DEFENSIVE LORD MARCEL

{" The best defense against evil men is good men skilled at violence

We stood there for what felt like an eternity, neither willing to break the moment. The silence between us was thick with unspoken emotions, heavy with everything we had lost.

When we finally pulled apart, Sierra's eyes shimmered with unshed tears. She bit back a sob, pressing a trembling hand to her mouth.

"I haven't felt this sad since Dunco was killed," she admitted, her voice barely above a whisper. "I kept telling myself, hoping that it was the Bay Shifter Pack. That it was them. But to know it was the Marcel family… our people…" She exhaled shakily, closing her eyes as if trying to block out the pain. "It's so much worse than I ever expected."

I stood there, helpless. Watching her break felt like a blade twisting inside me.

And then, without thinking, without questioning, I leaned down and pressed my lips to hers.