Chapter 10: Out For Blood

Avon's POV

Being in LA was testing my self-control. Every fiber of my being wanted to go to Carolina's apartment, but I forced myself to stay away. Having my men watch over her would have to be enough for now.

And I needed to distract myself with something to stop me from visiting her. But luckily there was a big one.

I had submerged myself to locating that bastard Winchester. He'd murdered one of my men who'd caught him engaged in illegal operations.

We'd almost had him during my last visit to the city, but he'd slipped through our grasp when I'd gotten distracted spending the night with my mate – who was supposed to be just a one-night stand. 

I'd been impatiently waiting for Reino to track him down, but finding him had proven more challenging than expected.

I cursed a numerous times as I stared out of my modern penthouse apartment in LA.

Finally, my phone buzzed with Reino's message: "Winchester's location." Simple and direct. I let out a long breath I hadn't realized I'd been holding. 

With this information, we were halfway to completing our mission.

What Winchester didn't realize was that my network of spies and operatives extended far beyond what he could imagine. They were always at my disposal, ready to strike at a moment's notice.

"He thinks his security is impenetrable," I muttered with a low growl, "but he's never faced a force like mine." A grim smile played across my face as I considered the strength of my resources.

My army of shapeshifters was already downstairs here. They were vicious creatures, loyal to a fault and eager to spill blood for their alpha.

As I headed downstairs to meet my assembled team, Reino called.

"Try not to get yourself killed out there," he said, concern evident in his voice. "Wish I could be there to keep your reckless ass in check." His infuriating chuckle grated on my nerves.

"Don't you have better things to do, Reino?" I snapped, irritation clear in my tone.

Fed up with his mothering, I moved to end the call. "Just watch yourself out there..." he started, but I hung up before he could finish. His constant worrying was becoming tiresome.

Turning to face the room, I surveyed my elite warriors. Their eyes glowed with barely contained bloodlust, some in human form, others already showing signs of their wolf nature emerging.

"Listen carefully," I commanded, my voice resonating with authority throughout the room.

"Winchester is our target. Once we breach his compound, spread out and locate him. The first to find him contacts me immediately. Is that clear?" I demanded.

A unified chorus of "yes, boss" echoed through the room.

One of the younger pack members raised his hand, practically vibrating with excitement. "Boss, do we have permission to eliminate anyone we encounter?"

I fixed him with a stern glare. "No unnecessary bloodshed. Subdue if you must, but Winchester is our primary objective. Am I understood?"

After receiving their acknowledgement, we moved out to the waiting convoy of SUVs. Five vehicles packed with the most lethal shapeshifters in this side of the country.

We drove directly to Winchester's location, finding ourselves facing an imposing fortress protected by heavy iron gates and armed guards. We parked at a safe distance to assess the situation.

"I need three of you to neutralize those guards," I ordered in a low voice. "Swift and silent. We don't need to attract attention." 

Three of my most skilled operatives melted into the darkness, shifting into their massive wolf forms as they approached the guards. Within moments, we heard muffled cries pierce the night.

"Guards are down and will remain unconscious as long as needed, boss," came the report through our communication system. "You're clear to proceed."

I signaled the rest of the team forward, feeling the familiar rush of adrenaline coursing through my veins. "Remember the plan. Find Winchester, alert me, and try to minimize collateral damage." I reiterated.

As we advanced toward the compound, my thoughts unexpectedly drifted to Carolina. I need to be safe for her and my child. Not reckless.

For the first time, I cared about someone, cared to be safe for someone.

Nonetheless, I needed to embody the ruthless Lycan King my people expected me to be.

"Your time's up, Winchester," I growled under my breath as we breached the outer defenses. The hunt was officially underway, and failure wasn't an option.

A predatory smile spread across my face. Winchester had grown complacent in his fortress. Tonight would teach him the error of his ways.

My wolves dispersed with military experience, years of rigorous training evident in their fluid movements and coordinated attacks.

Though I typically reveled in the thrill of the hunt, something felt different tonight. There was an anchor, a pull I couldn't ignore. Try as I might, thoughts of Carolina kept surfacing.

"Let's wrap this up quickly," I growled at my team. 

They acknowledged with silent nods and increased their pace toward the main building.

As we approached the entrance, alarm systems suddenly blared to life, shattering the night's silence.

"Take cover!" I barked as enemy forces shouted "Intruders!" and gunfire erupted around us.

My team waited for the initial barrage to subside before emerging from their positions, neutralizing Winchester's men with lethal efficiency and practiced combat skills.

I made my way through the chaos, entering the building as my heightened senses searched for any trace of our target. Winchester was cunning, but he couldn't evade us forever.

Near a locked door, I caught a familiar scent – fear mixed with expensive cologne. My fangs extended as I grinned. "Found you," I snarled before kicking the door off its hinges.

Winchester was hiding behind his desk, a pistol shaking in his grip. "Don't come any closer!" he screamed, his facade of power crumbling at the sight of me.

I approached slowly, savoring his terror. "You may not know me, Winchester, but I guarantee I'll be the last person you see in this life."

He fired wildly, bullets whistling past my head. "You have no idea who you're dealing with!" he shouted desperately. I didn't even flinch.

"Your marksmanship is as pathetic as your attempts to stand against me," I sneered.

Moving faster than he could track, I closed the distance and lifted him by his throat. He dangled helplessly, struggling like prey in a trap.

"Please," he gasped. "Name your price. Money, influence, women – anything!"

I tightened my grip, cutting off his desperate bargaining. "I already have everything I need," I growled. "What I want is for you to understand the price of crossing me."

The reality of his situation finally registered in his eyes. He knew death was imminent.

But as I prepared to end him, Carolina's face flashed in my mind. Her kindness, her inherent goodness. It made me hesitate. This is not the man she'll want for herself. I don't want her to hear this side of me.

I lowered Winchester but maintained my grip. "Listen carefully," I snarled. 

"You're going to change everything about yourself. Your criminal enterprises, your murderous tendencies, all of it ends tonight..."

The words felt strange coming from my mouth.

"Because if I hear even a whisper about you killing or running illegal operations again, I won't be so pitiful. Do you understand?"

He nodded frantically, relief and disbelief warring on his features.

I released him, watching him collapse to the floor. "Now get out of here before I reconsider my decision!"

"If you doubt my warning, by all means, continue your current path," I challenged as he fled.

I walked back to my men and found my team had successfully subdued Winchester's forces. 

"Soak the place in gasoline and burn it down," I ordered. They complied without hesitation.

At least without his fortress and army, Winchester would be powerless, I thought as I watched the flames begin to spread. His injured men fled as the fire grew.

"No! My empire!" Winchester's anguished cry rang out as he watched his kingdom burn. "I won't let it burn! Somebody stop the fire!" He shouted, charging back into the burning building.

"Return to the vehicles. Our work here is done," I commanded my team as I walked back to our convoy. They followed obediently. Winchester's screams echoed behind us as we drove away.

He had chosen his fate, running back into the flames. Getting burned. At least my hands were clean this time. The threat had been eliminated,

and I felt a deep satisfaction settle in my chest. 

In the end, he'd proven he didn't deserve the second chance I'd offered.