Page 11 of Howl You Doin'

The silver wolf's lips pulled back, revealing teeth that would make a great white shark feel inadequate. Beside her, Caleb let out a sound that was definitely not human.

5

CALEB

The three massive wolves bounded toward them, their teeth bared in what Caleb swore was mockery. His muscles tensed, rage building at the sight of Rachelle's distinctive gray coat leading the charge.

"Really? This is getting pretty old," Caleb muttered, shrugging off his jacket. "Wade, left flank now."

"Already on it." Wade moved into position, his stance ready for a fight.

The three guards fanned out behind them, creating a protective wall in front of the community center. Caleb's wolf itched restlessly beneath his skin, all too eager to burst free and meet the challenge head-on. But he held back, wanting to see what game Victor was playing this time by sending his second.

"They've got some nerve showing up here like this," one of the guards growled.

"Nerve isn't exactly what I'd call it." Caleb cracked his neck. "More like a death wish."

The approaching wolves slowed their pace, Rachelle's lips pulled back to reveal rows of gleaming teeth. Her companions -both larger males, one russet and one dark brown - spread out to flank her.

"Three against five?" Caleb snorted. "Math isn't their strong suit."

The wolves were close enough now that Caleb could see the murderous gleam in Rachelle's yellow eyes. His wolf snarled inside him, recognizing the challenge in her stance. Victor wasn't even bothering to show up himself anymore - just sending his attack dog to do all his dirty work.

"Wade," Caleb said through gritted teeth, "if Victor really thinks sending his second to intimidate us is going to work-"

"He clearly doesn't knowyou very well," Wade finished for him, a hint of amusement in his voice despite the tension in the air.

The guards shifted restlessly behind them as Rachelle and her companions closed the remaining distance at an almost leisurely pace. Caleb's blood burned with the need to shift, to meet them on equal ground, but he forced himself to wait. Let them make the first move. Let them show their hand.

The air crackled further with tension as Rachelle and her companions shifted back to human form. Caleb kept his eyes fixed on their faces, refusing to give them the satisfaction of any discomfort at their nudity. The two males quickly pulled on clothes they'd strapped to their legs, while Rachelle took her time, clearly enjoying the show she was putting on for us.

"For someone who claims to be so superior, you sure love playing to the cheap seats," Caleb said, crossing his arms.

Rachelle's high-pitched laugh rang out across the parking lot. "Oh, honey. If I wanted to put on a show, I'd have brought better backup dancers." She gestured to her two companions. "I come in peace."

"Peace?" Caleb's wolf stirred beneath his skin. "Last I checked, peace doesn't usually involve property damage and harassment."

"Such hostility." Rachelle clicked her tongue. "And here I thought we could have a civilized conversation."

"Keep pushing me and I'll send you back to Victor in pieces. Small ones."

"Tsk tsk." Rachelle smoothed down her hastily donned red dress. "Threats already? That's not very diplomatic of you. Victor won't take too kindly to any harm coming to his people. For every scratch on us, he'll return it twofold." Her wicked smile turned predatory. "But that's not why we're here. Victor sent me with a message for you."

Wade shifted closerto Caleb's side. "Since when does Victor send messages instead of throwing tantrums?"

"Since he decided to be generous." Rachelle's eyes gleamed. "He's offering you a chance to handle this transition of power peacefully. Play nice, cooperate, and everyone stays happy and whole."

"Transition of power?" Caleb's wolf snarled inside him.

"Oh yes." Rachelle's voice dropped to a silky purr. "Because one way or another, Victor will become supreme alpha. He'd prefer to do it without bloodshed, but..." She shrugged one shoulder. "He's not above using more... brutal methods to secure his position."

Caleb's jaw clenched as he stepped forward, placing himself between Rachelle and the community center entrance. The wolf inside him demanded action, but he kept his voice strong and steady.

"Victor will never be alpha of Eclipsed Moon. And if he thinks threatening innocent people will change that, he's more delusional than I originally thought."

"Such confidence." Rachelle traced a finger along her pale collarbone. "But how many of your people need to get hurt before you realize the inevitable?"

"Get off my property." His words came out in a low growl. "Now."

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