The Full Moon Effect

Chapter 21: The Truth

the most dangerous

woman of all

is the one who refuses

to rely on your sword

to save her

because she carries

her own

r.h.Sin

**********

Kanaya's words reminded me of Daciana's. The wolf wanted me to make Leyton suffer but the latent one wanted me to kill him quick. I obviously couldn't do both, but I didn't know which decision I would make in that moment either. Part of me wanted Leyton to suffer as I had; he'd put me through so much. If it hadn't of been for him, my hands could still be free from bloodstains, my mind devoid from painful memories, my heart free from injustice and pain. But I was also different from Leyton. I wasn't one to make someone suffer unnecessarily. Even when Leyton had forced me to kill, I'd always made it quick. Even in those moments, I feared Leyton less than I feared what enforcing a slow death could do to my heart.

So, remembering the words of the two females and my own experience, I charged through the snow-lined trees after Leyton. The hunt invigorated me. Blood pounded through my veins, clearing away all exhaustion. As I breathed in the frosty air, it cooled my overheating lungs. All of my nerves were alive with the thrill of the hunt. Snow fell through the air in slow motion. Leyton's bloody footprints glistened in the white frost like a sweet beckoning.

Jones followed me and I wouldn't think until later how much I appreciated him letting me head the hunt. Then again, it was what Jones had done from the beginning. The day that Bryton and I had made our bet and Jones inadvertently caused me to lose, he'd let me complete my task without getting in my way. Just like that day, Jones recognized this, too, was my responsibility. Because of my hesitance to rip out my Alpha's heart on the day of the Summit, Leyton had killed many and caused even more pain. Today, I would right the wrong I made on that day.

Sorry, Daciana, I thought. I couldn't promise I'd make him suffer in death. Death was suffering enough, especially to a narcissist like Leyton.

It didn't take long to catch up to Leyton, not with little distance between us to begin with and his missing toes. Once he realized we'd caught up, his cowardice fueled him into changing tactics. He shifted into his human skin, a sure sign he would once again try to talk his way out of the situation. But there would be no talking his way out of the lives he ended, no persuasion powerful enough where this wouldn't end with his heart separated from his body.

"Ending my life isn't what you want," claimed Leyton, turning to face us.

Despite his facade, I could still scent his fear palpably. When it came down to his fight of flight response, he'd chosen flight, but now, he could flee no longer. My head rose in confidence that fighting me was Leyton's last resort. And it would no doubt be his last stand.

I shifted back with ease, adrenaline and anticipation making my body shake as I strolled towards him. "Actually, it is."

Leyton's face morphed into a snarl. "You think killing me without a legal trial is justice? You're a hypocrite!"

I frowned, my feet freezing to the snowy ground below them.

Leyton could barely contain a grin as he continued. "You haven't heard my side of the events, Tara. Let me explain to you, let me—.