Claude took the knife to the shoulder like a pro, then kept his position to protect Stella. He felt pain and anger, but he did want to be the better man and only have to fight to keep her safe. When she pointed to the balcony, Claude knew what he would have to do. As he began to get up, he saw Stella throw the piece of wood at Tom a d heard the beginning on his question. In a blur of movement, Claude's clawed hand grabbed Tom by the neck and with a crushing amount of force he squeezed. Tom's face became red and his vein were sticking out as he vainly struggled to free himself from Claude. Claude barked and snarled in Tom's face before tossing him to the balcony. In a flash, Claude was right by Tom and he hoisted him up above his head. A guttural and mighty roar left Claude as he decided how he would kill Tom. Primal force welled up from inside him as the scent of Stella's blood found his nose. Even more rage burst forth from Claude