Chapter 41

Derick Mondragon’s POV

As we rushed down the stairs, Miranda appeared in front of me, blocking my path. Tension crackled in the air the moment our eyes locked, both of us understanding that a fight was about to break out whether either of us wanted it or not.

I had underestimated her skills. She moved with surprising speed and agility, her punches and kicks coming at me in rapid succession, catching me off guard enough that I stumbled backward, scrambling to defend myself.

Despite her lack of werewolf abilities, Miranda was a formidable opponent, quick and precise, with clearly years of hand-to-hand training behind every strike.

But I was an Alpha, and I’d fought and defeated far more dangerous opponents before her. I wasn’t