Xavier's POV
The ring of hunters tightened instantly, steel flashing in the moonlight, their boots pounding the soil as they surged forward.
Magnus's answering chuckle was wild, carrying through the clearing. "Finally!"
"No, Magnus…" Xavier called.
But before he could order Magnus to hold, the Gamma's bones had already cracked, fur bursting through skin as his wolf exploded out of him. Bright-eyed and massive, Magnus howled, the sound shaking the trees.
Then he leapt at the nearest hunter, claws raking, jaws snapping near his throat.
"Damn it, Magnus…" Xavier growled under his breath, but he didn't pull him back this time. The hunters had chosen this route. Blood was inevitable now.
Somehow, Alexander and the freed warrior stayed rooted where they were, wisely holding back from shifting themselves. They both knew it well. Besides, if they burned themselves out here, there would be nothing left for what mattered most.
