Across Enemy Lines

Chapter 27

“What are you laughing at?” Dominic said through clenched teeth. He was obviously getting annoyed with his father’s antics. Michael, while still staring between the two of us, started to walk around us. Dominic kept me behind him as he turned, following his father’s steps. As he walked, Michael swished his sword back and forth almost like he was mocking us.

“Son, I have to say, I didn’t expect this from you. Besides the utter betrayal, I thought you’d be too afraid to go through with any of your threats. But here you are, standing in-between me and a shifter. You do know that once you do this, you can’t go back?” Michael asked stopping and facing us head on. Dominic didn’t say a word. He remained ready for his father move.

“I’ll take you silence as confirmation. But you see, what I still don’t understand is why. Why risk your life for the lovely Nia? I guess I could see the appeal. She is very pretty,” Michael said with a smirk, running his eyes over me. Flashes of what he did to me came to mind and I shut my eyes to keep them at bay.

“Shut up,” Dominic said, his patience running thin. If he wasn’t careful, Michael was going to make him snap. It could be a trap but if he got mad enough, I didn’t know what would be able to stop him.

“It’s okay son. I was once tricked by one of them years ago. They lured me in and then cut my legs out from under me. What do you think will happen once this is done? That they’d accept you into the pack like a hero? You are no hero. Just a hunter that they’ll kill as soon as your back is turned,” Michael said, taking up his walking in a circle again.

“You don’t know anything about our situation. I…I love her,” Dominic confessed. I barely contained the gasp that threatened to escape. It took Michael by surprise as well as he came to a halt a few feet away. Dominic loved me? My wolf howled at the acceptance of his feelings, my mate. It was one thing to think he had strong enough feelings for me but to hear him say it was a different experience. My heart warmed at the emotions coursing through me. He loved me. And I loved him.

Michael’s smile was no longer on his face. It had turned into a sneer. His face turned a little redder and his hand gripped his sword handle tightly. “Typical Dominic falling for a pathetic shifter. Did you know that they have mates? Yeah I bet you didn’t. So even if you love Nia, she’ll eventually leave you for another. You are set up to fail,” Michael said. I stared at him and then turned my eyes to Dominic. His hand not holding the sword was in a fist and he was breathing heavy. I hadn’t told him yet that we were mates so he wouldn’t know how I felt.

Before I could say anything, Dominic made his move. “Enough,” he yelled as he lunged at Michael, his sword drawn over his head. The collide of their swords rung in the air. Their movements were quick and sharp. Michael moved as swiftly as Dominic which meant the fight between them wouldn’t be an easy one.