Everything was ready now…
From the Silvercrest spot on the battlefield, Ma’Heron saw her walking regally beside Abner, head held high, hands to her side, stride as sensuous as ever. Her long, thick, and tousled dark mane perfectly framed her square-jawed and serious face, making his mate look like a strong, determined amazon surrounded by her male underlings.
The only evidence of her brokenness was her puffy eyes; and the darkened, swollen skin underneath them.
He also knew that underneath her black dress suit, the same one she wore the day she disappeared from work, he would be seeing more swelling and darkened patches all over her body. His assessment was all based on Myron’s recent report to him and the aches and pains that she tried so hard to hide from him during their linked conversations.
Plus, the fact that she was even blanking out the visuals of their link, and he’s left with just a white “screen” when they talked, as if she was editing out images he didn’t want to see… Correction, what she didn’t want me to see.
But there was one image that she managed to send him. His photographic memory allowed him to link and discuss it with his Alpha before they left the meeting room’s balcony the previous day.
Ma’Heron knew it was what they needed to assure them of success.
He tried to mindlink with her as soon as they were seated on the opposite side of the arena. Ironically, that spot was the very place where she and her father had their final battle… My beloved wife, wait for me. You will be with me soon.
No response…
M felt that she was trying to reach him through their mate connection, but he couldn’t hear her. Of course, he knew why, and he could feel his wolf and himself growling internally out of sheer fury…
She’s affected by the new drugs she mentioned, that’s for sure M. It’s quite a feat, to block out the link but not affect you physically. I bet she can’t even change to werewolf form. Margay, my love… please be alright.
It’s a show of power, wolf. Also, his way of trying to derail our focus. Well, if anything, he’s created more reason for us to end all this in a way he’ll truly be sorry for.
Show of power? He’ll know exactly what show of power means when I get my fangs and claws on him. Damn you, Kieran! YOU WILL PAY DEARLY FOR THIS!
Yes, they will…
* * *
The Alpha of the Crescent Moon Pack walked towards the covered area at the edge of the open, mile-wide area, located a few meters away from the Silvercrest packhouse. As his entourage of warriors and his doped-up kidnap victim found their seats, Abner took a deep breath of the cool fresh air coming from the outer periphery lined by the nearby forest.
“Ah, such a wonderful acquisition this all will be once I win, dearest wife,” he snickered greedily as he sat right beside her. Not that he really cared about sitting with her, but it was the biggest chair and right smack dab in the center, too.
“Don’t you DARE call me THAT! Even if you have tried to own me by ravaging my body, you will NEVER have my mind and you’ll NEVER touch my heart!”
“Pffft… doesn’t matter. I will still have you with me. And I will assure you now that your precious Gamma will die. So, rejected or not, you will still be mine.”
“Dream on…” she sneered.
As Abner raised his arm to hit the rebellious female beside him, his wolf hissed into his mind…
Abner, the Elders are looking your way!
Upon hearing his wolf, the sadistic Alpha looked up and around, finally seeing the covered area that housed the long bleacher-type seats of the audience. Seated there were the same four heads that he had met within V’s meeting room back in the city, along with the rest of the absent elders, other VVIPs, and quite a number of authorities and personalities of the different packs of the region.
And most of them were now gazing at his little covered spot with very suspicious looks.
Desist! You can hit her as much as you want if you win…
No Kieran, WHEN we win!
A wicked smile slowly spread on Abner’s face, while his eyes glittered in contained fury at being held back from what he originally wanted to do. He then let his hand fall gently on Alexia’s shiny raven hair and started to stroke it.
The Gamma’s Mate jerked her head away from his touch and he let out a low growl of warning…
Alexia didn’t care at this point what he did. She truly believed her husband could and will defeat this monster. And if
Abner did manage to cheat his way to killing the owner of her heart…
She planned to kill this maniac herself by tearing out his own heart, and she’s sure that she can do it, eventually.
Ironic but apt… And yet, husband, I believe in you. I know you will win. I’m holding you to your promise to win.
* * *
“So, is everybody in position?” murmured Beta A to the part-time spy beside him.
“Yes, everyone is ready,” Raquel stated, as she tossed her dark brown, shoulder-length hair aside.
“What about your team, Myron?” Aaron asked V’s full-time personal assistant, who happened to be Raquel’s mate.
“Waiting for our signal, Beta.”
“The minute Elder Stephen raises his hand, and we start walking to the middle of the field, go to your warriors and begin your operation. We’re counting on you.”
“We won’t let you down, Beta,” assured Myron.
Meanwhile, Bren was handing the Gamma a small pouch filled with plastic vials, “Just what the doctor – I mean, the lawyer – ordered!”
A small spark of humor lit up Ma’Heron’s eyes for a moment; but disappeared as soon as he nodded his thanks. He took one vial, tore the cap off with his teeth, and consumed the amber-colored liquid in one swallow.
M closed his eyes as he felt the mixture burn its way down his throat. “I think it’s working, Brenner. Thank you.”
“Don’t thank me yet, Boss. We’ll only find out if it really works until later. And take three more, just in case…”
V then walked up to the two suited men and grimly nodded, “It’s time. Let’s go.”
* * *
Both Alphas were escorted by their Gammas and Betas to the middle of the “arena” which was basically the open area along with the forested area of the massive and extensive Silvercrest property. As mentioned earlier, this is the very same place where the battle happened years before, and most of the “guest” wolves involved in that conflict could not help but view personal flashbacks of that memorable yet traumatic event.
V was no exception as he walked tall and with authority in front of his Beta and Gamma.
The three important, impressive, and imposing trio confidently moved toward their challenger, stopping at the very center of the wide area. Once Elder Stephen has given his speech and signal to begin the battle, Alpha V will go back to his pack’s covered area to watch his close friend, M, fight on his behalf.
Stephen, The Elder, has now reached the group in the middle of the arena and has now begun his speech…
“Today, we have one of the most sacred traditions of the Werewolf packs. The Alpha Challenge; was one that was agreed upon by the council of elders with the agreement of both the Crescent Moon and the Silvercrest pack. The fight will end until one of the contenders loses consciousness, and the one standing can choose to let him live, or kill him.”
M recognized Gamma Dante, who was standing behind Abner, and honored him with a small nod. Dante returned the action respectfully.
“If any of the contenders breaks the rules, or uses any weapon of any kind, he will instantly lose. If anyone assists the contenders in any way through a previous arrangement, the one assisted will also lose by default. This fight will last however long they can keep fighting, or until a winner is announced.”
At this point, Abner smirked at V, who only responded with a cold stare. The arrogant abuser looked at M and saw his rival looking at Alexia. He instantly lost his grin as he saw the she-wolf smile back at the Silvercrest Gamma.
“Following the Wolf Law, the victor will take the title of Alpha from the defeated one, along with their pack, territory, and businesses associated with it. As an additional request, this fight will define who will be the partner of Alexia Van der Meer, mate of Gamma Ma’Heron Denar. This is based on an agreement made between her, her father, and the Crescent Moon Pack Alpha, Abner de Jaager, today’s challenger, before they found out that they were mates.”
Aaron was staring at Abner’s Beta, who was obviously still in his teens and seemed fresh out of Beta training. Surprisingly, “the kid” was looking puzzled and worried, and his expression was so out of place in their present setting.
“Due to this irregular circumstance, The Gamma of the Silvercrest Pack, Ma’Heron Denar, will represent his Alpha in this challenge. Gentlemen, as soon as you are alone in the arena, you may begin.”
As Elder Stephen walked away, so did V, Aaron, and Abner’s Beta and Gamma. M and Abner were ready to begin…
* * *
Myron, the Gamma-Female’s information is on point. We have the enemy in sight and are heavily armed.
Good, we expected that. Let’s get this party started!
The boyish-looking but well-toned PA snarled as he merged with his wolf, Basil, His werewolf form had dark gray fur, and the same dark brown eyes as his wolf and his human forms. Through his mindlink, he felt the warriors assigned to him, as they all started changing to their ultimate fighting forms.
And though he was no warrior, he was a very impressive tactician. Plus, his speed and agility made him a very hard target to hit. Meanwhile, his beloved mate was a wonderful soldier, always obediently following orders. Of course, they would always change roles in the bedroom…
R, we’re going in!
Ok, we’re already inside!
Leave some for us, wifey! That’s an order, hahaha!
Hahaha! It’s twenty to one by my count! You’ll get plenty to play with, for sure hubby!