The city's underground parking structure echoed with distant footsteps. Dante stood in the shadows, the hood of his black coat drawn low, arms crossed. The scent reached him before the figure emerged.
Elric.
"Alpha," Elric greeted with a mocking bow. "Didn't think you'd show. But then again, you never could ignore a challenge."
Dante didn't blink. "You shouldn't be here."
"And yet, here I am." Elric smirked. "You've changed."
Dante's eyes narrowed. "You're exiled. By decree. The Council would skin you alive for stepping foot in my territory."
Elric chuckled. "You always were dramatic. Relax,Alpha. I'm not here to fight. Just wanted to see the great Alpha in his new habitat. Skyscrapers. Gala lights. And a human wrapped around your scent."
Dante let his wolf rise just beneath the surface—quiet, menacing. His voice cut through the air like a blade. "Say her name, and I'll end you here."
Elric chuckled darkly, circling him. "She's not just a human, is she? She's your mate."
Dante didn't answer. His silence was colder than steel.
"Such a delicious weakness," Elric went on. "And parading her in public? You may as well have painted a red paint on her back. You've made her a target, And not just for me."
Dante's voice dropped, lethal. "No one touches her. Not you. Not them."
"She's your downfall,Alpha," Elric said, eyes gleaming. "And when she falls, so will you."
Dante's Alpha presence surged—a crushing force of command and rage. Even the air thickened. Dante took a step forward. Controlled. Icy. "If she's touched—if she's watched—I will personally rip out your spine and hang your head at the pack entrance."
"You think exile was mercy,"Dante growled. "You won't survive a second offense."
Elric's smile faltered.
Dante stepped closer, voice like frost. "You're a shadow, Elric. Stay that way. Or I'll burn every trace of you from this world."
Then he turned and left without looking back.
He didn't need to.
Because if Elric followed, he'd never see daylight again.
She couldn't know.
Not about Elric.
Not yet.
He wouldn't let her live in fear.
He would carry that burden himself.
Because Ava had become the line no one was allowed to cross.
And if they tried?
He'd remind them why even monsters feared him