Chapter 53: I put you in the shit
Jay, furious, roared, "You’re no Alpha!" he spat, his claws aiming for Hugo’s eyes. Hugo dodged, his own claws slashing across Jay’s face, sending blood flying. The Löwen staggered back, momentarily blinded, but his wounds were healing too fast.
Hugo panted, his Jagd body trembling with rage. He was strong, but Jay was more experienced—a born predator, a Löwen with the potential to become a Plague. Every strike Hugo landed was countered with a brutal retaliation. A claw sliced his flank, making him roar in pain. Blood flowed, soaking his black fur.
"I can’t lose," he thought, seeing Ben, Yuki, Kaiser, Katrina, and Kathy fighting for him. Not now.
Cornered, Hugo howled again—a sound that shook the clearing. Trees cracked, the ground trembled. For the first time, Jay faltered, his roar weakening. Hugo charged, his claws sinking into Jay’s chest. The Löwen screamed, shoving Hugo back with a swipe that split a tree in half. Hugo collapsed, his Jagd form shaking, strength spent.
"You’re done," Jay growled, advancing, claws gleaming. "You don’t have the strength of a real Alpha."
Katrina, furious, fired a bolt that embedded itself in Jay’s arm. "Shut the hell up!" she yelled, landing on the ground. Kathy, reloading, added, "Hugo, get up! I’m not risking my life for you!"
Yuki, on the ground, whispered, "He has to... control..." before collapsing, his wounds too severe. Kaiser, swaying, grabbed one of Yuki’s blades and threw it, grazing Jay. "Move, Hugo!" he snarled, voice shaking.
Ben, forcing himself up, charged Jay, claws aimed at his throat. The Löwen shoved him back, but Ben held on, tearing into his shoulder. "Hugo, now!" he roared, bleeding heavily.
Hugo, on his knees, felt his strength fading. His transformed body was failing, blood dripping onto the ground, his mind foggy. No way I’m letting them down. He drew from his rage, his howl echoing once more—deeper, more primal, more powerful.