Chapter 72. Proud

Rex POV

I stood firm, Aries at my side, as my eyes scanned the wall of warriors blocking our path. Braun had already retreated after my first outburst—now watching from behind his men, hiding like the coward he was. What kind of Alpha stirs up trouble only to cower when it’s time to face the consequences? Foolish of me to think I could reason with him in the first place.

“I don’t want to hurt you,” I said sharply, my voice carrying weight that made them flinch. Still, none of them moved. Too scared to attack, yet too stubborn to let us pass.

“Let’s shift,” I whispered to Aries. His frown deepened, and I could tell he didn’t like where this was unfolding.

“Are you sure?” he asked softly.

I nodded. “We’ll get out easier in wolf form. And I don’t want to shed any more blood.”