The scarred wolf smiled like he had already won.
Not because he was stronger.
Not because he believed Liam would lose.
But because he understood pressure.
And where to apply it.
His gaze never left Denise.
“Interesting,” he said quietly. “So that’s the weakness they’re pretending isn’t there.”
A low sound rolled through the circle.
Not a growl.
Something deeper.
From Liam.
Denise felt it immediately through the bond.
A shift.
Sharp.
Dangerous.
Not rage yet.
Control bending under pressure.
Seris narrowed her eyes.
“Do not provoke the mate,” she warned.
The scarred wolf tilted his head slightly.
“Or what?”
That was all it took.
The air snapped.
Liam moved.
No warning.
No visible transition.
Just disappearance and impact.
The scarred wolf barely had time to raise hi
