Exton

Stoney hears Alise in his mind. Her acknowledgement of Raina is enough. He trusts Raina to keep her safe as he sees to this abomination. It is a wolf, bigger, stronger, than the others, but it is NOT Jean-Marc.

The wolf feints to the left, but Stoney edges, watching as it streaks to the right. With a grim smile, Stoney swipes out, raking down the creature's side. It howls, twisting away, and gathers itself for another attack.  Something catches its attention for a split moment. Stoney glances in the same direction, wary about reinforcements, yet keeping his focus on the wolf.

It is Nicholas. The vampire stands ready, poised between the women and the battle. Stoney is determined this wolf is not touching Alise. Goddess, he hopes this is Byron.

The wolf suddenly launches himself, angling to pass over Stoney. A rumbling growl echoes as Stoney is airborne, claws sinking deep in the wolf's underbelly, dropping it to the ground. The silver tips gouge deep as the force of the attack breaks the creature's ribs. It howls and scrabbles at Stoney with its hind feet, tearing chunks from his legs. Ignoring the fire racing through his muscles, Stoney punches the wolf in the throat. It gasps, stalled for a moment.

A moment is all Stoney needs. Slamming his hand into the chest, Stoney sinks the claws into the creature's flesh, hitting something vital. It HOWLS and goes limp. Stoney growls again and rips into the creature, determined that it will NEVER touch his woman.

The wolf lies beneath him, little more than a carcass. The chest is shredded by the silver and Stoney's fury, slowly turning back the creature back into what was once a burly man. It is not Byron.

His mind is full of a red hatred, a rage so deep, Stoney doesn't hear Nicholas, doesn't hear Raina. He raises his head and howls a warning to any who would touch his Alise.