A Trick

[William’s POV]

I wince as Rosco’s words slam into me.

Don’t let me down.

Why was it that no matter where I was or who I was with, I always held to a higher standard? Even back in Crystal Fang, my father and even Uncle Hamilton would tell me the exact same thing. Since I was young, that was all I ever heard until the day that was exactly what I did.

I understood that I was of alpha blood, but Rosco was older than me, and as such, he was the one who was ultimately meant to be the next alpha. And no matter how hard I tried to keep up with him, they always compared me.

“I won’t.” I hiss. “I swore to help protect your pack, and I intend to do that.”

“Look alive, everyone!” Elise calls, drawing everyone’s attention. “The nue is making its move!”

As she speaks, the cloud begins to twist and contort until it takes shape into a terrifying creature with the face of a monkey and the body of a lion. Its tail, which remains raised in the air behind it, is a serpent with venom dripping from its fa