“You must have forgotten me, you must know well that I never back down from a fight,” Jones smirked.
“What are you going to do with her?” Strider asked curiously.
“I need her blood, she’s the only kind that can withstand silver.”
“What did you do to the rest of the packs?” Thomas turned and examined the place.
“Killed the alphas for each pack and took the rest as slaves. Being the only alpha would grant me access to power.” Layton saw past his plan and found it rather impressive.
“You’ve grown rather intelligent however your stupidity surpasses it all. Do you really think humans would bow down to you?” He shrugged once more.
“They would have no choice to. You see humans value life more than anything. That’s how stubborn they are.”
“And wolves value power more than anything. That’s how stubborn we are.” Layton added raising a point. Thomas turned to Antony.
“Antony long time no see.” Antony snorted.
“It’s Strider don’t call Antony!”
“Oh. Nicknames? How cute.” Strider crossed his brows.
“As I said hand her over before this gets ugly.” Layton took his stance.
“And as I said I won’t do that.” Layton took his stance as he got ready to charge.
“Then it was nice meeting you.” Before Layton could react a gunshot was heard. Layton turned his back and the sight scared him. Gemini opened her eyes only to see Antony in front of her wounded. He fell to the ground as he gasped for air. Layton seeing the wounded beta, ran up to him.
“That was a bald move.” Antony joked as he coughed drops of blood. He was directly shot in the chest and couldn’t stop bleeding. Layton took out a piece of cloth and tried to stop the bleeding.
“It’s no use, am a goner,” Antony said feeling his body give in slowly.
“How annoying. You blocked my shot!” Thomas complained. Layton ignored him and turned to Antony.
“Why did you do this?”
“If she died you would never stop crying about it besides this is the first time I’ve seen you this happy after a long time.” Layton pity. Gemini still froze in place as she tried to understand what exactly was happening. Layton turned his attention to Thomas when Antony stopped him.
“You injured and he is much stronger than he was. You’ll get yourself killed.”
“Aren’t you?” Strider flinched in pain.
“They need you, they wouldn’t survive without you. Don’t let a small issue affect them.” Layton looked straight into Antony’s eyes as he seemed for an answer.
“What are you trying to say?”
“Take Gemini and leave, I’ll hold him off.”
“This is my battle. I won’t let you die for my mistakes.”
“I won’t let you die for your mistakes either. Promise me you will take care of them.” Layton after struggles accepted.
“I will.” He carried Gemini in his arms.
“And please do not mourn for me, it won’t suit you.” Antony laughed and the alpha laughed back and later flew. Leaving the two men alone.
“You must be courageous standing all alone.” Antony forced himself to stand up.
“My mother did say it would kill me one day but I never knew she was right.” Thomas took his form and so did Antony. Thomas firstly charged attacking Strider in all corners and Antony managed to block each attack.
The battle was fierce that it shook the ground. Thomas passed a sharp kick on the beta’s injured chest that carried him off the ground. Antony panted as he felt his ribs crack, however refused to give in. Thomas was impressed by the beta’s dedication.
” I want to know what drives you?” Thomas asked in a distance.
“Love and trust. You should try it.”
“How cute but am much of a vengeance type.” Thomas increased his speed and managed to land scars and bruises on the beta. Antony tried to balance his breathing as he felt his body reach its limit and he knew it had to be dealt with quickly. Multiple kicks and punches sent the beta on his knees as blood oozed from his nose and mouth. Thomas walked towards Antony.
“It was fun fighting with you but I have to end this.” Another bullet penetrated his chest and the beta screamed at the sensation. Thomas grabbed Antony’s hair and lifted his head.
“I will kill each one of them too bad you won’t be there to see it happen. ” Antony was filled with sudden anger as his wolf took form. He grabbed Thomas’s arm, his blade arm breaking through his ribs with his supernatural strength.
“I won’t let you hurt them!! You have no right to live. Die!” Antony spoke before ending Thomas. Disbelief filled Thomas as he never expected such a tragedy to happen.
Antony’s was finally confirmed dead and his funeral took place immediately. Layton for the first time felt grief over the loss. Gemini on the other hand tried to comfort him.
“He understood me and was there for me through thick and thin. He was like the brother I never had, the only person who stood by my side. I will never forget the sacrifice he made for me.” Layton spoke up before the crowd trying as much as he could to hide his emotions.
“I never imagined that he would risk his own life for me,” Gemini said to Layton as she cried heavily. She always thought Antony hated her.