Valentina and Liz flanked them, their presence equally imposing. Liliana kept Elisa close, ensuring she was protected, while Sophia, though not in fighting condition, maintained her place, her hand still on her belly as she hoped for a swift end to the conflict.
Alpha Jasper, still in his massive wolf form, moved closer, his amber eyes locked onto the retreating hunters.
President Harrington, watching from the sidelines, spoke up again. "Stand down, Alpha," he urged, though his voice lacked the authority it held earlier. "There's been enough bloodshed. Killing them will only lead to more retaliation."
Jasper's wolf growled, but after a moment, he shifted back into his human form. "What should I do with you?"
The leader of the hunters trembled. His bravado shattered. "You don't have to kill us," he pleaded.
"Don't we? And why shouldn't we?" Matthew asked.