Lena didn't argue. She ran.
Caleb turned toward the sound, heart hammering, hands clenched into fists.
He could feel it moving—just beyond the trees. Pacing. Watching.
Toying with him.
Then, without warning, it struck.
A black blur burst from the woods, all muscle and malice. Caleb dove aside as claws slashed through empty air. The creature hit the ground hard, skidding to a stop and rising to its full height—eight feet of snarling, twisted rage.
But this one wasn't the same as the beast from the alley.
It was leaner, more intelligent. Its eyes glowed with calculation—not madness.
Caleb backed away slowly.
"I don't want to fight you."
The werewolf tilted its head. Then it grinned.
"You already are," it rasped—speaking. Its voice was rough, broken, like a knife dragged across stone.
Caleb froze.
It could talk.
"Who are you?"
"I'm your future," it growled. "The part you're too afraid to become."
The wolf lunged.
Caleb braced for impact—but something shifted inside him. He ducked lower than he thought possible, spun, and slammed his shoulder into the creature's ribs. They both tumbled down the rocky slope near the edge of the quarry.
Pain flashed through Caleb's body, but something kept him moving. Something primal.
They rolled to a stop. The creature was up first, claws slicing at Caleb's side. Blood bloomed through his shirt.
But this time—he didn't fall.
He rose. Slowly.
Eyes glowing faintly gold.
The change was starting.
The creature's grin faded.
"You're turning faster than expected," it said. "Good. The others will want to see this."
Caleb blinked. "Others?"
But the creature only gave him a last guttural growl and darted into the forest, disappearing like a shadow caught in moonlight.
Caleb dropped to one knee, gasping.
Lena reappeared seconds later, pale, eyes wide.
"What the hell was that?!" she shouted.
Caleb didn't answer right away.
He was too busy listening—to the heartbeat in his chest, to the sharp clarity of his senses, to the animal just beneath his skin.
He looked up at her slowly.
"That," he said, "was a warning."
And somewhere deep in the forest, more of them were coming.