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I grabbed Alec’s blanket and got out of the way, positioning myself behind a tree so I could have something to block me if they came my way. You did not want to be in the middle of two wolves fighting. It wasn’t pretty and I knew if I got too close, I was in danger of becoming collateral damage.
The two wolves circled each other, growling and snapping their jaws. Hackles up, they both looked as tense as springs as they eyed their opponents.
I hated that I was in the background, waiting as two males fought for my honor or some shit. It was everything I said I would work against. I’d been determined to protect myself and stand up for myself since leaving Wolf Creek. I made baby steps by connecting with my wolf, but she was still new at this. We weren’t ready to get in the middle of a fight like this.
Tyler’s dark gray wolf jumped forward, testing the reflexes of Alec’s lighter gray wolf. Alec dodged with ease, moving with the grace I’d come to associate with the feral shifters. Tyler repeated the same thing several times, Alec dodging each attempted attack with ease.
The frustration of Tyler’s wolf was evident. He was impatient, with big movements that Alec saw coming a mile away. At first, I wasn’t sure why Alec was toying with him. I hadn’t seen the feral shifter fight, but he was strong and fast and had been united with his wolf for a long time. He had the mark of an alpha, which in theory, made him stronger and faster.
Then, I realized with each attempted attack, Tyler was getting a little slower and Alec was correcting a little less. Alec’s wolf was wearing him out and studying the other wolf’s moves.
Tyler lunged again, and this time, Alec rose up on his back legs, claws out, striking down the incoming wolf. Tyler’s wolf was knocked to the ground, his paws struggling to right himself before Alec charged him again.
Teeth and claws came for Tyler before he was even on his feet. Alec was merciless in his attack, pinning the other wolf until he let out a pathetic yelp. A moment later, Tyler freed himself from Alec and leaped onto him, slicing him in the stomach. Alec growled and quickly struck back, knocking the other wolf down again. Tyler righted himself and attacked Alec, snapping his jaws around his leg.
Alec yowled and jerked his leg away, but Tyler held fast. My heart pounded and just as I was going to leave my space by the tree, Alec broke the hold. He snapped back at Tyler but he dodged.
I was holding my breath and my brow was creased with worry. Each time one of them got the upper hand, I felt a pull toward the injured male. My mind wanted Alec to win, but my instincts forced a reaction every time Tyler was injured. It was torture.
The wolves continued to fight, their attacks taking them farther from my spot until I couldn’t see what was happening. Carefully, I moved, walking toward the sound of the growls and falls and thrashing.
When I found them, Tyler was on the ground, and Alec was holding him down. Both wolves were bleeding and their fur was matted. I could see Alec’s wolf breathing heavy, his sides moving in and out. He let out a low growl, his gaze fixed on the wolf under him.
Surrender, Tyler.I wasn’t sure if the thought came from me or my inner wolf, but it sent a surge of joy through me. I was able to take a side. I wasn’t feeling the pull to Tyler.Surrender.
Alec released the other wolf and took a step back. He was still tense and ready, but he was giving Tyler space to get back to his feet. Tyler’s wolf stumbled, nearly collapsing as he stood.Good.
The anger and hate I felt toward Tyler wasn’t clouded by my mating bond. I wasn’t going to concern myself with why I was getting lucky, but for now, at least, I was granted a moment of clarity.
Tyler’s wolf shuddered, then his body began to break and bend. I turned away, wincing at the cracking of bones as his human form returned.
When I looked back both Tyler and Alec were fully transitioned. They faced each other, both males breathing heavy. Their bare skin was covered in claw marks and bruises. I knew they’d both heal in a matter of hours, but for now, the fight was over.
“You lost,” Alec said. “Release her from the bond and never speak to her again.”
Tyler turned from Alec and walked back toward the space they’d started the fight. He grabbed his clothes and slowly stepped into his jeans.
Alec followed and I walked over to him, handing him the blanket he’d been using in place of our missing clothing. We stopped in front of Tyler.
“You won,” Tyler said.
“Break the bond,” I said.
“The problem is, I don’t know how to break the bond,” Tyler said.
I turned to Alec. “How does he break it?”
“You two need to be touching,” Alec said. “Then when both your inner wolves agree to break the bond at the same time, it’ll be done.”
“It’s time, Tyler,” I said.
Tyler shrugged. “Fine.”
Alec nodded encouragement.
I walked closer to my mate, ready to break the bond that had kept the two of us connected through a cruel twist of fate. We were so close to escaping the punishment of being forced together.
“Ready?” I asked.
