against the doorjamb.“If you want to know what happens to chickenshits who use their animals to fight their battles, step outside.”
Henry scowled at his loyal companion, who whimpered at the giant alpha.
The Mage glowered at Lucian.“You’re lucky you were set free after facing murder charges.Don’t press your luck.Now get off my property.”He slammed the door.
Lucian stared at that door so hard he could have burned a hole through it.“I challenge you, Henry Hightower!Accept my challenge!”Then he slammed the metal ring on the door knocker several times.
Montana hooked his arm in Lucian’s.“Come on.”
“I’m not leaving.”
“He heard you throw down the gauntlet.Let him think about it.”
Lucian turned on his heel and glared at Montana.“Think about it?A challenge to the death isn’t a choice.”
“Actually, it is.Let him decide if he wants to look like a weak suitor to his fiancée.”
“Don’t call her that.”Lucian stalked toward the truck.
Striding toward him, Tak caught up and stopped him in his tracks.“You didn’t expect that man to duel in his bathrobe, did you?Is this what you want?”
Lucian clenched his jaw, unable to control the emotions swirling in him like a cyclone.
Tak cupped Lucian’s head and searched his eyes.“Huh.You really do love her.”
“What does that mean?”
He lowered his arms and arched an eyebrow.“It explains why she doesn’t lovehim.”
Lucian frowned, surprised that Eden would’ve divulged personal information to a Packmaster.“Did she tell you that?”
“A woman doesn’t have to; you can see it in her eyes.When she told me of her happy news, there was no joy, no excitement in her voice.No embellishments of the proposal or their plans.”He lowered his arms.“Are you certain you want this?To give up your life for a woman who…”
“Say it.”
