“Always two steps behind, aren’t you, King?”
The bastard's words echoed in my skull, igniting a fury so deep I could barely see straight. My claws flexed, my muscles tightening like coiled steel.
I charged.
He met me head-on.
We collided with the force of titans, the shockwave from our impact cracking the trunks of the trees around us. Claws slashed, fangs snapped, growls thundered through the darkened woods. I could feel the ancient forest holding its breath, watching as we fought for blood, pride, and something even more dangerous—possession.
“Tell me something, Xander,” Domenico snarled, ducking beneath my swipe and raking his claws down my side. Pain tore through me, but I didn’t flinch. “What’s it like knowing your entire kingdom is about to crumble beneath you?”
I slammed my fi
