Alpha Rio was panting in shock, sweat dripping down his bruised jaw, blood smearing across his ripped shirt as he struggled to catch his breath. The copper tang filled his nose, a reminder of every guard he’d dropped, every punch he’d thrown just to get to her.
More of the Guardian Pack guards flooded the courtyard, growling low, their claws half-shifted, eyes glowing under the moon. They wanted to rip Alpha Rio apart for daring to challenge their Alpha on his own turf.
But then the imposter raised his gloved hand, his mask tilting slightly, the fake calm in his posture like venom ready to strike.
The guards froze, tension thick in the humid air, heads ducking just slightly, their obedience instant.
“You can leave now… Alpha Rio.” The imposter’s voice dripped with bored authority, ever
