Too far. Even with my speed, his finger would have enough time to pull the trigger before I reached them.
"I remember you, Falcon. The hunter leader who attacked Vernal territory five years ago." I took a deep breath. "Those scars on your face are my handiwork. Too bad I didn't rip your head off back then."
"That's right. I have you to thank for these three scars, so I've never forgotten that humiliating day." Falcon's expression darkened.
I had no patience for reminiscing. "If you want revenge, come at me. I came alone, just like you demanded. Now it's your turn to keep your side of the deal. Let Serenity go!"
"Fair point," Falcon said, smiling. "But surely you understand. Without a hostage, how can I guarantee you'll behave? After all, you're an Alpha wolf with Lycan blood."
"What do you want?" I ground out, each word forced through clenched teeth.
"Simple," Falcon said. "I want to trade her life for yours!"
"No, don't agree to that!" Serenity suddenly screamed, her voice breaking. "I have nothing to do with you anymore! Mind your own business!"
Falcon slammed the butt of his gun into her shoulder. She let out a pained grunt and nearly fell forward, but he grabbed her hair and yanked her back up.
The sight was unbearable. I roared, "Stop! Touch her again and I'll kill every last one of you!"
"You really do care about her. That makes this much easier."
He grabbed her hair and forced her face up. She winced in pain but bit down hard and refused to make another sound. She kept trying to shake her head at me. Her eyes were red, clearly fighting back tears. The sight shattered me. I would have gladly taken her place.
"What do I have to do for you to release Serenity?" My voice was hoarse. I had to clench my fists to resist the urge to tear these humans apart.
"Simple. You need to prove you're willing to trade your life for her freedom," Falcon said. "We don't want to fight an Alpha at full strength. So if you'll stand still and let me shoot out both your legs, I'll accept that as proof of your sincerity."
"How do I know you'll keep your word?" I demanded coldly.
Falcon laughed. "You'll just have to trust me, Alpha wolf. Do you have any other choice? Either take the gamble. If you're still standing after two shots, I'll let her go. Otherwise, watch her head explode."
Damn bastards.
I cursed them silently. I knew perfectly well they had no intention of letting me live. Once I lost the ability to fight, there was no way I could protect Serenity. The smart choice would be to refuse their offer. I was always calm and rational. I knew what the best decision was in this situation… but I couldn't bring myself to say it.
I gazed at Serenity, unable to bear the sight of any more pain or anguish on her face. If my life alone could buy her freedom and happiness, it would be the best deal in the world.
"I agree." I took a deep breath and heard my own answer.
"No!" Serenity screamed again, her voice choked with tears.
I wanted to comfort her, to tell her not to worry about me. I had come alone, but I had installed a GPS tracker on myself. Herman would follow the signal and bring warriors here. As long as I could hold out until they arrived, Serenity would be safe. I would never leave her happiness and freedom in the hands of our enemies!
Falcon smiled with satisfaction. He raised his pistol, the black barrel aimed at my right leg. "Then hold still."
I clenched my jaw and glared at him.
BANG!
A gunshot rang out. The silver bullet tore into my right leg, ripping open a deep, bloody wound. Searing pain and burning agony exploded at the site of impact. The silver toxin ravaged my flesh, nearly bringing me to my knees. But I bit down hard and swallowed my scream.
I couldn't fall. Through sheer willpower, I forced myself to stay standing. Cold sweat rolled down my forehead and dripped into my eyes. I didn't blink. I kept my gaze locked on Serenity.
It's okay.I sent the message to her through our bond. She gave me no response. Only tears streamed down her face.
"Impressive. You really are an Alpha." Falcon whistled. "That bullet had enough silver to kill an ordinary werewolf. I didn't expect you to still be standing. Now for the second shot."
He shifted his aim to my left leg.
