"It’s time we settled this," Burke Mathis stated, angry the situation had come to the point of what could be considered all-out war.
"I want your territory and I will get it," Graves informed him. "If you’ve bedded the princess, then I’ll kill you both."
"Leave her out of this."
"If she’s pregnant, she’s carrying your heir. I want to end your bloodline—now!"
Burke thought for a moment, everything clear to him.
"I take it you’re behind the other murders."
"Damned straight. I don’t need anyone trying to stop me."
"I’m planning on it."
"Are you ready to spill blood to stop me?"
"Whatever it takes."
Moments later, the huge unkempt man changed into a mangy black lobo, snarling intimidation to his enemy. Burke shifted into a handsome dark tan and light brown wolf, answering the challenge.
Squaring off after they circled each other, both animals sized each other up. Burke, the smaller of the two, knew he had to hit quickly with precision timing and movements.
Graves lunged at him, his sharp teeth aiming for Burke’s neck. Burke sidestepped the attack, making sure of his footing. The other wolf stopped, turned and growled his displeasure.
Make it easy on yourself, Mathis.
Why?
Quit fighting the inevitable.
Go to hell, Graves.
His refusal obvious, Burke flew at Graves. His attack took Graves by surprise, his teeth clamping onto the thinner pelt behind the ear. Ruing what he had to do next, Burke sank his teeth into his enemy.
Graves yelped in agony, blood spurting from the wound.
You bastard!
Someone has to stop you.
You had better be sure you succeed because after I kill you, I’ll go after the princess.
The hell you will!
Burke held on while Graves attempted to throw him off and either break his enemy’s neck or deal a death blow. More blood flew, Burke’s jaw tightening.
The sound of breaking bone echoed in the clearing followed by an agonizing cry.
Burke made sure Graves could no longer launch a counterattack, needing to be positive Graves no longer posed a threat to him or Allessandra. Too many had already lost their lives to this power crazed alpha—it would stop with this fight.
He stepped back after releasing his grip and looked at Graves. He changed back, waiting for Graves to do the same. Slowly, the huge bloodied wolf did, his breathing erratic.
"I knew you couldn’t finish it—you’re too good. You can’t murder in order to save your life."
"You’re dying as we speak. Your skull is broken and I won’t tell you what is happening to your brain, though it’s not pretty."
"I will get you for this."
"I doubt it. You don’t have the time."
Burke watched the last few moments of his enemy’s life, cautiously checking to make sure he was dead.
"You won’t hurt anyone anymore," he declared.
Burke Mathis left Graves, anonymously called the police and walked away.
"Forgive me, Allessandra."
