37. Ryan

Derek, Mason, and I sprang into action, our bodies moving with a purpose honed through years of training. I motioned to Ivan and the Bridgetown Pack to circle in from the west, and they set off, a shadowy force moving quickly and stealthily through the forest.

My brothers and I came from the east just as the convoy halted, the car engines dying. The sudden silence reverberated through the forest. A moment passed, then another. The tension in the air was a tangible thing, a force that pressed down on us, urging us into action.

I watched Danni get out of the first car with Ethan. Danni's hair was pulled back into a tight ponytail, and she moved with a grace that was deceptive, a fluidity that hinted at a power and explosiveness she could unleash in an instant. As she moved closer to the truck, her nose twitched, scenting the air, searching for any sign of the enemy. Her hands were steady, her movements controlled. Every part of her screamed competence and readiness.

She approached the truck alongside Ethan, and I could see them exchanging a quick, knowing glance. They were ready, and so were we. The trap was set, and we just had to spring it. It was vital that we made sure we had all of Tristan's men, made sure there were no extra surprises for us waiting in the shadows.

I glanced at our team, checking we were all in place, when Tristan's men exploded into action. I caught sight of Danni and Ethan, both prepared for the attack. Three of Tristan's men lunged at them, their movements coordinated and fast. They were a well-trained team, and Danni and Ethan would have their work cut out.

I sprinted forward with Derek and Mason, heading to intercept the attackers.

Ethan blocked a blow with his arm, then spun and landed a kick to his assailant's chest. Danni was right beside him, her movements swift and deadly. They fought back-to-back, the sound of fists and feet hitting flesh filling the air. I reached the fray just as one of the attackers leaped at Danni. I tackled him, my shoulder slamming into his midsection, and we both went down. The impact jarred, but I rolled to my feet and kicked his face just as he was getting up.

I blinked as Mason jumped on two attackers, his claws and teeth doing significant damage. His movements were savage and powerful, leaving his attackers no time to defend themselves. Derek's jaws closed around the throat of another man, ripping it out. The man went down in a spray of blood.

To my right, Danni knocked out a man with a roundhouse kick to his head.

She grinned at me, her eyes shining with adrenaline.

"That was fun," she said.

I couldn't help but grin back at her. Then I noticed the car. It was the third car out of the convoy of five. That's where Michael and Camille were supposed to be, and four of Tristan's men were heading straight for it.

The men approached the car, their faces set in grim lines, weapons at the ready. My legs were already moving, and I knew Derek and Mason were right behind me.

Before they could get the door open, I flew straight at the two on the right, my eyes narrowing to a single point of focus. One of them swung at me, a wild arc that I easily dodged. The other came at me from the side. I moved fast, kicked off the car, sailed over him, and rammed my knee into his back on the way down. I landed on them, dragging them both to the ground, and slammed the first man's head into the asphalt. He went limp under me, and I twisted, missing the kick that the second man had aimed at my head. I leaped and drove my elbow into the other one's throat. He choked, clutching his neck.

The air was filled with the sounds of shouts and snarls. On the opposite side of the car, Derek and Mason had taken care of the other attackers.

I turned as Shya jumped out of the car. I could hear Michael shouting at her to get back inside. I guess Tucker wasn't the only one in her family who was stubborn and reckless; neither of them wanted to stay on the sidelines. Mason saw her, too, and he veered off, heading straight toward her.

I scanned the road, looking for Tristan. There, at the edge of the woods. He was watching, waiting, calculating. His eyes locked onto mine, a brief moment of understanding passing over him that he had lost. Then he was gone, melting into the shadows of the forest.

I surged forward, propelled by a need to catch him, to end this. The forest was a blur, trees and shadows melding into one as I ran. My legs were aching, my breath ragged, but I pressed on, my focus narrowed on the figure sprinting ahead of me.

My wolf was tugging at me, trying to get my attention. Something was off. A rustle to my right, a faint scent in the air.

Fuck! It was Tucker! That kid could not stay out of trouble.

I pushed even harder, my eyes widening as I watched, helpless, as Tucker sprang from the bushes, his tiny body aiming straight for Tristan. Time seemed to freeze as he crashed into Tristan, sending them both flying in a tangle of limbs and snarls.