Back to the present.
Lowell turns to leave, his steps heavy but determined. His breath fogs in the cold air. Victory seems within his reach. But then — a low growl.
He freezes.
Before he can turn, Marco shifts. The c***k of bones, the tearing of skin, and in seconds, a massive gray wolf lunges at him from behind. Claws rake across Lowell’s back, tearing through fabric and skin.
Lowell stumbles but catches himself. He whirls around, eyes burning with rage.
“Nathan!” he roars.
Nathan doesn’t hesitate. His bones c***k as he shifts into a huge brown wolf, larger than Marco’s, muscles rippling with power. With a vicious snarl, Nathan crashes into Marco, slamming him into the ground, pinning him effortlessly.
Lowell wipes blood from his mouth, breathing hard. He approaches slowly, eyes co
