CHAPTER ONE HUNDRED AND FIFTY-SEVEN BEATEN BY A BETA

XANDER'S POV I roared in frustration as I faced off against Luca, my body ached from the relentless pounding. The night was filled with the cacophony of our struggle—growls, snarls, and the rhythmic pounding of claws against fur. The forest around us was a blur of shadows and motion as we clashed. Luca’s wolf form was a powerhouse of muscle and fury. He moved with a primal elegance, every swipe of his claws and snap of his jaws calculated for maximum impact. I lunged at him, claws extended, teeth bared. But Luca was quicker, his body a fluid blur of movement as he dodged and countered with brutal efficiency. His claws raked across my side, slicing through my fur and skin with a searing pain. I howled in agony, trying to recover, but Luca was relentless. He pressed the attack, his powerful jaws closing around my neck in a bone-crushing grip. I twisted violently, my own jaws snapping at his muzzle in an attempt to break free. Luca’s strength was unmatched. He slammed me again