The claw tightened around the edge of the Gate.
Stone groaned.
Ancient carvings cracked beneath its grip.
A second claw appeared.
Then a third.
The chamber shook so violently that dust and fragments of rock rained from the ceiling.
Ryan stared.
"...I miss football."
Nobody laughed.
Not this time.
Jake pushed Alice behind him.
Instinct.
Always instinct.
His wolf snarled.
Enemy.
Protect mate.
Alice rested a hand on his arm.
"Jake."
He didn't look away from the Gate.
"I know."
"No, you don't."
He finally glanced at her.
She gave him a small, determined smile.
"We fight together."
Jake's expression softened.
For just a heartbeat.
Then the creature roared.
The sound slammed into everyone like a physical force.
Lily dropped to one knee, covering her ears.
Victor stag
