Rising in the Shadows - 13. Chapter 13: Careless Clash

Smelling the larger man’s status, Dave’s mind went into overdrive. Need to get Stacy out of here! I’m out-numbered easily, not even looking at the Alpha. He reached into his pocket and pulled out his phone and keys, “Stacy, get in the truck and lock it. If you need to, drive away.”

Stacy couldn’t believe what she was hearing, “D-Dave, no! I’m not leaving you-”

“I’m concerned for your safety, and I’m not taking no for an answer.” He held his keys and phone behind his back, “Get in the truck. Password is 9653. Call a contact named Caleb Gage and tell him to get here now.” Feeling her presence behind him, Dave grew frustrated, “Go!”

Hearing Dave’s voice grow louder, she stepped back and unlocked the truck. Gods, this...this is actually happening! She climbed in and closed the door as two of the smaller men started pacing up to her boyfriend. No...no, oh Gods! They’re going to… Her thoughts came to life as Dave pulled his arms up as the two men approached.

Two on one? Not bad to start, I guess. Dave didn’t dare make the first move as he maintained his position. Can’t let them get to her! The smaller of the lycan swung wide and Dave immediately caught it. Amateurs! They don’t know how to fight! Turning the man around, the Beta twisted the captured arm behind the lycan’s back and pushed him into the other oncoming man. He flashed a look at Stacy. She’s not calling him! “Stacy! Call!”

Hearing his yell, Stacy fumbled on the phone. R-right...I...I need to do something!

“You are no ordinary man, are you?” Hearing the low voice once again, Dave turned his full attention to the Alpha. “No...no you’re not.”

Dave’s heart sank. He...he’s not that much of a damned idiot, is he? He dropped his voice to a barely audible whisper, “No, and she’s not aware of us. Back...off.”

The larger man’s eyes flashed golden, “Who are you to tell me what to do?” The voice boomed throughout the garage, causing Dave to shudder as he felt the power shake him to his core. “You are nothing but a whelp!” Darting the glowing eyes to the bigger man behind him, he lowered his tone, “Blake, beat his ass. Bern, Everett, get up.” The three men walked side by side as Dave contemplated how to handle the confrontation.

Think...think! An idea came to his head, but he didn’t like the possible outcome. Jeez, is that really my best option? “Hey! Big man in back!” The three henchmen stopped, waiting for their boss to answer, “Think you’re real manly to sick your goons on a lonely man? Some leader you are.”

The taller of the three men stepped forward and Dave could smell the anger oozing from him, but before he could get a word out, the man bowed his head and stepped to the side. The Alpha was walking Dave’s way, with eyes of glowing amber. Oh, fuck. He really doesn’t care that a human is around? A normal, unexposed human! This...this is bad!

“Boys...sit back. You actually have some balls on you. Just who are you?” The larger man glared down at Dave, expecting an answer.

Bringing his voice back down to an audible whisper, Dave spoke, “Beta David Triggs of Owensville County Pack, next town over. I didn’t get word that the city was taken.”

Smirking, the Alpha lowered his glowing eyes, “Freshly claimed, so that makes you a trespassing wolf.”

Dave didn’t like the man’s choice of volume. Stacy’s hearing every damned word of this! “Sorry, we’ll leave, it won’t happen again.”

“You’re right, it won’t happen again.” In a flash, the Alpha whipped his arm up, slapping Dave away. The Beta landed on his side, hitting the cold concrete!

“Dave!”

Hearing Stacy’s scream sent a fresh wave of adrenaline through his body. Gotta get up! Get up...for her!

Stacy’s heart couldn’t take it anymore! He...he needs help! She focused on the phone in her hands and unlocked it. Contacts, contacts, contacts! Finding the button, she scrolled until she found the right name. Don’t know who this guy is, but if he can get here…

Pressing the button, she shrunk down into the seat as she helplessly watched Dave get thrown. W-what? He’s strong!

“Dave? What’s up?” A manly voice came across the line, bringing Stacy back into her scene.

“H-Hello? Is...is this Caleb?” Hearing her own voice tremble, she breathed heavily and tried to calm herself down.

“S...Stacy? Dave’s girlfriend? Why do you have his phone?”

She stopped all brain activity as Stacy saw the larger man kick Dave on the ground. Gasping as she watched the man’s hand. N-no...no way…

“Stacy! Where are you?” The loud and stern voice shook her.

“We...we’re in a garage in Mesker Park City, next...next to a couple bars on the big strip. Puh-please...hurry. The...this guy. His hand just...it just turned into a claw.”

***

Fuck! Fuck, fuck, fuck! Caleb ran through his house grabbing his keys in a flurry of movement. Before hanging up the phone, he told Stacy to keep her head down and to stay put. Fuck! I hope Dave can hold out for a little while.

“Baby, what’s goin’ on?” His mate, Tasha, was stirring food on the stove as she watched her man racing around in a frenzy. He looks like all hell has sprung loose! She stepped forward and tried to get more information out of the taller shifter.

“Dave’s fighting an Alpha and his girl’s been exposed.” He barely had time to breathe as he spoke as fast as he could.

Understanding the severity of the situation, Tasha dropped her spoon on the kitchen floor, “Where they at?”

“Parking garage in Mesker Park City. I’ll...I’ll never make it!” Panic and guilt began setting in for the Enforcer.

“Honey!” Tasha grabbed Caleb by the arm and drug him to her mocha face, “Use your head. Breathe, and think. Now!”

Taking his mate’s advice, the lion took a deep breath. Okay...think. Who can get there faster? After a few short moments of going through his mental catalog of friends, he found an answer. I...got it! He pulled out his phone and called the one person he knew could get to Dave. With every ring on his end, the lion’s heart pounded harder. Pick-up...pick-up! Just as Caleb was going to throw his phone, the line stopped ringing.

“Hey, G-man!”

***

Mason hopped in the SUV as the group was getting ready for Vincent’s next sparring match. Oh, man! I’ve been looking forward to this for over a week! I can’t wait to see what my little Vinnie can do against an Alpha like Ty! After a moment, he turned to see Vincent on the phone. Wasn’t he about to go get Yakob? I wonder who he’s talking to. Watching his mate’s face turn into a serious frown, his wolf told him something was about to happen. What are you thinking?

Bad. Mate bond sour. Bad thing happen. Ask.

Yeah, that’ll be best. Stepping out of the vehicle, Mason closed the distance between him and Vincent.

“Mace, what’s the hold up?” Tierney lowered the window slightly, just to have Mason hold up his hand. Uh-oh. I smell trouble from a mile away, and Vincent’s face had trouble written all over it. “Turn the car off, Dirk. Something’s up.” The bear killed the engine and followed his leader out of the vehicle.

Vincent couldn’t believe what he was hearing from the pack Enforcer. D-Dave? Stacy?

Go!

Y-yeah! I...I gotta go! “I’m on my way, Caleb. Call Stacy back and tell her everything’s okay.” He hung up and slipped his phone in his pocket, only to find Mason’s concerned face directly in front of him. “I...I need to go.”

“What’s wrong, pup?”

Taking a moment to control his emotions, Vincent looked at his mate, “Dave’s in Mesker Park City. He got attacked by some Alpha and a group of guys. Stacy’s in the truck and saw the Alpha’s hybrid claw. They’re at the parking garage off Jefferson Avenue.” He watched as Mason began to shake in anger, “Mace, I need to go. I’m the only one that can get to him in time!”

Staring down at his mate, Mason’s human side didn’t want Vincent to come to any harm. No! He go! Save Beta!

Damn it! He can’t take me all the way there! It...it really has to be him.

No time! He go now!

Trembling, Mason felt rivers of adrenaline rush through his veins. He wanted to fight his wolf’s answer to the problem, but no alternative made itself known. In a flash, the large lycan leaned and planted a kiss on his man before whispering, “Go, pup. You stay safe, you hear me?”

Vincent nodded, “Got it, big guy.” The mage ran to the open SUV and closed the door. Mason and Tierney saw small puffs of black cloud seep from the bottom of the vehicle.

Mason brought his hands up to his hair and grabbed fistfulls, “Damn it!” The shout was loud enough to gather some attention from nearby pedestrians.

“Mason, let your mate handle it.” Tierney stared at the enraged Alpha, “Vincent can take down anyone. Even if he can’t take down the Alpha, he can get the two away from the area. Between him, Dave, and Caleb, they can get the human acclimated. If they have problems, they have Lei and Elaine.” The New Yorker watched as Mason started to calm down, “Besides, we can do a lot from here. Get in touch with your EC liaison and I’ll check with mine. If there’s an Alpha in the city, and we can get a name, we’ll have his ass on revealing the supernatural world.”

Yeah, he’s right. I...I just wish I could have gone. “Tierney, I feel so...so helpless! My mate is off fighting an unknown foe and I’m stuck here, making phone calls.”

“That comes with the job. Now, start dialing.” The older Alpha pulled out his phone and made his first call to Cyrus to inform him of the situation. He can call Kaplan, and those two will get working as well.

Mason begrudgingly grabbed his and found his EC governing liaison’s contact. After a short moment, the line picked up and Mason heard the familiar chipper voice. “Alpha Wilson, what can I do for you?”

“Lily, we have a problem. I need to know if the territory north of my pack is still vacant or if it’s been claimed. Please hurry, my mate is on his way to stop my Beta from getting his shit kicked in.”

The sound of frantic fingernail clacking filled his ears, “Got it, Alpha Wilson. The...territory is...well, that is a pickle.”

“What? What’s going on?” Mason’s voice grew more agitated and Tierney had to give him a raised eyebrow.

“The paperwork for the territory claim has been filed, but it’s not reviewed. It’s not scheduled to hit the EC’s agenda for another week. The territory is in limbo, and as it sits, the land is not claimed. Is...is there an Alpha there to claim it?”

“Yeah, and whoever this Alpha is is probably the one beating my Beta and has exposed his human girlfriend.” The clacking stopped on the other end of the line, “Lily?”

“Alpha Wilson, a human’s been exposed? Are you able to handle it?” The liaison’s voice became strained and concerned.

Mason closed his eyes as he felt the side of his head sweating against the phone’s touchscreen. Great, I’m opening a jumbo-sized can of worms! “My mate is on his way there. We’re on a vacation in New York, and Alpha Scott is assisting me with this as well.”

“Your...mate,” The sound of typing ensued over the call, “Vincent Bolton. Is...is this information correct? You put in here, he’s a shadow mage?”

For the love of the Gods! “Yes, I put it there because he is! Now, can you give me the damned Alpha’s name so Tierney Scott can start a damned manhunt?”

“Right, right! Uhmmm...Alpha...Kordell Griffith.”

Name doesn’t ring a bell. “Tierney,” Pulling the phone away from his face, Mason directed his attention to the New Yorker, “Kordell Griffith.”

Tierney stood for a few seconds to try to recollect the name, “Don’t know him, but we’ll find some dirt.”

Cursing to himself, Mason returned to Lily, “Do you have any information on this Alpha?”

The noise of fingernails hitting keys returned with a vengeance as Mason impatiently waited. The Owensville Alpha snapped his fingers at Dirk, signaling for the bear to come closer, “Dirk, here’s a number for Chief Henry Vogue. Tell him who you are, how I gave you his number, and get some lycan officers to the parking garage on Jefferson Avenue.” Dirk happily took the responsibility and started on his own phone call.

Lily’s engaged voice brought Mason’s attention back to her, “Alright, this is what I found so far, Alpha Wilson. Alpha Griffith...he’s tried claiming unmarked territories across the Midwest, as well as the Nevada area. He has a previous criminal record for multiple arrests on physical assaults and domestic abuse. The EC has shut down every claim, so expect the same outcome.”

Damn! A violent Alpha. Letting his phone down, Mason closed his eyes. He felt a need to talk to someone who could help, someone that would listen. Lor...Lord Bol? I...I don’t know if you can hear me, but shit kind of hit the fan. Vinnie is off to stop an Alpha from hurting Dave. I know he can handle himself, but...but I can’t watch over him right now. Please, all I ask is that you keep an eye on him, just for a moment of your time.

“Alpha Wilson?”

Hearing his liaison speak up on the phone’s speaker forced him to stop his prayer and continue his phone call, “Go ahead.”

“Your mate’s data was entered a couple of weeks ago. Not to sound like a prude, but can he handle explaining the supernatural world to an exposed human?”

Mason gripped his phone tight. Fuck! “No, but my Beta can. If need be, my father is available. I’ll be calling him as soon as I get off the phone here.”

“Excellent. Is there anything else I can help you with? I’ll need to inform the council of this issue, so you might want to expect an ambassador within the next few days.”

Oh, that’s just the fucking icing, isn’t it? “I’m good for now, but I’ll probably be calling back today.”

“Alright, sounds good. Thank you, Alpha Wilson.” Hearing the double tone in his ear, Mason slipped his phone back in his pocket.

Dirk walked up to the Kentucky Alpha, “Got in touch with your chief, he’s sending several of your pack-friendly officers, an Ingle and a Poll?”

Breathing a little easier, Mason nodded to the bear, “Yeah, Ingle’s one of the best I got. Poll’s his partner, but she’s a human and I’m not too familiar with her. Good, knowing they’re on the way is helping me a bit.” Still, I can’t help but think I should be there!

Dirk dared to lay his hand on the Alpha’s shoulder, “I feel you and your emotions for your mate. Your mate gave me one of the toughest fights I’ve had in recent years, and I know he was holding back. Vincent’s got this, and I feel Dave’s going to be just fine.”

Casting an uncertain expression, Mason felt a ghostly pull on his bond and looked off into the bustling street. Without much thought, the Alpha knew he was staring in his mate’s direction. I sure hope so, Dirk. Please...be careful, Vinnie.

***

The landscape was a blur. Vincent ran as fast as he could! I haven’t run this fast in the shadows in a long time! There was no time to question his personal record, as he needed to get back to Kentucky. One minute. That’s all it will take. C’mon, Dave! You...you can hang on for that long, can’t you? Thinking of the last few words spoken in his mind, Vincent’s heart pumped. Can’t...can’t he? I’ve never seen him fight, but I...I can only assume!

Pouring on the speed, the mage saw some familiar sights. There goes Cincinnati! I’m getting close! Meeting the highway exit for Owensville, Vincent knew exactly where he was. He just needed to find his friends.

***

Coughing, the lycan felt his chest ache as his lungs begged for air. Dave was able to get a few hits in, but the Alpha seemed to know his way around a scuffle. Gods, be damned! It’s been a while since I’ve gotten my ass kicked like this.

“For a Beta, you aren’t that great in a fight.” The Alpha chortled with his scratchy baritone voice, “If this is the power you offer to your council, I might think about expanding and taking your Alpha’s territory as well.”

Fury ignited within Dave, centering around his heart. Hell...Hell no! Throwing his pain aside, the Beta propped himself up on his knees. Coughing once more, he took note of the copper taste in his mouth. Not doing so hot. Stumbling to his feet, Dave stepped forward, “You...you are seriously...out of your damned mind!” Earning the bright irises once more, Dave felt the need to submit, but recklessly ignored his instincts, “My Alpha will hear of this...and you...you are a dead man.”

An ear-splitting roar echoed throughout the garage, nearly knocking Dave off his knees. The sidelined henchmen quickly bared their necks. Partially shifting both arms into solid black hybrid claws, the Alpha stood in unadulterated rage, “You...you are the one who will end up dead!”

Swallowing his pride, Dave knew he had no fight left in him. Still need to get Stace out of here! He stole a glance at his truck. Stacy shrank in her seat, trying her best not to be noticed. It’s too late to prevent her exposure. She’s seen the hybrid claws. The only thing I can do now is to keep these four away from her.

Darting his eyes to the Alpha’s crew, he quickly analyzed them. Tall brute...not a Delta-class but I guess that’s the Enforcer. Then there’s the cool and calm one, he’s obviously the Beta. Maybe...maybe I can talk my way out? I can at least stall for time. Surely Caleb is on his way!

Dave looked back to the Alpha, “Is...is that your council? It’s honestly pitiful.” The smallest of the three dared to step forward, only to receive a jolting glare from the Owensville Beta, “You can stay there, the grown-ups are talking.” Turning back to the Alpha, Dave knew the runt had the sense to back down, “No doubt, you’re a strong Alpha. I’m just curious to see such a weak council. Your Beta isn’t even offering you advice or speaking in your stead. That excuse of an Enforcer wasn’t the first to charge at me.”

Seeing the golden irises fade relieved Dave. I’m...I’m getting in! He’s listening to me! “An Enforcer is the first to jump to an Alpha’s challenge, offering himself in his leader’s honor. In tradition, the fact he didn’t perform that action is a sign of dishonor to the Alpha.” Dave paused to take a deep breath, “Now your Beta is being dishonorable.”

“Wh-what are you talking about?” The bearded man snarled.

A disapproving chuff left Dave’s lips, “You are not even attempting to cut me off. Here I am, verbally slamming your Enforcer’s performance and your Alpha’s intentions. How do you expect to ever handle yourself in a political conversation?”

Dave’s eyes were drawn to the Alpha as a loud and gritty laugh filled the air. Some fear trickled into his soul, but his wolf’s instincts were telling him otherwise, “I can’t believe I’m saying this, but you have impressed me! You are a peculiar wolf...yes, very interesting.” His claws reverted back into human hands and the tall man advanced in a calm manner, “Alpha Griffith. You are worth something, Beta Triggs. Your words are brash, but they dance so elegantly!”

“Al-Alpha Griffith? You’re complimenting him?” Dave’s gaze moved to the so-called Beta, only to be surprised by the Alpha.

“Yes, yes I am. I think I misjudged this wolf, despite his...choice in mates.” The selection of words caused Dave to cringe, but did his best to curb his irritation, “Blake, Bern...explain yourselves. This Beta is correct, and you have insulted me in your actions, or should I say lack of actions?”

The bearded lycan was about to speak, but Dave chose to move a proverbial chess piece, “Lack of actions...Alpha.” Saying the title left a sour taste in his mouth. I’m in with this bastard. I need him to throw his pawns away! A slight movement behind the Alpha caught his eye. Looking inside the truck, Dave couldn’t help but let a much needed sigh of relief out. Thank the Gods!

Shocked by the use of his title, Griffith turned his head to the battered lycan, “Consider me pleased, Triggs! I wasn’t expecting such a sudden change in alliance. What brought this on?”

Dave couldn’t help but let loose a crazed fit of laughter from his lips, “Oh, no reason. Just needed to buy some time.” He saw another signal from behind the truck and responded with a nod, “I’d never betray my Alpha for a sick bastard like you!”

Griffith’s golden eyes returned. He realized he succumbed to the smaller lycan’s trickery, but the Alpha instinctually turned around. Looking in the white truck, the female human disappeared. How is that possible? Returning to the Beta, Griffith squinted his eyes.

He's gone too! What is going on?

***

Stacy sat in shock. Just short of hyperventilating, she did her best to understand the sights she had seen. The...that guy's hand! It...it turned all furry! I saw that, right? Slouched as low in her seat as possible, she watched her boyfriend get savagely beaten.

What was catching her breath though, was the concept of Dave talking nonsense with the scary man with hairy claws. He’s...he’s talking to him? They were just fighting a little while ago! She was lost in their conversation. Having the other three men referred to as a council, the attacker and her boyfriend calling each other different letters of the Greek alphabet, and then the two having a somewhat civil conversation turned Stacy’s brain into mush! The...the entire time they’ve been talking...my heart feels so heavy! It’s like they are so...so much more.

The thought clicked in her head. More. I...I don’t think I was crazy for seeing that guy’s hands change shape. Seeing them...all of them talk like this is too weird! Even as she looked at Dave with the bruises and large scrapes on his face, Stacy wasn’t sure about her man anymore. As she looked at him, she saw Dave turn his eyes to her. Did...he know I looked at him? Her breath caught and Stacy felt a shiver run down her spine. To her, his eyes seemed cold, but they also carried a deep-seated passion.

The men continued to talk, but when Stacy saw her man dart his eyes over to her again, she grew confused when he seemed relieved. What is he...why is he-

As a cold finger touched her shoulder, all color faded from Stacy’s world. Screaming in shock and fright, she jerked back away from the driver’s side of the vehicle, slamming herself into the passenger door.

“Stacy! Stace!” A familiar voice hit her ears and she opened her eyes. “It’s okay, it’s just me.”

Vi-Vincent! Stacy saw her friend sitting in the driver seat, but with all color drained from his face, as well as the world around them. Emotions whirled together in a cyclone of intense combination. “V...Vin?” He...he’s supposed to be in New...New York! Her eyes landed on the hand on her shoulder.

“I...I am so sorry.” Hearing the shorter man’s meaningful and confusing apology halted her thoughts, “There’s a lot going on, and some things look like they can’t...be explained.” The boy looked down away from her teary gaze and sniffed. When he returned his gaze to her, he spoke softly, “What’s important right now is that we get you and Dave to safety, okay? I just need you to trust me.”

Feeling the sincerity in his tone overrode every ounce of confusion and concern for the scene behind her, “Y-Yeah, puh-please help him.” She turned to see the relief on Dave’s face.

“Okay. Dave’s going to explain everything to you.” The cold hand on her shoulder lightly gripped her shoulder as Vincent’s other hand landed on Stacy’s other side. Before she could see what he was doing, she felt a blur around her. Looking up, she was standing next to Dave, and the larger man was in front of her.

W-w-what? She stammered as she watched Vincent take one of his arms and touched Dave’s chest. When the hand met its mark, the broad-shouldered man’s eyes widened and his head darted around. They landed on Vincent, then to Stacy.

“St-Stace? Vin?”

Vincent’s eyelids felt heavy. Woah! Okay, three people is a lot! Get...Get moving! “Can’t do this much longer, Dave. I can get you two a little ways away, but not far.” Nodding to the mage, Dave naturally took his girlfriend’s hand.

The three made it to the stairwell and Vincent was about to take off towards the heinous group, “Sit tight, I’ll see what’s going on-.”

“Vin,” Dave looked to the friendly Alpha, then to Stacy. She was wrapped in his arms, lost and confused. She’s seen too much. I’ll have to explain the whole thing to her, nice and slowly. He wanted to mentally curse himself, knowing that their relationship will probably end. Doesn’t...doesn’t matter. All that does matter is making sure she’s safe. Foregoing the rules of secrecy, the Beta spoke, “Mesker Park City is now claimed territory, and he’s Alpha. We’re already in enough shit with trespassing.” He earned a shaken look from the human in his arms, but kept going, “Rules have been broken, and that son a bitch needs to pay.”

The Beta felt the mage’s shifted gaze on him, despite not seeing a change in the new colorless world, “I make pay. Stay here.”

Dave’s breath held. Oh, shit! That...that’s Vincent’s wolf!

***

What in the fuck is going on? Kordell turned around in his position. Those two...they just vanished! “Find them! Now!” His order was pungent in anger as the three orderlies sniffed the air. They took several steps in different directions before turning their heads collectively. Kordell’s nose caught the scent too. Stairs. Don’t know how they made a little runaway, but they won’t live to see tomorrow! As he took a running start, the scent caused him to slow his pace. Their smell isn’t wafting. They’re...staying put?

He furrowed his brow as he felt his instincts twitch. As he was turning around, he heard a new voice echo in the garage, “You...you harm my Beta?”

Measuring the voice before looking at the source, Kordell grinned. Gruff, but light. Yeah...I can feel it’s an Alpha. He saw the smallest of pipsqueaks standing between him and his council. Staring at the glowing frosty eyes, the imposing Alpha couldn’t help but laugh gutturally, “This...you have got to be joking with me? A little runt like you, an Alpha?”

With Kordell’s laughter, his council joined in with light chuckles. Bernie kept quiet though. Don’t know what’s up with this kid, but I...I don’t like it! Alpha Griffith laughs, but how in the hell did he get in here? They’re getting caught up in his size. “Al...Alpha Griffith! Don’t take him lightly, he’s got something up his sleeve.”

Kordell glared at his Beta with a smile. Looks like someone took advice! Time for Blake to take some too. With a snap of the fingers and a pointed flick, the Alpha made his signal, “Blake, be a good Enforcer, would you?”

The silent man lurked over, cracking his tattooed knuckles, “Sure thing.” Within several feet of the small man, Blake’s blood ran cold as Vincent’s stare landed on him.

In a snap, Vincent flung his arm out and clasped his fingers shut, latching his shadow around Blake’s ankles. With a snake-like motion, the mage cast his arm. The man’s feet were bound together as they swept the man to the ground, forcing a groan out of the lycan’s throat. Everyone watched as the hulking man was drug across the floor of the garage and flung against the cement wall with fearsome force. Blake’s body crumpled and remained motionless.

Acting on pure instinct, Bernie and Everett lunged at the new Alpha. Vincent stood his ground and ducked under one of the men’s haymakers. With the other one coming in, the mage knew he had no time to dodge. He filled his hand with magic and caught the fist, covering the flesh with layers of arctic-cold ice. The smaller of the two attackers stumbled backward screaming, unable to control his pain.

Focusing on the remaining man, Vincent snapped his finger and hurled a pink vision ward into Bernie's face. Once the Beta’s irises turned bright lavender, Vincent flung his arm up, sending the cloud flying to the higher stories within the garage. The surprised wolf noisily fell to the floor, unable to control his sight and balance as his vision twirled and spun out of control. In a familiar motion, Vincent sent the defenseless man flying on top of the Enforcer’s body with his shadow magic.

Disposing of the three did not satiate Vincent’s rage. He darted his eyes to the still Alpha, taking note of the infuriated scowl, “You no answer. You harm Beta Triggs?” His rumbling and scruffy voice lingered throughout the echo-inducing building.

Kordell stood in angered awe. Those three...wiped out without a moment’s thought! He heard a motion in the stairwell, causing his attention to be diverted.

A dark tentacle smacked his cheek with plenty of force, causing his head to whip around to the small man. The blue irises glowed even brighter than before, “You...keep eye on me!”

From the corner of his eye, Kordell saw the black tentacle retract towards the mysterious Alpha. I’ve...I’ve heard of this! Shadow magic! The runt speaks of his Beta. This...this couldn’t be? Kordell, bursting with irritation, forced his words out, “I’m guessing you’re the Alpha to the south. Wilson, right?”

Vincent's voice grew louder as his mate was mentioned, “I am mate! Mated Alpha. Who you, why you hurt Beta?”

Squinting his eyes, Kordell inhaled through his nostrils. Thought so. He smelled like one. “Same reason I feel the need to squash you. Humanity is a plague that wishes to grow stronger. You found power, didn’t you?” He earned a wicked snarl from the infected human, “You found power when you learned of our existence. Just like all humans, you crave it, desire it. You want to be the strongest, and will do anything to have it.” Feeling a growl of his own forming in his throat, Kordell’s tone grew hostile, “You don’t belong in our world.”

Feeling the personal hold of the larger man’s words, Vincent growled. With his wolf at the front, the mage couldn’t hold himself back, “You wrong! I Alpha wolf, human nice. Human already strong when I born! He know much about world, help me learn.” Vincent’s muscles along his nose twitched, “I...I need human.”

Kordell curled his head and sneered, “You need your human? Pathetic!” The larger Alpha stepped forward and let a playful growl permeate through the building, “I’ll enjoy ending your life.”

Hearing the threat, Vincent took a defensive stance and mentally prepared himself. He sounds...like he really wants to kill me.

Yes, challenge! We kill him!

Alarmed at his wolf’s response, Vincent tried to reason with himself, Hang on a minute, we can restrain him and have him ready for the police when they arrive.

For human, you no think. He threaten pack. Ground for challenge! Understanding his wolf’s reasoning, he was stunned when another round of thought came at him, Think also. Police not all know. Magic bind him, they no like.

I...I didn’t think about that! Knowing that he couldn’t hold down a large man like the Alpha, he would have to resort to magic to do so. But...do we really have to kill him?

He no respect us! No respect human! I try to hold, but I want...I want blood!

Let’s just focus on kicking his ass, okay? With a mental grunt, the minds agreed to a purpose and prepared themselves. You want me to take the lead on this, or do-

Mine! With a flick of the wrist, Vincent spawned an ice dagger. Holding the handle tight, the mage’s fury turned into ambition. He is mine!