I like the story about two men running from a bear.
One says, "This is hopeless. We can't outrun him."
The other guy replies, "Not really. I only have to outrun you."
The human side of Austin fuses with his primal Alpha side. His wolf side must see all the secrets. The transformation is done and he must find his mate.
Catherine got satisfaction from admitting her part in Alistair's downfall, but it was a mistake. No matter how broken, you never leave a monster alive. Better to consign them to ashes permenantly.