Page 79 of The Witch’s Daughter

Something sparked in Vincent’s eyes as he sized Calla up, but it was gone when he turned his angry glare to me.

“If this is you fighting, you should’ve stayed banished.” Just as quickly as he addressed me, he dismissed me, turning away.

My wolf growled, enraged by the clear challenge.

“All of you. This is pathetic,” Vincent yelled. “If you’re too scared to fight, say so and stop wasting our time. The humans won’t throw punches. This is war we’re talking about. Not summer camp. I’m surprised your Alphas let you weaklings out of their sights. Unless they hoped to discard the runts.”

My beast growled louder, spurred on by this idiot’s words. Not that many of these witches or warlocks were wolf shifters anyway, but any Alpha worth his salt protected the weak and defenseless. It was a clear insult to my species as a whole to suggest otherwise.

“Alpha…” Gentry whispered, baring his neck to show respect as he touched my arm.

I didn’t realize I’d stepped forward, that I was instinctually moving to put them all behind me.

“Jaxon, isn’t it?” Vincent smirked.

“Alpha Cadejo,” I said to him.

Vincent continued to smile. “Is there something you wanted to say?”

I clenched my jaw, willing my beast to cool down. Tisiphone had a plan, remember? But Gentry had just said, it might not be a plan.

“That’s what I thought.” Vincent turned his back on me again.

Wrong move.

“Since you like to run your mouth so much, Vincent, why don’t we see how well you can fight?” My tone was steady.

Gentry’s wolf whined, but the noise was lost to the rattle of my wolf as he surged to the surface.

Kill the bastard. Get my mate.

Vaguely, I was aware of the quiet that fell on the training grounds. Each witch and warlock and wolf-witch backed up slowly, giving us space.

I didn’t blame them. The rational, human side of me was a little concerned of the consequences of this action, but the rest of me was tired of dancing around. I knew this warlock was bad news—even without solid proof—and killing him now would end the whole charade.

Dark clouds gathered above Vincent’s head. As if that would make him menacing. I cracked my neck from side to side, feeling the strength of the earth under my feet as I walked to meet him in the center of the field.

I’d wipe the cocky smirk off his face.

“Are you sure you want to do this, Alpha? And so soon after your little crush weaseled you back into the ranks?”

His words gave me pause. If he knew Tisiphone had tried to manipulate him with that, what else did he know?

Why do you care? He isn’t a threat.

My wolf was coming on strong, pushing out dominant vibes that would’ve signaled a challenge to another alpha wolf. A smart one would’ve run, but it seemed Vincent didn’t know who I was.

Good. I preferred it that way.

Vincent lowered his voice, his eyes dancing with cruel delight. “I look forward to making Tisiphone scream my name after I finish with you.”

Kill him.

I growled, claws and fangs extending as I—

Wind punched me in the chest, sending me flying backwards across the field. My back hit the dirt with a crack.

I grunted as I rolled to the side, quick to jump to my feet. Another gust slammed into my back, forcing me to my knees. Fur broke out along my skin and my beast fought for control.