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THE WHITE WOLF

I made my move.

The world snapped into motion, the sun glaring through the strange trees, leaves shuddering in the wake of my charge. My paws barely touched the earth as I closed the distance, muscles coiled, fangs bared. I aimed for his shoulder, hoping to knock him off balance, to prove I could meet him with force.

The black wolf didn’t flinch.

At the last moment, he shifted, side-stepping with the ease of a wolf who had spent his years in this form, born to be faster, stronger, better.

Alpha.

My momentum carried me forward, too fast to stop—then something heavy crashed into my side.

Pain flared through my chest as I hit the ground hard, dust and pine needles flying up around me. I ignored the gasp of my omega, still in her human form, her distress coming clearly through the bond.

I knew she didn’t want this fight, but it had to happen. I had to win.

The black wolf was on me in an instant, his teeth flashing, claws digging deep to pin me down. His growl rumbled through my bones.

Too eager, he said, his voice clear and powerful. You left yourself open.

I snarled, twisting beneath him. My legs burned as I pushed up with everything I had, forcing him back just enough to wrench myself free. I staggered to my feet, my breath heavy, my side throbbing from the blow.

But I wasn’t done.

I lunged again—smarter this time, waiting for his counter. He moved to dodge, just as I knew he would. Instead of committing fully, I feinted, shifting my weight at the last second and throwing my shoulder into his ribs.

The impact was solid. The black wolf grunted, his paws skidding against the dirt. Not much, not enough to topple him, but enough to startle him.

I spun around, snapping my jaws and finding purchase around his throat, holding him as tightly as I could without breaking skin.

I could kill this wolf.

I should kill this wolf.

But he was my omega’s litter mate, and she would not like it if his death came from my teeth.

His golden eyes flashed, something like approval flickering there for half a breath.

Then he bowed his head in defeat.