"Why did I do that?" Jay wondered. He ran his hand through his blond locks. He sat at Claire's bedside while she laid there in her tent unconscious.

"As I thought," Liley glanced at the pregnancy test. Jay's eyes glanced over at Claire as she had her hand in jacket pocket. He saw her take out her knife, he shook his head at her to warn her. "Traitor," Claire took out her knife and went to stab Liley. His body reacted knowing that if Claire attacked Liley she'd get hurt. Possibly killed. Before he could even move it was too late, his ear twitched hearing a loud crack. Soon after, Claire fell over unable to breathe. This damage was a result of a single palm strike from Liley. He rushed to Claire's side as she fought to breathe.

"Now as I was saying," Liley continued.

Jay used his enhanced sense of touch to find where the crack in her bone was. Once he pinpointed its location. He used his enhanced sense of sight focusing it all on that one point. This allowed him to see the crack in her bones. Her sternum that's where the crack is. Luckily it would heal over time due to a werewolf's natural high speed healing factor. Considering it's Claire, she'd heal twice as fast due to her ability. She'd live. As for Liley, Jay growled at her.

"I wouldn't if I were you," Liley smirked. "I'd hate to have to put more dogs down." Lycan glared at her. "Oh right, she was your medic, my apologies, here," She threw him a potion. "It'll help her bones heal quicker, don't say I've never done anything nice for you."

As soon as Liley left with Raven, Jay carried Claire to her tent and gave her the potion. As he was carrying her. Alexis was yelling at him. "I can't believe you, Jay, I can't fucking believe you'd once again put your life at risk to save her. What part of Claire doesn't give a shit about you don't you understand?" He ignored her and proceeded to take Claire somewhere safe.

"Why did I try to save you? It doesn't make sense. I'm Alexis's boyfriend, I chose to be with her and yet here I am once again. Sitting here beside you, knowing you don't love me, you don't care about me at all. Yet even knowing this, I'm still here protecting you. Like an idoit." Jay let out a long sigh. "I really thought my feelings for you would disappear after I chose her. But this only proves it, they're still there and I still-." He rubbed his forehead. "Damn it, why does love have to be so fucking complicated. I'd better go talk to Alexis." He walked outside Claire's tent where Alexis was waiting for him.

"Go on, let me have it." Jay allowed. "I fucked up, I put Claire's life before my own and as my girlfriend. You have every right to be upset at me. So, let's hear it," Alexis rolled her eyes at him. "You were chewing out earlier, why is it different now?"

"Look, I get that you have unresolved feelings for Claire. So, here's the deal." Alexis crossed her arms. "I want you to wait for Claire to wake up and when she does. You're going to tell her everything you need to tell her so that you can move on. Because when you come out of that tent. You're coming out as my boyfriend. Are we clear?" Jay nodded. "You deserve better Jay, don't settle for a girl. You'd give your life for. Settle for a girl who's willing to give her life for you. There's a difference between the two Jay. I just hope you realize that before you end up losing a good relationship for a bad one." She kissed Jay's cheek. "I love you and I'm only telling you this because I care. Now go," Alexis pushed Jay back playfully. "Talk to Claire before I change my mind and decide to kick your ass."

"Thanks Alexis," Jay walked into Claire's tent.

"Raven," Claire jumped forward. She tried to get out of bed to grab her things. Before she could Jay stopped her. She was still in the process of healing. Besides, there's nothing she could do to help her sister. Surely she knew this. "Jay, get your hands off me, I need to save my sister, she's in danger."

"Claire, for once in your life listen to me." Jay grabbed her shoulders and held her still. "There's nothing you can do now. Your sister decided to sleep with a vampire. She violated the contract. The punishment for that is death and if you interfere. You'll be killed too so I suggest you." Claire crawled around Jay grabbing her bag. "Damn it, Claire," He kept pulling her clothes out of her bag unpacking her things as she packed them. "She's dead, okay, dead, you know as well as I that you aren't strong enough to fight Lord Grimm and Lord Alexander. She violated the contract, it's too late. There's nothing anyone can do so please for once. Just listen to me."

"What if it was Jayson, what if it were him?" Claire asked. "Would you want to sit here and be stuck waiting for him to die? Or, would you try to do something to stop it? Put yourself in my position before you start making suggestions. I have to go," She went to leave but Jay got in her way. "Move it, Jay or I swear I'll kick you so hard in the balls. You won't be able to have kids."

"I have done nothing but try to protect you." Jay remained in Claire's path. "I have always tried to protect you. I'd put my own life at risk just to keep you safe. I know, there's times you hate me for it. But I do it because I love you Claire and I don't want anything bad to happen to you. If you get caught up in this you will die. I couldn't live with myself if I didn't try to stop you. So, kick me in the balls if you want, claw my eyes out. I'm not moving. I love you too much to let you throw your life away."

"You love me, oh please," Claire laughed. "So, tell me, did you love me when you stuck your dick inside Alexis. Did you love me when you kissed her in front of me? Was that out of love too Jay. No, Jay, that wasn't love that was betrayal. Which by the way was a dick move Jay. I wouldn't put out so you go and find someone who will. I thought that was beneath you. You're just like your brother. A total pervert who has no respect for women."

"Ok so, I'm the bad guy here." Jay pointed at himself. "I gave you a chance to be with me. I've given you plenty of chances. Sorry, I couldn't stay available until you decided we should date. Excuse me for finding a girl who actually gives a shit about me and deciding to choose her over you. Oh and since you're so perfect, let's take a look at some text messages shall we? They're from a friend of mine, I'm pretty sure you know him. I mean, you saw him naked." He showed Claire his text messages from Xavier. He had told Jay all about Claire's attempt to seduce him to get back at Jay.

"He texted you." Claire growled.

"Yeah," Jay put his phone away. "Xavier told me all about it. He's one of my best friends. He knew I had feelings for you. So in the end out of respect for our friendship. He decided even though he could sleep with you if he wanted to. He decided not to out of respect for me and my feelings. That, and he said you're a total bear trap. So, now that everything's out in the open and my feelings are officially hurt. I can honestly say, I'm glad I chose Alexis. I would have never done that to you Claire. The fact that you would. It really hurts. Like I said, all I've ever tried to do is protect you. I never wanted to see you get hurt."

"So if I hurt you so badly why are you still protecting me?" Claire crossed her arms.

"I don't know," Jay shrugged. "I honestly don't. Maybe it's because despite what you did. I still care and the thought of you dying because I didn't stop you. It would only hurt me more. So, I'll stand here because at this point, it's all I can do to keep you safe. Hate me if you'd like, blame me for Raven's death, despite that I'm going to stand here. Because unlike you," He stared into Claire's eyes. "I still care."

"Bro," Jayson ran over to him. "I know you can sense the vampires hanging out in our forest. So, are we going to do something about it or not? They seem pretty strong and I think the guy who killed our parents is with them. This might be our only chance to kill the bastard. So are we taking it?"

Jay had sensed the presence of vampires in their forest. He could tell the vampire who killed their parents was among them. He recognized his scent from anywhere. The only thing keeping him from killing him was Claire. If he left, Claire would go after her sister and get killed. But at the same time, he couldn't just let this opportunity slip.

"Jay if you go," Claire reminded him. "I'm going after my-," Alejandro stood at the entrance. He glanced over at the woods urging Jay to go. He went to leave. "Jay don't," Claire placed her hand on his shoulder. "If you go, you'll die."

"Since when do you care what happens to me," Jay smacked her hand away. "Let's go," Jayson nodded. The two of them ran into the forest using the trees to hide their presence. If they were going to take on a group of vampires. Sticking to the trees is their best bet, better than facing them head on. Jay remained in the treetops, while Jayson stuck to the shadows. He used his enhanced sight to see a lone vampire walking in the woods.

"Jayson, we got one," Jay whispered.

"What's the location?" Jayson asked, Jay pointed. "Got it, just follow my lead." He remained in the bushes closing in on the vampire. Once they were close enough, Jay began to observe the vampire.

The vampire was female, she had sunflower blonde hair, she wore a violet shirt with a white long sleeve shirt underneath. Her pale blue eyes searched the trees. First rule of fighting a vampire, find out their ability. Jayson went to rush in but Jay held out his hand to stop him. He nodded and returned to the shadows. Not yet, they need to know just how strong this vampire is before engaging her.

"Enough stalling," The vampire ran her finger through her hair. "If you're going to attack me. You might as well come out and do it. Though, if you're smart." She smirked. "I'd consider running, given how you're already fighting like cowards." Jayson growled. "So do you boys have dicks or are you just a bunch of pussies?" Jayson tightened his hand into a fist. Jay kept his hand out to keep his brother from attacking. He'd wait until Jay gave the signal. Jayson took a deep breath to calm himself before tearing the vampire's head off.

"Fine," The woman reached into her pocket. "If you won't come out," She took out two vials. That scent, it's blood. Vampire blood. So her ability has something to do with her using her blood. "I'll just make you." She threw the vials. Soon after, the vials exploded. Several trees collapsed and were destroyed by the explosion. So, That's her ability, her blood acts as some kind of explosive. Why does that ability seem familiar?

"Explosive blood?" Jayson's eyes lingered on the female vampire. He was hidden in the bushes as the woman searched the forest for them. "Why does that seem so-,"It was at that moment a bright flash entered his mind.

"Jayson, it's bedtime." Jaycee stood there. She was wearing black pajama pants and a red tank top. He was only ten years old. He was determined to stay up all night. He didn't want to go to bed and neither did his brother. Besides, he didn't have to listen to her. He stuck his tongue out at her. "Jayson, I mean it, you have training in the morning."

"Who cares," Jayson argued, "It's just with Uncle Al and he'll let me sleep in. Besides, you can't tell me what to do. Only the man of the house can tell me what to do. So, if you want me to go to bed. I suggest you get Uncle Al to make me."

"What was that?" Jaycee put her hands on her hips. "That's it, you little brat, I'm about to-," She went to walk forward but Uncle Al placed his hand on her chest to hold her back. "Al, I'm going to kill him, if he doesn't stop challenging me. There will be no Jayson."

"I got this," Alejandro stepped forward. "Alright, Jayson, it looks like you've been reading the werewolf handbook." He nodded. He sure has, and it says. That only men can be leaders and since he's a guy that means his mother couldn't tell him what to do. He's her boss. If she doesn't listen, he'll beat her up. "I knew I should have waited to give you that. Yes, the book does say men are in charge but see. There's a catch." He sat on Jayson's bed. "When it comes to your mother, she's in charge because who do you think I listen to?"

"Nobody, you're the boss, unless it's Lycan. Then, he's the boss but in my opinion. I think you could kick his butt." Jayson stated. "I mean, you're stronger than him, you're taller than him, he might be a prince but I think you could take him." Alejandro laughed.

"I don't know, Lycan's pretty strong." Alejandro replied.

"Yeah but you're stronger." Jay came out of their bathroom wearing puppy print pajama pants. "Isn't that right mom?" She didn't answer. "Look, Lycan might be your boyfriend but Uncle Al can kick his butt and you need to accept facts mom."

"It's okay she's in denial." Jayson added.

"So you guys think I'm the strongest." Alejandro gestured to himself. They nodded. "Guess what? I'm not the strongest person in this room. Your mother is," They glanced over at her. "She can kick my butt. Jaycee, why don't you tell them a story. Tell them about one of your fights with a vampire." Jayson's jaw dropped.

"Mom fought a vampire."

"Which one?" Jaycee asked. "I've fought way more than one."

"Tell my favorite," Alejandro shrugged. "More like, my second favorite. I don't think these boys can handle my first favorite. They might explode from excitement. So let's just go with that one."

"Okay," Jaycee let out a sigh. "Scoot over," Alejandro made room for her next to him on the bed. "Okay, boys, this vampire I'm going to tell you about isn't dead yet. So it's possible you might meet her one day so pay close attention. Especially you Jay."

"Yes mam," Jay saluted her.

"During the war," Jaycee began. "When our pack was first dispatched. The three of us encountered two exceptional vampires. Lycan and Alejandro had to deal with one but I had to deal with the other. She was quite strong and back then, I wasn't allowed to use my abilities to fight her. But she could so I was at a clear disadvantage. Her ability was." She lowered her voice to a whisper. "She could make her blood explode."

"Oh no," Jayson gasped. "How'd you beat her?"

"I know," Jay raised his hand. "I know how you beat her."

"Well Jay, how did I beat her?" Jaycee asked.

"You used her ability against her just like you taught me to do." Jay answered. "Am I right, do I get a cookie?" She nodded and Alejandro left to get a cookie from the cookie jar. Once he was back, he held out a chocolate chip cookie to Jay. He took it and ate it immediately.

"I want a cookie," Jayson frowned watching as Alejandro snacked on a cookie in front of him. He groaned and split his cookie in half sharing the other half with Jayson. "Yay, cookie," He bit down on the cookie.

"Hey, only smart people are supposed to get cookies." Jay wiped the crumbs of his lips. Alejandro shrugged and drank from a cup filled with white milk. Jaycee pointed at her lips to show Alejandro that he had a milk mustache. He quickly wiped it off. "So you used her ability against her. But how were you able to do it?"

"It was quite easy," Jaycee replied, "I slashed her with my claws and flung her blood back at her. The explosion hit us both but I was wearing armor at the time. So it wouldn't hurt me as bad as it hurt her. So in the end," She kissed Jay and Jayson's cheek. "I ended up beating her."

"What was her name?" Jayson asked. "The vampire you fought."

"I believe she said her name was Selene." Jaycee answered.

The bright flash faded. Jayson was still in the bushes hiding from the vampire. "Selene," He balled his hand into a fist. "So it's her," So this is the vampire his mother fought during the war. If she could beat her then, he could too. He jumped out of the bushes, Selene turned around only to be punched in the face.

The impact sent Selene tumbling across the grass. Just as she was about to get up. Jayson struck her in the side of the face with a jumping knee attack. She crashed to the floor, having the side of her skull busted open. "Oh wolf boy, you're going to regret doing that?" She smirked.

"Oh, this," Jayson pointed at the blood on his jeans from where he hit her. "I wouldn't do that if I were you. I'm not wearing underwear so," He smirked. "If you blow my pants off. You're going to get a full frontal view. Trust me, sweetheart, I'm too much wolf for you to handle." He winked at her.

"You won't be once I blow it off." Selene countered.

"You wouldn't dare." Jayson glared at her.

"Oh, I totally would." She grinned. "So let's see if it can survive a direct hit." She went to blow up his jeans. Jayson tackled her before she could and the two of them rolled down a hill. "Damn it, get off your stinky wolf ass off me."

"If you blow me up, you blow up with me." Jayson kept her pinned. She positioned her leg right between his legs and kicked him in the balls. "Son of a-," He groped himself while Selene pried herself free. She tried to detonate the blood on his jeans. Before she could, Jayson struck her with a full force shoulder tackle. She rolled across the grass grasping her stomach. She tried to detonate it again. Jayson drew his foot back prepared to charge again.

"Like I fucking said," Jayson glared into her eyes. "You blow me up, I blow you up. I'm fast enough to make sure we both get hit by the explosion. So, we can do this little dance all day but it still ends up the same. I'm willing to bet, the explosion is going to hurt you a lot more than it's going to hurt me. So, I suggest a new tactic."

"Alright, wolf boy," Selene ran her fingers through her hair. "I've got to give you credit. You're a lot smarter than you look. No matter, I'll just have to stop playing nice." She appeared beside Jayson. She kicked him back. While he was being kicked back. "Catch," She tossed a vial of her blood at him.

"Don't mind if I do," Jay jumped out of the treetops and caught the vial. Before she could detonate it. He threw the vial back at her. The vial exploded, blasting her back. While the smoke of the explosion blinded her. He appeared in front of her slashing her with his claws. She skidded back as her blood dripped down her shoulder. Her blood dripped down his claws. She went to detonate the blood but Jay flung it back at her. The blood exploded blasting her back using her own ability against her.

"So he remembers, it's about time." Jayson smirked.

"There's two of you," Selene dusted herself off. "Dealing with one of you is bad enough. It's a good thing I like a challenge."

"Trust me," Jay drew his claws. "It won't be much of a challenge. Brother, you know what to do." He grabbed Jay and threw him into the air. While he was in the air, Jayson charged at Selene. She blocked his fist, went to counter with a kick. He ducked it and tried to catch her with leg sweep. She jumped back, the second she did, Jay landed on top of her. Selene dodged at the last second as Jay's claws struck the ground leaving a small crater. He rushed forward striking at her with his claws. Selene kept dodging his attacks only to be caught by Jayson who slid under Jay and tripped her with a baseball slide. As she was falling, Jay slashed her chest with his claws. Before she could detonate the blood. He held his claws to her throat. She caught his arm and rolled over on top of him. She jumped back throwing a vial of her blood at them. The vial exploded, blasting them both back. Jayson blocked the damage protecting his brother. The smoke from the explosion cleared and Jay was gone. There was a hole in the ground where Jay was but Jayson made sure to stand in front of it so Selene couldn't see it.

"I guess we're going with that strategy." Jayson cracked his knuckles. "Fine by me," He punched a tree knocking it down so it would cover the hole. By now, Jay was underground using his ability to pinpoint Selene's location. A surprise attack from below. Now all he had to do was set her up for it. A vial flew at Jayson, He caught it, crushed it in his hand. Just as she was about to detonate it. He punched her. The explosion went off blasting her back. Selene crashed into a tree while her back was against the tree. Jayson punched her in the ribs repeatedly then he kneed her in the stomach and threw her across the ground. "Let's go bitch."

"That does it," Selene blocked his fist. She kept blocking his attacks left and right. "I've had enough of these games." She kicked Jayson, knocking him back. While he was backing up, she kept hitting him over and over only to be interrupted by Jay. He burst out of the ground striking her with a powerful uppercut to the jaw. She hit the ground as Jay stood over her.

"Nice save," Jayson punched his brother's shoulder.

"I try my best," Jay walked up to her as she laid there on the grass. "So, Selene, how does it feel to get your ass kicked a second time?"

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"A second time," Selene rose to her feet. "I've never met you before. So how could it be my -," She stopped in mid sentence. "What pack did you say you were from?" He exchanged glances with his brother Jay. The vampire was as good as dead anyway, they might as well tell her. Not like, it would change anything.

"We're from Nightshade," Jay answered.

"Nightshade," Selene smirked. "Oh, I get it now, " She crossed her arms. "The tactics you were using, I thought I recognized them. That must mean, you're one of her brats. To be honest, when I heard the Princess of Nightshade was killed in action." She reached into her pocket. "I was a tad bit disappointed because I was looking forward to," She pulled out two vials filled with her blood. "A rematch." She threw both vials at the twins.

"Jay, look out," Jayson tackled his brother, knocking him out of the way. Both vials exploded creating a massive crater in the ground. The forest was cleared of trees and limiting their places to hide. Jayson blocked to reduce the damage but after blocking. Selene emerged from the smoke of explosion and punched Jayson in the jaw. He rolled to crouch position and ran his fist across his jaw to brush off the attack. "You want a rematch, oh, I'll give you a fucking rematch but I can assure you. You won't like it." He charged at Selene, striking her with a shoulder tackle. She caught him, kneed him in the gut and struck him with a backhand. His eyes widened as she grabbed a vial crushed in her hand. "Shit," She threw a punch combining the strength of her punch with the explosive power of her blood. The explosion blasted Jayson back.While he was trying to tumble to his feet. Selene appeared with an axe kick over his head. He dodged only to have two vials thrown at him.

"I got it," Jay caught the vials. Before he could throw them back at her. Selene kicked the vials back at him. The explosion went off blasting Jay into his brother. Jayson grabbed his brother's shoulders as his feet skid back. This isn't good, normally he's the human meat shield, not Jay. "Don't worry," Jay breathed. "I'm a lot tougher than I look." He forced himself to stand up. "Though, I'm not as tough as you. I'm still pretty tough."

"I guess those ass kicking's I give you are finally starting to pay off." Jayson punched his brother's shoulder. "My bro's getting tough as nails. Still," Selene began walking toward them, popping her knuckles. He lowered his voice to a whisper. "This bitch is becoming a real problem, tell me, you got a plan."

"I got a plan," Jay whispered. "Remember this is our forest and I'm the one who sets the traps. If I recall, there should be a trap set nearby. Do you think you can lure her to it?" Jayson's eyes remained on Selene. He nodded. "Okay, just follow my scent trail." He ran through the forest. Jayson focused on his brother's scent as he went deeper into the forest.

"Okay, Bitch," Jayson let out a deep sigh. "You want a piece of this wolf meat. Come and get it." He picked a rock up and threw it at the ground. The rock skipped and struck Selene in the nose, busting it open. "Whoops, I didn't mean to damage your face. Then again," He shrugged. "You're already so fucking ugly, a busted nose might be an improvement."

"Did you just call me ugly?" Selene glared at him.

"Wow, " Jayson rubbed his chin. "So you must be a natural blonde then. That explains the stupidity. I mean to think you were that slow to catch on. It's no wonder, my mother was able to beat you and the saddest thing about it. She wasn't even trying, I guess that means, you're weak."

"Are you insulting me?" Selene balled her hands into a fists. "Do you know who the fuck I am?" He yawned.

"Do I care?" Jayson crossed his arms." Look, I'm just going to be perfectly honest with you here. The only thing your mouth is good for is sucking these nuts." He groped himself. "So unless, you're going to suck my dick. I suggest you the shut the fuck up otherwise, you can just kiss my ass." He turned his butt to her and pulled his pants down to show his ass to her. "Now be a good girl, pucker up and kiss it." He could feel Selene's anger rising, her blood boiling like she was going to explode from anger. "That's right," He swirled his butt around as if he had some kind of tail. "Kiss my sweet werewolf ass, you know you want to." The second, he heard her feet move. He pulled up his jeans and ran like hell.

"That is it, I'm going to kill you. I was trying to be nice but now, I'm going to blow this entire forest up if that's what it takes to kill you. I'm going to hang you over my fireplace." Selene threw a vial of blood at him. He dodged it as it exploded. She kept hurling vial after vial destroying more and more of the forest. "Get back here you piece of shit."

"So when you hang me over your fireplace?" Jayson came out from a tree beside her. "Will it be ass first?" He smiled at her. Selene turned around and punched the tree leaving an imprint of her knuckle as he took off running again. "Man, I love being the decoy," He laughed as he ran faster, Selene was right behind and catching up. "Oh, shit, she's fast." He picked up his speed realizing she was right on his ass. He reached his arm out, grabbed a tree, turned and kept running following Jay's scent trail. "That's right, stay on wolf boy's hot ass." He climbed up a tree, grabbed a tree limb and flung himself off it and into the air. He landed on all fours and kept running from Selene.

"Whoa," Jayson's feet skid across the grass. Selene jumped off a tree doing a flip and landed right in front of him. She went to punch him, he blocked and countered by pushing her back. He saw Jay in the distance hiding behind a tree. His lips mimed the words just a little further. The fuck, he thought Jay said the trap was close by. This isn't close at all. So typical, Jay's heightened senses always seem to make him think. Some things like traps are closer than they actually are. suppose, that's the only downside to having his brother's ability. Still, he just had to push her a little further. He could manage.

"You're dead," Selene pulled out two vials. She went to throw them but Jayson ran full speed at her and tackled her. His shoulder lodged into her stomach forcing her feet to skid back further and further until she stopped. Her foot felt the weak ground beneath her and she smirked. "I see, you were trying to lure me into one of your traps. Too bad, your plan failed." She punched Jayson in the stomach. He arched over, she struck him with a uppercut to the jaw hitting him so hard his mouth busted open and some of his canines came out. "There we go, now you won't be talking so much shit." She grabbed Jayson's throat and slammed him down. "Such big talk for a wolf with no balls." She kicked Jayson in the stomach while he arched over coughing up his teeth.

Jay went to rush in but Jayson glared at his brother. He could handle this, the last thing he needed was for his brother to come out of hiding. The plan was to make Selene fall into the trap, that plan did not change. He did not fail, he does not fail. She will trigger it even if he has to force her. He forced himself to his feet and glared at Selene.

"Trust me, this particular wolf has balls." Jayson kept blocking her punches. He kicked her back. She skid back, her feet getting closer to the trap beneath the ground. She charged at Jayson with a kick. The kick forced him back. He swung to hit her, she ducked his fist and she switched sides with him. Once she did, she quickly punched him in the chest forcing him back into the trap. The ground beneath his feet almost broke but he kept footing light being cautious of the trap. He carefully stepped off the trap before the ground broke.

"You're mine," Selene jumped and kicked him. He caught her in mid air and threw her into the trap along with himself. The two of them fell into a deep pit full of mud. The only way either of them could escape was climb out. The two of them laid on their back hitting the ground below. "You stupid," She forced herself to stand. "Piece of filth." She flung mud off fingers. Her blond hair was caked in mud. Her clothes stained, jeans covered. "Look at what you did, I'm going to kill you. There's no saving you, you're so fucking dead." He busting out laughing as he rested on his back.

"No, I'm not dead," Jayson rose to his feet. His upper body covered in mud, his hair almost completely colored by it. His jeans were masked by the mud. But he was alive, it wasn't a spike pit, which was what he had grown to expect. No, Jay was smart, he led them to another trap in the off chance he'd have to resort to triggering the trap himself. His brother planned for this, this was the strategy and it played out perfectly. "You are," Selene's eyes widened. He threw his fist at her, she dodge only to realize she was fighting him in an enclosed space. She had no room to dodge him effectively.

Jayson's heart beat began racing, his adrenaline flowing as he struck at Selene faster and faster. Relentlessly punching while she tried her best to dodge him. But in an enclosed where she barely had enough room to move. His fist met with her stomach after the first hit connected. It was over, he kept hitting her over and over. Each punch being stronger than the next. His attack speed rapidly increasing. His strength flowed with the boost of his adrenaline that was now under his complete control. He could feel Selene's ribs cracking, her bones breaking after each hit.

"Die, bitch," Jayson struck her in the face using the last of his strength. The punch exploded and Selene's body slid down the mud wall and rested on the floor. He took steady breaths as his heart beat slowed to its regular pace. His muscles were sore, his body ached but Selene was dead. The risk was worth it.

"I got you," Jay reached his hand out from the top of the mud pit. He grabbed Jay's hand and was pulled up by his brother.

"We did it," Jayson fell to knees breathing heavy. "We beat her." He forced himself to stand up. "That was an excellent strategy," He punched his brother's shoulder. "How'd you know, I'd throw her in the trap with me."

"Let's see," Jay rubbed his chin. "You're my brother and I know you'd be dumb enough to try something like that. I was going to lead you guys to one of my spike pits. It was closer but then I was like, what if you fell in instead of her. There's no guarantee she'd trigger it and the only way aside from that was for you to make her. Then I was like well if Jayson makes her then he's going to trigger it with her and if he falls in a spike pit. Yes she would die but so would he. So then, I was like, know what, Let's do a mud pit instead. It's safer, there's a lot less risk involved. Plus, your ability is perfect for enclosed spaces so it'd work better anyway. So, sorry about making you take a detour but it saved your life so you owe me."

"I guess I do, come here you." Jayson pulled his brother close and ruffled his hair. The two of them laughed. Their laughter ceased as a hand reached out of the mud pit. No, that can't be, he killed her, Nobody has survived after being caught in a corner with him. Once he starts manipulating his own adrenaline and unleashing on his opponent. The fight's over, this can't be, How the hell is she still alive?

"So, is that the best you can do?" Selene stood in front of them. He didn't understand. This woman shouldn't be moving let alone standing. He killed her, there's no way she could survive that. "I guess your mother forgot to mention. I'm also a second class healer." Jayson bit his lip as she stood before him healed from her wounds. "So, you have the ability to manipulate the flow of your adrenaline, by doing so, you can unleash large amounts of damage at a really fast pace. But I'm willing to bet once it's all used up, you're practically useless." He didn't respond. "So now that you've run out of ideas. I think it's time we put an end to this."

"Jay, I need you to run." Jayson glared at Selene. "I'll hold her off as long as I can," Jay glanced over at his brother. "I need you to go get dad."

"Go get dad, but," Jay glanced over at Selene then at Jayson. His brother was in no condition to fight Selene by himself. Who was he trying to fool? He's barely able to stand. His ability to control his own adrenaline comes with a price. If he uses it all in one go, it wears down his body to the brink of exhaustion. It takes several minutes for him to recover from it. More than enough time for Selene to kill him. That's it, this wasn't about getting dad. It was about protecting him once again putting his life first. Why does he always do that? "Jayson, no," Jay balled his hand into a fist. "I won't just leave you."

"Yes you will, if you stay she'll kill both of us." Jayson reasoned. "I'm the tank, remember, it's my job to take a beating. I'll be fine, just go. Get dad." Selene began walking toward them. "Please, Jay, we don't have time to argue. I made a promise to you, to Alejandro, to our mother, and to myself that I'd always protect you no matter what. That's exactly what I plan on doing. So stop fighting with me and just get the hell out of here."

"But," Jay bit his lip.

"What did you promise me Jay?" Jayson assured him. "Or have you forgotten that promise?" He didn't forget, how could he? But, when he made that promise. He was hoping that it would never come to that. "Jay, you promised."

"I'll go but you better not die." Jay took off running into the forest. He could hear echoes of Selene and Jayson fighting. Deep down, he knew, Jayson's energy was spent. He put everything he had into his assault on Selene. Now that she's survived it, Jayson was reduced to nothing more than a punching bag. Just moving was going to be a chore. The chances of him coming out of this fight alive were slim at best. He tried not to think about it, just run, run away, get back to the campsite and tell his father. Jay's eyes began to build tears as he ran through the forest.

"Jay, you got a second." Jayson walked into his brother's tent. He was getting dressed for the Lunar Ball. He'd be going with Claire and was counting on sleeping with her. In order to finalize his spot in the war. He knew it was wrong to hope for it but what choice did he have? If Claire didn't sleep with him and produce his child. Then, he wouldn't be able to fight alongside his brother in the war. So, he had to sleep with her tonight.

"Sure," Jay zipped up his pants. "What's up?" He fixed his hair. "Look I know, you're not a virgin and that you know all the tricks to get a girl to sleep with you. But like I told you, I'm not interested in learning them. If I get Claire, I want it to be because I got her. I don't want to rely on anybody else. I love her and though it's being rushed I still want her to love me when it's over. The only way she will is if. I do it on my terms. Maybe after I explain everything, she won't be as mad at me for getting her pregnant."

"It's Claire, "Jayson pointed out. "She'll be mad at you for breathing the wrong way. I didn't come here to talk to you about girls. I just wanted you to know that if you decide to not go through with this. If you decide to drop out of the war altogether even. I won't be mad, in fact I was kind of hoping," He rubbed the back of his neck. "You would."

"You're joking right?" Jay busted out laughing. "I busted my ass off training so I could go and besides if I don't go. You'll get killed, and, as strong as you are. You can't kill the vampire who murdered our parents by yourself. You need me. I have to go. You're not going to convince me otherwise. Don't worry, I'm willing to do whatever it takes so that you don't have to fight by yourself."

"But what if I wanted to," Jayson argued. "What if I was willing to take all of your anger and rage toward the bastard who killed our parents with me. What if I wanted to take on that burden so that at least one of us could live a normal life. What if I was willing to make that sacrifice for you. Wouldn't you want to take it?"

"No, a normal life means nothing without you and Alejandro. Besides," Jay began fixing his collar. "Fighting beside you and Alejandro It would mean the world to me. To finally stand where mom stood and to be able to help you guys protect our family while bringing an end to the war. I mean," He laughed. "What more could I want?"

"Okay well ugh," Jayson rubbed the back of his neck. "If that's what you want." He let out a sigh. "I won't stop you but remember, you're our statigest and as such. You need to know that your life is more important than ours." More important than..., where is all this coming from? Jay wondered. "All I'm trying to say is, if me or Alejandro end up in a situation where our lives are at risk and there's a chance we're going to die. You don't need to fight alongside us. You are to run and think of a plan to save us and if you can't. You let us die, is that understood?"

"Okay first of all nobody is going to die." Jay glared at his brother. "I get it the war's at a crucial point. The slightest move from either side can determine the end result. So it's a possibility but still, it's a possibility I refuse to accept. You're not going to die, I'm not going to die, Alejandro's for damn sure isn't going to die. We're going to make it, we have to. We've lost too much not to."

"But there's a chance right?" Jayson argued. "Wake up Jay, not everything works out the way we want it. There is a possibility that we could die and as our statigest you need to accept that possibility. I've accepted it, Al's accepted it, we know there's a huge chance we're going to die during the war. We're fighting on the frontlines, it's almost guaranteed. So, let me say what I need to say if you really want to go through with this please."

"Okay, I'm listening." Jay sat on his bed.

"If me or Alejandro or even both of us find ourselves in a situation where we could die." Jayson stared deep into his brother's eyes. "Don't try to be a hero, like I said, your life is more important than ours. You put yourself first, don't risk your life for ours. We need your strategies to win. I mean it Jay, don't try to be a hero you're not cut out for it. Which is why, I need you to promise me that if me or Alejandro tell you to run. You don't argue, you just do it, I mean it, this is important. I need you to promise me this, Jay."

"But Jayson,"

"Look Alejandro and I have already talked this through. Well more like," Jayson fondled his fingers together. "He listened, because well, he doesn't talk. But in the end he too agreed with me. We decided that if it comes down to it. If only one of us manages to survive this war. Out of all of us. We decided, the person who had to make it was," He forced a swallow. "You. We chose you Jay. Both me and Alejandro are okay with dying if it means that you'll survive. We put your life before our own Jay which is why. I need you to promise me that when we tell you to run, you're going to do it because I'm just going to be honest with you." He gulped. "I lost two mother's, a father, through it all, I managed to survive. The reason I was able to be so strong is because you were with me. I had to be strong for you, Jay. Protecting you seems to be the only thing in my life I seem to do right. The reason for that is, I refuse to let myself fail at that. If I were to fail, if you died instead of me." He wiped a tear from his eye. "I wouldn't be that far behind you bro, I couldn't live in a world without you. I just couldn't. You have to make it. So promise me, right here and right now that if either of us tell you to run. You're going to do it."

"But,"

"Promise me," Jayson spoke before he could get another word out. His eyes remained on Jay's. He knew he wasn't going to win this argument especially since Alejandro agreed with Jayson's resolve. So, he let out a defeated sigh.

"I promise,"

A loud explosion echoed in Jay's ears. His bare feet feet skid across the ground coming to a complete stop. "Brother," He listened for his brother's heartbeat using his ability. He's alive but he wouldn't be for long. He glanced over in the direction of the campsite remembering his promise to Jayson. He told him to run, but, if he ran, Jayson would die. "What should I do?" It was there in the grass he found his answer. A clover caught his eye.

"Mother," Jay picked the clover and twirled it in his fingers as if examining it. "What would you do?" He already knew that answer. She wouldn't run, if Alejandro or Lycan were in danger. She'd stay and fight even if they told her not to. She'd think because their lives are in danger it's why they needed her most. She'd stay and prove to them she's just as strong as they are. That's it, that's what he's going to do. "Sorry Jayson but I'm going to have to break that promise." The wind blew the clover into the air. "Mom," He glanced up at the sky. "I hope you're watching because today. I'm going to make you proud." He took off in a sprint making his way back to his brother's side.

"Still alive, I see," Selene grabbed Jayson by the throat. "That's the thing I hate most about werewolves. You never know when to give up even when it's obvious you've lost. It's why you're so hard to kill." She began choking Jayson. "No matter, this time, I'll make sure the explosion kills-," Jay appeared out of the bushes slashing Selene's shoulder with his claws. She released his brother clenching her shoulder. "You," She glared at Jay.

"Don't ever put your hands on my brother again." Jay growled at her. "Or next time," He flung her blood on the ground. "I'll cut your whole damn arm off." Selene went to detonate the blood beside him. He ran at her moving so fast. He was in her face before the explosion went off. He slashed her chest with his claws then spun and kicked her, knocking her back. He flung the blood that was left on his claws back at her. While she was skidding back from being kicked. Jay charged at her swiping at her with his claws. She dodged left and right. He tried to catch her with a leg sweep. She jumped over it. Once she did, Jay did a somersault kicking her back. He flipped onto all fours and hit her with a jumping slash. Selene blocked her arms being covered in a deep gash from his claws.

"Alright, you want to play rough." Selene glared into Jay's eyes. "I'll play rough," She appeared in front of Jay. He dodged her punches. But as he was dodging, she grabbed a vial of her blood and crushed it. Despite dodging her punch, he was hit by the explosion which knocked them both back. While he was trying to get up, she grabbed a handful of Jay's blond locks and pulled him to his feet. She struck him in the gut with her knee forcing him to arch over. She grabbed his hair pulling his head back forcing him to look into her eyes. "Fun's over," Her fist drew closer and closer to his face moving slowly to his eyes.

"I'm sorry mom," Jay shut his eyes bracing himself for death. He could see flashes of his mother fighting in the war. He saw her fighting Selene and defeating her. He saw her bravely facing Scythe. The determination in her eyes, the strength she had. "My whole life all I ever wanted was to catch up to you. To be strong like you. I believed that if I trained hard like you did. Maybe I could, I hoped I could even surpass you. But who was I kidding? I'm not like you, I could never be as strong as you were. Losing to Selene only proves it. I'm only chasing your shadow just as I've always done. Nothing's changed."

"I can't do it, mom, I just can't. We've spared what feels like a hundred times and I still haven't beaten you once. Forget it, I'm not cut out for this. I quit." Jay stormed off in anger. His mother shook her head at him.

"So that's it, you just give up." She scolded him. "I didn't get where I was by giving up. Do you realize how many times I was knocked down before I got as strong as I am now. I trained everyday against people I know I'd lose against. Each time I fought them, I learned something new about their attack patterns. I didn't give up, I kept fighting and eventually I was able to beat him. Do you know who the person I'd spar against was." He shook his head. "Lycan, I'd train with Lycan and Alejandro both. They'd kick my ass a lot but when it came time for me to start winning. I got them back, believe me. and it was worth it. So if you really want to be like me then do yourself a favor and stop giving up. You're better than that Jay."

"Yeah but you have an ability that lets you control your surroundings. How can I beat that?" Jay asked. "It's unfair."

"Yes I can control what's around me. But you have the ability to see farther distances, to hear things I can't, to smell things I can't. You have the potential to be a way better tracker than I am. I don't want you to be like me Jay." She let out a sigh. "I want you to be better so stop giving up. Because the moment you stop putting yourself down. That's when you start winning. So if you want to be better than me. If you want to surpass me, stop making excuses and do it."

"Even after your pep talk, I still couldn't beat you. But, this time, it's different. I've matured, I've grown and I refuse to live in your shadow, I won't lose, I won't," Jay dug his claws into Selene's hand. She drew her hand back only to be kicked in the stomach by Jay. While she backing up, he struck her with claw strike after claw strike. He jumped into the air and drop kicked Selene into a tree knocking her on her ass.

"Great," Selene forced herself to stand up. "You're just as stubborn as the last one." Jay jumped at her with his claws. She caught his arm and threw his shoulder into the tree. He let out a loud scream as she twisted his arm. "Still, you'll cause a lot less trouble after I break your arm. I really hope this is your good arm." He screamed louder as she kept twisting his arm. Her eyes widened as Jayson flew at her with a punch to the face. She rolled across the ground spitting out a tooth. "You two really are," She forced herself to get up. "A pain in my ass."

"Why didn't you just run?" Jayson glared at his brother.

"Come now, brother, it's not like I could let you have all the fun." Jay smirked. "Looks like we're out of options. We're going to have to resort to using that."

"Well," Jayson stretched, "It wouldn't be the first time I walked into the campsite naked. Though ugh, you do realize Claire's going to see your ugh."

"Don't remind me," Jay let out a sigh. His face started to shift along with his brothers. His bones started snapping out of place. His pants tore as his body grew in size. Golden fur covered his body, a tail appeared as his claws grew in length. His body became more and more like a human wolf. His brother stood beside him also in his wolf form. He was slightly more built than his brother and slightly taller.

The two werewolf twins stood in front of Selene. Their sharp teeth bared, their claws drawn as their eyes burned with anger. They stood face to face with her and yet she wasn't scared at all. Her lips formed a slight smirk as she crossed her arms.

"Let's put an end to this," Selene dodged Jay's claws, struck him in the nose with her fist. She dodged Jayson, caught his arm and flipped the beast on his back. Jay tried to bite her, she drew her leg back, kicked him in the balls and flipped him over her shoulder and top of his brother. The wolves got up and charged at her. "Here's the thing about fur, it's hard to clean." She opened a vial of her blood and threw the blood on Jayson's fur. "It's been fun but this fight is over." She snapped her fingers. The blood exploded engulfing both wolves in the blast radius. They whimpered in pain being blasted back into their human form. The two boys laid on top of each other, neither of them able to move. Jay's vision was fading in and out as Selene held one last vial of her blood in her hand. So this is it, this is how they...