Jefferson's POV
The gunshot cracked through the forest like thunder, and searing pain sliced across my ribs. Blood trickled down my side, but my wolf only snarled harder, his rage consuming every rational thought.
I circled the clearing where they held Elisabeth prisoner, my massive paws silent against the forest floor. The hunters had formed a tight ring around her cage, their weapons trained on me. Fear poured off them in waves, mixing with the metallic scent of their sweat.
"Don't let it get any closer!" one shouted, his flashlight beam shaking as it followed my movements.
My wolf bared his fangs, a low growl rumbling from deep in my chest. These bastards had hurt her. They would pay for every mark on her body, every moment of terror they'd caused her.
"What kind of wolf is that big?" another hunter whispered, his voice tight with panic.
"Doesn't matter," their leader snapped. "Bring it down before it reaches the cage."
