ACE
The horn sounded.
Time slowed to a crawl as I stepped into the center of the ancient circle. Four Alphas surrounded me, their eyes gleaming with predatory hunger. The crowd fell silent, the weight of centuries pressing down on us.
I kept my mind linked with Lily open, feeling her steady presence like an anchor in the storm.
*Ready?* Lucas asked.
"As ready as we'll ever be."
Alpha Thorne moved first, his massive frame lunging forward with surprising speed. I sidestepped, feeling the rush of air as his claws whistled past my face.
The others circled like sharks scenting blood.
"Is that all you've got?" Thorne snarled, his grey eyes blazing with contempt.
"We're just getting started."
Reeves came at me from the left while Cross attacked from the right. I dropped low, rolling be
