"That's not happening."
"Oh, but it is." Lucien smiled, showing teeth that were too sharp. "You see, word has spread fast. The mighty Vanguards were nearly destroyed by a handful of vampires. You're weak. Broken and f*****g ripe for the taking."
"We're stronger than you think."
"Are you? Then prove it."
I could feel the tension building. The pack was ready to fight. So was the cartel.
"I'll give you one chance," Lucien continued. "Surrender now. Join us. Keep your lives."
"And if we refuse?"
"Then we take what we want by force."
Axel was quiet for a moment. Then he smiled, and it was full of teeth.
"You know what, Lucien? You're right about one thing. We are wounded. We are hurt. But that just makes us more dangerous."
"Is that a no?"
"That's a f**k you."
Axel moved.
One secon
