Page 23 of His to Claim

Vanessa kicked out, almost managing to escape, her yelp cut short as the asshole smashed the gun against the side of her head. She went down and that was all I could take.

There was no holding back the beast, my wolf breaking through the surface.

Every synapse was on fire, blood racing through my veins. The pain was almost unbearable as I began to transform, bones and muscles stretching, the crackling sound filtering all around me. My fingers curled, forcing me to take a deep breath. Within seconds, I was pitched forward, dropping hard onto the concrete. Claws ripped at my clothes as bones shot out through my legs. As my blood continued to boil, my heart thudded, ready to explode. The anguish continued as my spine twisted, reforming, my eyes shifting into their canine state.

I noticed the paralyzing look of the third man as he prepared to fire in my direction, yet his hand was shaking. I could smell his fear as the fur grew in length, the final transformation taking place. I dragged my tongue across my sharp canines, strings of saliva dripping to the floor.

Vanessa moaned, struggling to sit up then collapsing.

Rage unlike anything I’d ever known shot through me. I let out an intense roar, before lunging in the man’s direction, my teeth ripping into his neck.

The single shot he was able to get off slammed into one of the cars. I tossed the bloodied man away, resisting the urge to kill him and took a flying leap at the asshole who’d dared lay a finger on Vanessa.

Pop! Pop!

The two shots managed to catch me in the upper chest, both going clean through. While the pain was wretched, the adrenaline flowing through me was enough to keep me going. I tackled the asshole, the force ramming him into the wall. He slid down the surface, slumping to the side. The fucker was still breathing.

At that moment, the presence I felt brought rage into my system in an entirely different manner. I took a deep whiff, issuing a series of low and purposeful growls as a shadow popped up from several car lengths away.

I let out a keening growl, rage ripping through me.

Another wolf.

Why hadn’t I been able to detect him before? What the fuck?

Everything I’d been taught seemed to be tossed away. I’d heard that certain wolves were capable of masking their scent, but only for a period of time. I padded closer until he came into view. There was no holding back, no time to calculate the damage that would be caused by initiating a fight within human territory.

The unknown wolf was out for blood.

I would claw out his heart, feasting while the light passed from his eyes.

We both lunged, the bitter snarls and growls permeating the denseness of the parking garage. As the fight ensued, we rolled several times. He matched my strength, able to keep my canines inches away from his neck. I managed to rake my claws down the side of his neck, howling at the instant stench of blood permeating the air.

He pushed himself backwards, his low-slung growl and shimmering eyes preparing for a fight to the death.

In the periphery of my vision, I noticed a car approaching, slamming on the brakes at the sight of two vicious beasts brawling.

I’d been able to see the look of horror and disbelief in the man’s eyes seconds before he threw the gear into reverse, tires screeching and rubber burning as he attempted to exit.

I shot forward, flying several feet off the floor. The wolf reared back, grunting as he attempted to breathe, unprepared for the harsh slash raked down his chest. He stumbled, howling as he fell to the concrete. I raced toward him, hovering over the massive beast as I prepared to issue a killing blow.

A wave of sirens was only two precious minutes away, time I couldn’t afford to waste.

Get out and don’t come back.

The warning was issued and it was one the asshole knew better than not to take.

The beast moved away, stopping long enough to turn his head in my direction, the look in his eyes alarming. He was out for more than just blood.

As the creature scampered off into the darkness, I hissed, moving from one assailant to the other, inhaling deeply. They would all live, although there would be serious questions regarding the injuries. What the hell was going on and why was a wolf after Vanessa?

The sirens drew closer and I was taking more than just a significant chance, but I had to know if she was all right. Still, I couldn’t be caught in the carnage. Vanessa moaned, struggling to push herself up from the cold concrete. The rage continued to sweep through me as I moved to her side, making certain she was all right. When she opened her eyes, blinking several times, I was forced to slink into the shadows.

I would answer for my careless attacks, the Wolfen pack leader likely requiring punishment. At this point, I didn’t give a shit. I’d vowed to protect her and I would.

No matter what was done to me.

Her whimper was mournful, drawing my attention once again. I took one last longing look and knew she was staring in my direction, searching for the monster she’d seen in the darkness. I had little time left, swinging my head in both directions until I found my tattered clothing. I knew better than to leave evidence.