Charles stared at Shaw, nonplussed, but Erik’s hackles had risen and the growl he let out was more animalistic than human.

‘Enough!’ he said sharply, causing Shaw’s attention to fall back on him. ‘Enough distractions, Shaw. We finish this. Now.’

Shaw sighed and gave a careless shrug.

‘As you wish,’ he said evenly. Then he glanced at Charles. ‘Stick around,’ he said genially. ‘I’d like to have a chat, after.’

Not if I can help it, Erik thought grimly, tensing his muscles.

Shaw twisted his neck from side to side, working out the kinks in his neck. When he finally finished, he turned his sharp, complacent gaze on Erik.

‘Very well then,’ he said, smiling. ‘Play time is over. Let us finish this, once and for all.’

And then he attacked.






*