Blood dripped from my claws as I ripped through yet another rogue wolf, his yelp cutting short as my teeth found his throat. The metallic taste filled my mouth, but I didn't hesitate. There was no room for mercy in this battlefield.
The attack on our borders had been going on for hours. Valerius had sent wave after wave of rogues – desperate wolves promised citizenship in his new empire for the small price of my head on a stake.
"Alpha Thorne! Behind you!"
I spun at Orion's warning, ducking just as massive jaws snapped where my neck had been a second before. My wolf's reflexes took over, and I rolled beneath the attacker, coming up with my claws buried in his soft underbelly. I ripped upward, ignoring the spray of warm blood that painted my fur.
