The air around Valen’s manor was thick with tension as Derek stood at the massive iron gates. Two vampire guards flanked the entrance, their expressions cold and defensive. Their red eyes flickered with suspicion as they sized up the lone werewolf before them.

One of the guards narrowed his eyes, his sharp fangs peeking through his lips. “What business does a wolf have here?”

Leo, Derek’s wolf, growled low in his chest, irritated by the guard's condescending tone. Let me loose. ...