Hunters: Moonlit Shadows

The mournful howl pierced through the still night, resonating with a primal rage that sent a chill down Elena's spine.

Liam's gaze shifted toward the tree-line, his expression tightening. For the first time, Elena saw a flicker of something that looked like concern across his face.

"They're coming" he muttered, more to himself than to her.

"Friends of yours?" Elena asked, her voice edged with sarcasm.

"Not quite," he said darkly. His posture shifted, his body tensed like a coiled spring.

Elena gripped her dagger, glancing at Liam's wolf companion. It was pacing behind him, its amber eyes flickering between her and the approaching threat.

"Looks like you've got quite the fan club," she said, keeping her tone even though her pulse was racing.

"Not funny,"

His golden eyes flicked to her.

"When they get here, stay out of the way."

"Not a chance, no monster commands me."

Liam frowned at the word "monster"

"Of course, you hunters never know when to quit. Well here looks like a nice graveyard, what me to bring you flowers once in a month"

Before she could snap back, the first wolves emerged from the trees, dark gray fur and eye that glowed eerie blue. It was massive, even compared to the rogue they had just taken down and its snarl revealed teeth sharp enough to shred steel.

And behind it came another. Then another.

The pack fanned out around the clearing, their glowing eyes locked on Liam. Their growls created a chilling harmony, each sound vibrating with hostility.

"Great," Elena muttered, backing up slightly to give her more room "Because one monster wasn't enough"

"They're not here for you," Liam said, his voice low and steady.

Elena frowned. "What's that supposed to mean?"

"They're here for me."

Liam stepped forward, his movements deliberate, his presence commanding enough to make even the wolves pause.

"Alaric?" he said, his voice carrying over the clearing like a challenge. "This is a little far from your territory, isn't it?"

A deep, guttural laugh echoed through the trees, and from among the pack emerged a figure. He was tall, his broad frame clad in simple, dark clothing but there was nothing simple about the power radiating off him. His hair was ashen, his face sharp and wolfish even in human form.

"Liam," the man said smoothly.

"Still playing king of your little patch of dirt, I see."

Liam's smirk was sharp enough to cut. "And you're still sniffing around where you don't belong."

Alaric growled taking another step forward, his wolves inching closer behind him. "You broke the pact, Liam. Killed one of ours"

Liam glanced down at the rogue's corpse "That wasn't one of yours. That was a thing. It was feral and you know it."

Alaric grinned "Doesn't matter. You know the rules."

Elena's grip on her dagger tightened.

"Then why are you talking?" Liam said, his voice sounded almost bored. "If you're here to fight, let's not waste time"

Alaric grin widened, he raised a hand and his pack went surging forward.

Liam met the first wolf mid-leap, slamming it to the ground with a force that made the earth shudder. His wolf companion joined the fray, its fangs clashed with another attacker.

She hesitated for a moment.

"I can't face this alone, this is madness" thoughts raced through her head "I can't die here, not now, not again."

She stepped back, her crimson eyes scanning the chaos for an opening.

"Elena"

Liam's voice brought her to focus. Then she saw it.

"Go" Liam barked, his voice sharp and commanding as he shoved another wolf back into the pack. "Now!"

She glanced at him and for the briefest moment, their eyes met.

"I don't need your help," she said, her voice hard.

"I don't care," he snapped. "Move!"

A wolf lunged for her and she sidestepped, slashing with her dagger. It immediately let go of her with a loud cry. Glaring at her it attacked again.

Liam was on it in an instant, his claws ripping through its side. He didn't even look at her as he snarled. "Don't make me regret this."

Elena clenched her jaw. She turned and sprinted toward the tree-line, weaving through the chaos as the wolves focused their attention on Liam.

She could feel the rush of adrenaline as she ran making her way through the forest that seemed it wanted to swallow her whole.

Elena stopped at a stump, sweat dripping from her pores. She sat on the stump, catching her breath.

"Damn those monsters" she cursed and stomped her feet on the ground. Why had Liam let her go? What kind of man or monster was he, to face a rival pack alone?

And why did she care?