Chapter 16
Back in Black
Alexa
Auras roll off Gabriel and Romero as they prepare for a fight. Their energies sharpen and push outward, each Alpha staking his claim, each testing the other for dominance over this narrow stretch of ground.
For reasons I can’t explain, their hostile auras pull in the negativity clinging to the alley. Clouds thicken overhead, swallowing what little moonlight remains. Thunder murmurs in the distance, low and warning, promising rain.
“This is bad. What am I supposed to do?”
“You already know,” Mythril growls. “Do it.”
“I should stop them.”
That’s my plan. Or it is supposed to be. But breathing becomes harder with every second I stand trapped between them. Their energies clash and coil, each Alpha probing, measuring, preparing to strike.
Romero is already on the edge of a full shift. His eyes burn brighter, glowing like molten gold. Claws slide free from his fingers. Fangs lengthen, sharp and unforgiving, while coarse fur creeps along his skin.
This is nothing like the Romero I saw yesterday. Whatever gentleness he showed me then is gone, burned away by fury. It roars out of him in waves, raw and uncontrolled.
Gabriel mirrors him. His emotions spike hard and fast, already steeped in aggression. In one swift motion, he completes his transformation. His knuckles crack as claws extend, thick and lethal.
“What was that?” Gabriel growls. “Say it again.”
“I’m. Her. Mate,” Romero says, slow and deliberate, every word weighted with certainty.
“Hold on, Alpha Romero,” I say, my voice trembling despite myself. But he doesn’t waver.
“Alpha Romero Blackmoore of the First Light Pack?” Gabriel sneers. “You got some nerve joking around in neutral territory. Go crawl back to that big, gloomy castle of yours.”
Romero snarls. “You said it yourself. Neutral ground. Anyone can walk it. Even low-life trash like you.”
“I figured the First Light Pack was just some old bedtime story,” Gabriel scoffs.
“Want a hands-on history lesson?” Romero’s transformation deepens, his presence swelling with menace.
“Stop it. Both of you,” I say, stepping between them with my arms spread wide. “This doesn’t have to turn into a fight.”
“Alexa, do something,” Mythril snaps. “Call me now.”
“No,” I push back, locking her down.
“There wouldn’t be a fight if he’d quit fooling himself into thinking he’s your mate,” Gabriel says, his voice rough and slow.
“That’s the truth,” Romero fires back with a sharp grin. “Hurts to hear it, doesn’t it?”
“Must be madness running in the Blackmoore bloodline,” Gabriel mutters.
That single sentence snaps whatever restraint remains. Both Alphas complete their shifts, massive wolves bursting into the alley with bone-deep snarls. Romero lunges first. Gabriel meets him head-on, claws slashing through the air.
Romero twists aside and counters, his strikes heavy and precise, claws hitting like forged steel. Gabriel blocks, just as fast, his own claws locking against Romero’s with a screech of force.
“She’s mine,” Gabriel roars.
“I’ll rip your jaw clean off,” Romero answers, his roar shaking the walls.
My legs buckle. I collapse to my knees as their combined auras crash down on me, crushing and suffocating. Pain tears through my body, sharp and relentless, like I’m being pulled apart piece by piece.
“Stop!” I scream. “Please, stop!”
They don’t hear me.
I try to reach out mentally, calling for help, for anyone, but the connection won’t form. Again and again, I reach for Gabriel through the bond we once shared. It’s gone. Completely silent.
All around me, claws collide and fangs snap. Growls turn to pained roars. Their movements blur, too fast, too violent. There’s no opening, no pause.
“If this keeps going, one of them will die,” Mythril says, pushing harder. “And their packs will tear each other apart.”
She’s right. Wolf packs don’t stop once blood is drawn. We fight until someone falls, broken or dead. The thought makes my stomach twist. This can’t end like this. Not over me.
“Let’s stop them,” Mythril presses. “You know we’re the only one who can.”
“No. Last time—”
“Last time was six years ago,” she cuts in. “You were untrained and shaken. You’re not that girl anymore.”
“There’s no promise I can hold you back.”
“Then are you willing to watch them die?” Mythril snaps. “Romero’s energy is dropping. Gabriel’s not far behind.”
My teeth sink into my lower lip. Mythril pounds against my mental walls, each strike shaking me to my core. The sound is like iron cracking under strain. I can’t hold her anymore. Not after everything we’ve trained for.
“Can I control you?”
“Yes,” Mythril answers without hesitation. “You can.”
Something inside me breaks. Chains ring and shatter. In a heartbeat, Mythril surges forward and takes control.
I am free.
Power floods my body, wild and searing. Pain twists through every muscle and bone as my form reshapes itself. I grow larger. My hands stretch as claws burst from my fingers. A snout pushes forward from my face, my jaw aching as fangs force their way free.
The pain is blinding, but I let it happen. I let Mythril’s energy pour through me, filling every vein.
“It worked,” Mythril says, almost laughing. “Guess all that training with Mr. Moris paid off.”
We are no longer separate. We are one. I look down at my hands. Steady. Controlled.
Yes. I have it.
Mythril tilts our head, the motion accompanied by a slow, dangerous crack.
“Good to be back in black,” she says, her voice rich with satisfaction.