James stood frozen in the blood-soaked clearing, his brother's challenge hanging in the air like the metallic scent of a fresh kill. The muscles along his bare shoulders twitched, his wolf surging against his skin with restless energy. Moonlight glinted off his extended claws as they flexed unconsciously, still wet with the evidence of Serafina's demise.
Retreat now, and you live to fight another day.
Attack, and risk everything.
The thoughts warred in his mind like rival alphas battling for dominance. His chest rose and fell with ragged breaths, each inhalation filled with the mingled scents of his pack - fear, anticipation, the acrid tang of betrayal.
Jared didn't move. Didn't speak. Simply waited with that infuriating, knowing smirk that had haunted James' entire existence
