Claws of Fate

Vengeance

I stirred awake, my head aching from the confrontation with James. The memory of our argument and his decision to go after Victor alone replayed in my mind, fueling my anger and worry. How could he just leave me like that? After everything we've been through together. I couldn't let him face Victor alone, not again.

I bolted upright, disoriented and unsure of how long I had been out. Panic surged through me as I realized James could be anywhere by now. I stumbled out the door, my eyes scanning the open land for any sign of him. My heart sank when I saw his dog tags and leather jacket abandoned on the ground, coated with blood in the distance.

My stomach dropped, thinking the worst. I grabbed his jacket, clutching it close to me, the scent of Victor clung to it. Rage welled up inside me, mixing with fear and desperation. I lost Victor a long time ago, James was the only family I had left. I couldn't lose him too.

Determined, I picked up Victor's scent and immediately set off, my senses heightened. As I walked deeper into the forest, I noticed the trees were scattered with claw marks. Victor wanted to be found and I could feel my anger bursting, this was nothing but a game to him.

The trail led me to the edge of town, the scent growing stronger. My heart pounded as I approached the local bar. Victor's scent was unmistakable now.

"Victor!" I shouted, my voice echoing through the quiet streets. My anger was at an all-time high, fueling every step I took. I kicked open the door to the bar, my eyes blazing with fury. The bargoers stopped what they were doing, their eyes wide as they took in my wild state.

Victor sat at a table, a smile plastered on his face. "Look what the cat dragged in," he said, his tone mocking.

"Where's James?" I demanded, my voice trembling with rage.

Victor leaned back, his smile widening. "With Kayla now."

"What do you mean?" I yelled, my claws itching to extend.

Victor smirked, enjoying my distress. "James came looking for a fight. I gave him one. I finally put him down'."

The bartender, sensing the tension, tried to intervene. "Guys whatever this is take it outside," he said, his voice shaky.

I ignored him, my vision narrowing as rage consumed me. I drew my claws, the sound of my claws echoing in the now silent bar. The patrons hurriedly made their exit, leaving me alone with Victor.

"There's the Wolvie I know," Victor said, picking at his blood-coated nails.

"Why?" I asked through gritted teeth, barely able to contain my anger.

Victor stood, his eyes gleaming with malice. "Why? You don't call, you don't write. How else am I supposed to get your attention?

Without thinking, I lunged at him, but Victor was ready. He tackled me through the bar's wooden doors, sending splinters flying. I hit the ground hard, the breath knocked out of me.

Victor mocked me as he approached. "Come on, Wolvie. Show me that animal inside you."

I pushed myself up, fury fueling my every move. I lunged again, my claws aimed at his chest. Victor countered, his claws slashing through the air. We collided in a flurry of strikes and blocks, each of us trying to gain the upper hand.

Victor wasn't holding back this time. His claws drove into me repeatedly, each strike sending waves of pain through my body. He picked me up and threw me against a stack of wooden logs, the impact leaving me momentarily dazed.

He shook his head, disappointment clear in his eyes. "You stayed by James all these years, knowing he was the softer brother. I'm disappointed, Wolvie."