Exton

There is a sizzle and the smell of burnt flesh. Both wolves land inside the wards. Stoney watches as they both scent the air. The gnomes are guarding both sides of the drive, making a barrier between the wolves and Alise. The wolves begin to twist. In moments they are men.

The bulkier man tugs at the chains around his neck. They fall away, showing to be a chain flogger. Stoney growls deep in his throat.

"Byron"

"So, the little bitch told you about me? I must have made an... impression." Byron raises his voice and calls out. "Come out, come out, wherever you are... I know you are watching. I can smell your sweet scent."

Stoney watches quietly. His mind touches Alise Stay put mon amour. Please do not come out here. He feels her determination to face Byron. Chaton... if you HAVE to show yourself, stay behind the gnomes.

"Byron"

The sound of his name jerks Byron's attention back to Stoney. Stoney gestures for Byron to bring it on. Byron laughs. He strokes the flogger across his palm and begins to circle one way as his man circles the other. Stoney ignores the pain in his thighs. There is a snarl and the panther bursts from the bushes. She lands on the back of the lesser were, jaws closing his neck. With a snap of bone, the man goes down, neck broken.

The Cat stays on the man's back, watching Byron.