Page 212 of The Fallen Fae King

I grin, viciously.

My lessons have stuck then.

Next to him, the youngest vampire fights with the oldest in the group, as if they are one. They protect each other’s backs, as I have taught them to. One twists the silver chain around the wolf’s neck, while the other claws at the shifter’s guts with his claws.

I grit my teeth, however, at the pools of blood that are forming, where wolves have forced vampires to the floor and are savaging their necks.

Another scream.

Another death.

The crowd is stamping their feet, clapping, and cheering.

I struggle not to dive into the chaos, when another wolf forces a vampire down into the sand, dragging him away by his arm to be torn apart by the pack.

But I swore an oath to Lazarus’ nestmates.

I will protect them with my life.

I have to stay and guard them.

When the Shadow Wolf leader prowls toward me, I crouch lower, allowing my shadows to lash around me.

“No one has fought me and lived,” I snarl. “Die well for the new Emperor.”

The wolf growls in rage. His ears flatten onto his head.

I hold myself still.

Then the wolf lunges.

I dodge at the last moment, and his fangs snap on air.

My claws, however, rake through his thick fur and hide. I delight in the blood that spurts.

“First blood.” I arch my brow.

Fast as lightning, however, the shifter turns and attacks again, faster.

I pivot back.

The rhythm of the drums sounds in my head. I use them to guide my movements.

This time, the wolf’s claws skim my shoulder, pushing me back a step.

Frustrated, the wolf attacks me again, and again, but each time, I spin out of his path, allowing his momentum to carry him past me, while I rake him with my claws.

Soon, he is panting, weakened.

Now that things are more equal, I can fight back.

Except, the leader appears to have caught onto my game, and his green gaze has moved from me to the Betas behind me.

By the Void, I shall rip out his fangs.

My heart is in my mouth. I glance over my shoulder at Yara.

She is standing firmly in front of Ahm, but she is breathing fast. She is staring steadily at the giant wolf, who is poised to leap over me and devour her.