Tristan's POV
Julian's face was a mask of fury as he staggered backward from my punch. Blood trickled from his split lip, but I felt zero remorse. The image of him pinning Aurelia down was seared into my brain, fueling a protective rage I hadn't experienced in years.
"Keep your hands off her," I growled, standing my ground as Julian recovered.
He wiped the blood with the back of his hand, his amber eyes burning with hatred. "She's my mate. My Luna. This doesn't concern you, Sinclair."
I needed to protect Aurelia, to create a barrier between her and this monster. The words left my mouth before I could analyze them.
"Actually, she's my girlfriend now."
The lie hung in the air for a second before Julian's face transformed into something feral. Behind him, several of his pack members gasped. Julian lunged at me, his fist connecting with my jaw. I absorbed the blow, bracing myself for the fight I knew was coming.
"You're lying," he spat, preparing to strike again.
