Page 28 of Sawyer

I glanced at my phone, hoping for a text from Casey. Maybe he was busy, I told myself. No big deal.

But just as I was about to put my phone away, I heard a series of low, menacing growls coming from the back of the house.

My heart rate spiked, adrenaline flooding my veins. I was on my feet in an instant, muscles tense and ready to spring into action.

Before I could investigate, Gordon came bursting into the dining hall, his eyes wide and frantic as they searched the room.

His gaze locked on me, relief flashing across his face as I quickly made my way over, Benny obediently at my heels.

“What happened?” I asked, my voice low and urgent as I fell into step beside him.

“I was heading to the pack house when I saw Garth and Lee arguing,” Gordon said, his words tumbling out in a rush. “Their words turned into blows, then Garth shifted first…”

Damn it. I knew Garth was a loose cannon, but I hadn’t expected things to escalate this quickly.

My gut twisted as we reached the back of the house and stepped out onto the challenge circle.

There they were, locked in a vicious fight. Garth and Lee, both in their wolf forms, were circling each other with bared teeth and bristling fur.

Although it appeared both wolves were evenly matched, Lee was getting on in years, while Garth was in his prime.

This wasn’t a fair fight.

“Keep an eye on Benny,” I said, my tone firm as I lifted the little dachshund and handed him to a surprised Gordon.

Benny let out a small whine, but I knew it was for the best.

I couldn’t risk him getting between two angry wolves; he was too loyal for his own good and would try to defend me if I got caught up in the fight.

I had no choice but to break it up myself. The weight of the responsibility Cooper had entrusted to me hung heavy in my mind.

I couldn’t let him down—not on the very first night he’d ever left me in charge.

I stepped into the circle, my eyes locked on the two wolves as I let my own shift begin.

Bones cracked and muscles stretched as I transformed, the familiar rush of power surging through me.

In moments, I stood on four legs, my senses sharper, my instincts heightened.

I growled low in my throat, a warning sound that cut through the snarls and yelps of the fight.

Lee and Garth paused, their heads snapping in my direction as they registered my presence.

Garth’s eyes gleamed with challenge, and I knew he was spoiling for a fight with anyone, even me.

But I wasn’t here to indulge him—I was here to end this before it got any worse.

With a snarl, I lunged at Garth, my larger form knocking him off balance.

He hit the ground with a thud, but was back on his feet in an instant, teeth flashing as he went for my throat.

I sidestepped, my movements quick and precise, and delivered a sharp bite to his flank, just enough to let him know I wasn’t playing around.

Then my injured leg flared up in protest but I did my best to ignore the pain. Showing weakness now wasn’t a good idea.

Lee stayed back, his breathing heavy as he watched the exchange.

I could see the weariness in his eyes, the understanding that this fight wasn’t one he could win, even if he had the heart for it.

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