Several rogues flinched. But Clancy held his ground, defiance burning in his eyes.
“Maybe. But at least we can satisfy our mates.” Clancy’s gaze slid to Connor, predatory and cruel. “I’ll bet Connor’s real lonely, warming your bed every night with nothing to show for it, but then no, it’s not like that, is it. It’s him who’s telling you no. Maybe when we’re done with you, we’ll show him what a real wolf feels like.”
Connor exploded. There was no other word for it. One second he was standing beside Leyden. The next, his wolf tore free in a shower of shredded clothes - massive, snarling and showing his teeth. He launched himself at Clancy without hesitation, jaws snapping for his throat.
The rogues scattered. Two shifted immediately, leaping to Clancy’s defense. The others hesitated just long enough for Leyden to shift and join the fight.
His wolf hit the ground running, his alpha power radiating like a weapon. One rogue went down immediately, his throat crushed beneath Leyden’s jaws.
Through the bond, Leyden felt Connor’s cold fury. Calculated violence. No hesitation, no mercy. Connor’s teeth found a rogue’s shoulder, tearing muscle and sinew. The wolf yelped and retreated, limping badly.
Clancy shifted, a scarred gray wolf with hate burning in his eyes. He circled Connor, waiting for an opening.
Leyden moved to intercept, but Connor’s consciousness brushed against his through their bond.I’ve got him. Watch the others.
Trust. Partnership. Connor wasn’t asking for protection - he was coordinating their attack.
Leyden spun toward the three remaining rogues circling them. He had to give them a chance, sending out his alpha power in an effort to make them submit.
One wolf dropped to his belly immediately. But the other two hesitated.
Big mistake.
Leyden tore into them, claws raking across ribs, teeth finding vulnerable throats. Non-lethal wounds, but devastating. Enough to send a message.
Through the bond, Leyden tracked Connor’s fight with Clancy. The rogue was larger, but Connor fought like the machine Davis had always said he was - precise, brutal, relentless.
Clancy lunged. Connor sidestepped and his jaws closed around Clancy’s hind leg, crushing bone. Clancy howled and collapsed. Before he could recover, Connor’s teeth found his throat.
And held it. Connor didn’t take the killing bite. He just kept Clancy pinned, growling a warning.
The message was clear.Submit or die.Clancy went limp beneath Connor’s jaws.
Leyden shifted back to human form, standing over the defeated wolves. Connor released Clancy’s throat but remained in wolf form, guarding.
“You’re done,” Leyden said coldly. “All of you. If I catch you on my territory again, I won’t be merciful. And if you ever threaten my mate again…” He let the promise hang, unfinished but unmistakable.
Clancy shifted back, blood streaming from his throat and leg. “You can’t win forever. Someone will challenge you eventually.”
“Let them try.” Leyden crouched down, his alpha power made the air thick. “But they won’t succeed. Do you know why?”
Clancy just glared.
“Because I’m not fighting alone anymore.” Leyden rested his hand on Connor’s wolf’s massive head. “My mate fights besideme. And together, we’re stronger than any challenge you could throw at us.”
Connor’s wolf rumbled agreement, satisfaction flowing through the bond.
Leyden stood. “Get out of my territory. Now.”
The rogues limped into the forest, Clancy supported by the two who’d submitted. Leyden watched until they disappeared completely, then turned to Connor’s wolf.
Connor shifted back, gloriously naked and streaked with blood that wasn’t his.
“Well,” Connor said, breathing hard. “That felt good.”
Leyden laughed, exhausted and exhilarated. “You’re terrifying when you’re angry.”
“Only when someone threatens what’s mine.” Connor stepped closer, unconcerned with his nudity. “Nobody talks about you like that. Nobody.”
