Twenty-Three

CHASE POV

I stared at the door for a long moment, then shook my head. Convincing Allison was never going to be easy; I knew that much. But I was determined to keep trying.

A sharp wince escaped my lips, and I pressed a hand to my side where it ached. Glancing down, I saw my shirt was quickly soaking through with blood.

"Damn it!"

I had really done a number on myself. It wasn't often that I took a hit in a fight, but going up against about twenty werewolves, that was bound to happen.

"Twenty damned werewolves," I muttered, standing up and making my way to the small bar by the bed. I poured myself a whiskey, then peeled off my shirt and poured some of the liquor onto the wound.

Gritting my teeth, I examined the injury. Steam trickled out of it, and it was already starting to form an ugly purple bruise.

It hurt like hell, but I had a feeling it wasn't the only thing hurting. My heart was heavy, too. Convincing Allison felt like an impossible task.

I wondered how much longer I'd have to k