Page 54 of Return to the Pack

My vision turns red, hot with rage, and there’s only one thought in my mind. I’m going to destroy this fucking wolf if it’s the last thing I ever do. I’m like a missile as I launch at the beast.

He yips as if surprised by the attack, and then turns on me, going for my throat.

You’re dead, Alpha.

Stunned by the communication, I falter, and his teeth connect with my flesh, grasping my foreleg.

You’re nothing but a puppy.

This bastard is communicating with me. How is this possible?

Adrenaline pumps through my body, and I wrench my leg out of his grip and bite down on his throat.

Suddenly, Luna’s at his hindquarters. Her sharp fangs sink into his muscles, and she rips and shreds with vicious shakes of her head. Finally, she pulls off a chunk of his leg, flings her head, and sends it flying. Then, she goes for the tender juncture between his hind leg and his belly. It’s right at his groin, and it’s one of the most sensitive parts of anybody, animal or human.

Blood spurts from his abdomen.

No, he screams. The bitch is mine.

Wanna bet? I rip out a chunk of his throat, and more blood spurts from his neck. I sink my teeth in and tear through his jugular, spraying blood as I sever it completely.

Soon, the bastard lays quivering in the sand. With a last puff of air, he stills.

I turn toward Luna, expecting to soothe her, but she launches at me.

Her communication screams through my mind.

You knew! You fucking knew!

Knew what? Luna, what are you talking about? I’m scrambling to keep away from her teeth. Has she lost her mind?

I don’t want to do it, but I overpower her, pinning her to the ground under me. She’s already wounded, so I’m careful not to use too much force. Shift, I command.

No.

Shift, goddamn it.

No!

Luna, obey my command.

I place my teeth around her throat in a threatening pose, but I don’t break the skin. Still, the salty, sweet taste of her fills my mouth from where the other wolf bit her. For the first time, I use my dominance on her, forcing her submission.

She shifts and glares at me in all her glorious nakedness. “You knew, Axel. How could you keep this from me?”

I keep myself on top of her. “Keep what?” I ask through our bond.

“This wolf!” She stabs her finger in the air in the direction of the dead mutant.

“What about him?”

“Oh, sure, act like you don’t know,” she says.

I eye the blood seeping down her neck. I want to lick it and comfort her, closing the wound.

“Don’t even think about comforting me,” she snarls. “You’re nothing but a liar and a betrayer.”

Anger launches into my throat at her challenging my honor. “You’re going to have to come up with some facts to support your claim, Luna.”