SEVENTEEN PART 3

With deliberate slowness, Gabriel inclined his head, baring his neck in a display of submission. Although he appeared to acquiesce, a sneer of defiance lingered on his face, rendering his gesture hollow and seemingly too late. Tradition and pack rule dictated that I accept his submission, yet my instincts craved something more.

A wicked grin crept across my face, an unspoken promise of indulgence. While protocol demanded compliance, I saw no reason not to have a little fun first. After all, if he had dared to challenge me, then he must bear the consequences of his actions.

I yearned for everyone to witness his surrender, to acknowledge his defeat in front of the entire pack. Drawing closer, I felt the warmth of my breath against his skin, knowing that the pulse in his neck throbbed tantalizingly close to my lips. It would require just a fleeting moment to unleash the full fury of the wolf and end his life, erasing him from existence once and for all. It was not only about avenging Tyl