Last Chance Diner

by Rowan Thalia

  Ranger lifts his head, lets out a strangled howl, then begins aiming punch after punch into the sides of Jared's skull. The sounds of bone-cracking, the wet squelch of blood, and Ranger's grunts fill the space between us. Jared doesn't even fight back, he just lays there, taking the beating. I don't know if the girls are helping him stay still, or whether he's accepted his fate. Either way, the fight I was expecting from him doesn't happen. Ranger's choked sobs break my heart, but I don't interfere - no one does. What Jared did was worse than death to a female, and he deserves every blow.

  Ranger stops. He looks down at the bloody mass below him and takes a deep breath. His head whips back and forth before he and rises over the wolf. Taking a step back, he opens his arms wide. I hold my breath as his fingers splay apart, and his claws lengthen. My vision clouds for a moment when our eyes meet. Pain, resignation, and triumph pound through our bond like the hooves of a horse on a racetrack.

  "This is for Faith," Ranger croaks. His claws slice through the air, slitting Jared's throat in one clean swipe. Blood gushes from the wound, pooling around his body. Jared's head lolls to the side. It is over. Ranger lets out one long howl, the powerful bass is joined by the lower tones of Lewis, Ty, and Brandon. My mates' intermingling voices fill the cracked spaces in my soul. I look up to the moon and out over the mass of bodies that surround us. The crowd all shuffle on their feet and look wildly from Ranger to Thane and back again. When Ranger's finished, he looks at Thane with disgust, steps away, and disappears again.

  Ty whines deep in his throat and nudges me forward. I blink, then tear my eyes away from the battered corpse on the ground. There's a tightness in the air, Thane's pack are ill at ease and looking around trying to determine where we are hidden. My next move must be a good one. There's no doubt about that.

  "Come out, little wolf," Thane teases from his pedestal. "I can feel your anger from here. Obviously, I've sorely underestimated you and your quaint little pack. Let's… talk."

  This fucker must think I'm stupid. Well, I guess letting him jail me wasn't the smartest thing I've ever done, but I'll be damned if I'm gonna walk right into another trap.

  'I need you guys to close ranks. I'm going to challenge Thane as Alpha of his pack,' I stomp forward through the melee.

  'Faith? That's unheard of. The Alpha is always male. You …' Brandon stutters.

  'Don't you dare tell me what I can and can't do. I'm Moon Born, pack law needs to be rewritten,' I grate my teeth and keep moving.

  My mates' surprise leeches through the bond, but they don't back down. If anything, Ty pushes closer to my leg. Ranger snorts, in wolf form, and prances to my other side, squeezing between Brandon and me.

  'I support you in whatever you do,' Ranger chuffs. 'Get his ass.'

  Now I'm the one who's surprised. I'd expected Ranger to pull some broody Alpha bullshit on me when I revealed my plan. Contrary to my thoughts, his bond is filled with regret and love. I have a suspicion that he's mad at himself for the things that have happened to me in the last few days, and I'll have to make sure he understands I don't blame him after all of this is said and done. For now, I'm grateful for the unquestioning support from not only Ranger but my other mates as well.

  'We're right behind you, too,' Alyssa adds.

  'Well then, here goes nothing,' I flex my hands. 'Sisters, do whatever you can to get his witches out of the fight. I'll take care of Thane, Goddess willing.'

  'And we'll take care of any of the wolves,' Ranger chimes in.

  Not wanting to give Thane time to hatch a plan, I race toward the bonfire and uncloak myself when I step onto the platform. "Thane, for the atrocities you've brought down on my family and me, I, Alpha of the Moon Pack-coven, challenge your position as Alpha of the Gulf Pack in one to one combat," I project as loudly as I'm able.

  Thane's eyes narrow, he crosses his arms and lets out a growl. "Pack law does not allow for a female to challenge my position," he scoffs.

  "Actually, pack law only states the challenger needs to be another Alpha. Which… I am," I answer forcefully. "Fight me or forfeit your claim to the pack."

  "She's right," a familiar voice calls from the crowd.

  When I turn, I'm shocked to realize not only is my pack-coven visible, but the speaker is my sire. His blond hair blows around him as he towers over the wolves beside him. For the second time tonight, I'm shocked at my resemblance to him.

  "Ah, we meet again, Quentin," Thane rolls his shoulders. "Funny how you always show up at the least convenient times."

  I'm sure my mouth is open as I look from one male to the other. He knows my father? How many more secrets about my life are floating around the ether?

  "I like to call it fortune," Quentin raises his palms, creating a disturbance in the air around him, the bodies around him shift until he's created a full circle. "Regardless. I am right, and so is my progeny."

  A mumble starts in the crowd, the words get louder and more evident until they are shouting, "Let her Fight!"

  Thane's lip curls as he looks to his enforcers and his second in command - the man I thought to be my father. The lot of them just shrug and motion to Quentin. With a rumble of anger, the Alpha rips off his shirt and steps into the circle. He and Quentin stand toe to toe for a moment, then the warlock bows with a flourish toward me.

  "I've created a safe fighting space for you, my daughter. Consider it a gift," he waves his arm over the area before stepping up to the platform.

  "You do realize to use magic is to forfeit, and I'm going to kill you, right?" Thane sneers.

  "I'm aware it's a fight to the death, yes," I step into the ring with more poise than I feel. Can I do this? My pack shift into their human forms and disperse themselves along the diameter of the circle. I watch each of them find a position, snarling and roughing up the other wolves when they try to press forward.

  "And I'm sure you know that if you lose, I will cull anyone here that so much as breathes your support?" Thane points to my mates.

  I'm taken aback for a moment. I hadn't thought of the implications of my losing. Risking myself is one thing, but everyone I love? 'You can do this; your super strength is part of you. It's not outright magic, a loophole if you will,' Tyffani whispers from the platform. I'm relieved to see that she, Quentin, and Alyssa are corralling Thane's witches. I take another look around the circle, making eye contact with each of my mates. Nothing but love shines in their eyes. Each of them nods and crosses one arm over their heart. It's settled then, I can't lose. Goddess, I need you.

  Quiet settles over the field, making the crackle of the fire seem as loud as gunshots. I widen my stance and pool all my magic in my core to feed my strength, bleeding as much as I dare from my pack. Resolve and anger rise through fear. I grit my teeth. My fingers curl into fists, and I straighten my spine.

  I figure my best bet is to wait for him to spring and rush under his guard somehow. I watched my brothers and other packmates prepare for Alpha fights most of my life. I scan Snow's memory for assistance since she's always had an eye for this sort of thing. Satisfied that I know enough, I nod in Thane's direction. The cheek to cheek grin that covers his face sends a chill down my spine, but I refuse to let my fear be visible. Snow rises to the forefront, extending her claws and raising our top lip to let out a growl.

  Before I can blink, Thane pounces. Snow takes over, jigging to the right and slashing at his exposed ribcage. Blood runs down his side. He snarls, grabbing at the wound. With lightning reflexes, he stomps forward and slaps me across my face, his claw catching the skin just above my eye. Stepping back, I grab the wound and take a deep breath. Blood trickles into my vision, and I slit my eyes to watch his feet, trying to guess his next move. I can't let him mark me again.

  Ty's Omega waves crash into me, a calming balm. I take a deep breath. There's so much riding on this fight, I simply cannot lose. My stomach is a massive lump of nerves. Sweat rolls down my spine like a waterfall. Thane paces along the diameter of the circle, chuckling and rubbing
his palms together. With his fangs showing, he snaps his head up. His arms fly into the air. My nose twitches, I know he's up to something - but what.

  "Faith!" Lewis cries out. Before I can react, Thane's caught a boar hunting spear, and he's lunging forward. I should have known he would cheat somehow. The blade makes a sick, wet sound as it wedges into my thigh. The pain shooting up from the wound is unimaginable. Tears threaten, I know I only have seconds to act. I hold in my scream and trust-fall backward into Ty's arms. It's the only way to break free of the spear. Ty squeezes my shoulders before lifting me back to my feet. His touch sends soothing waves down to the wound. It works; I rise effortlessly, wiping blood from my brow.

  "Would you like to call it quits while you're still breathing?" Thane throws the spear down at the edge of the circle with a flourish. He turns his back to me and motions for his followers to back him up. The crowd goes wild. Some are shouting Thane's name; others are booing. Ranger's voice rises above the others, calling my name. The bond between us all is a frenzy of worry and anger.

  I'll never get another opening so clean, so I jump forward wrapping my body around his torso the same way I did his enforcer. I've no knife this time, but I do have my claws and teeth. Acting fast, I half shift clamping onto his jugular with my mouth while raking the other side of his neck with my nail. His flesh tears easily, and blood gushes into my mouth, choking me. There's nothing to be done besides gulp it down. Disgusted, I grind my teeth through the thick muscle, before ripping as much of his flesh off as I can in one bite.

  Thane's gargled screams pierce my ears. His hands tear at my face, ripping new gashes along my cheek. He falls backward with me, still clinging to him. The weight of his body crushes me. He's still breathing. I wrap my arm around what's left of his throat, ready to choke him out. Everything is happening so fast, I've barely enough time to think. His elbows crash into my ribs, and he thrashes his head around, attempting to escape.

  Please, Goddess. I pull from my mate's stored powers to boost my strength, holding on for all I'm worth. His movements come slower and slower until they finally stop. Afraid he's playing dead I hold tight a bit longer. Tears and blood flow freely down my face. I can barely breathe with the dead weight atop me.

  "It is done," Quentin's voice rises above the others. "Someone pull her out of there."

  Before anyone can rescue me as if I'm a damsel in distress, I use my last burst of energy to shove Thane's body to the side. Everything hurts, but I rise slowly and turn in a circle with my palms up. "Bend the knee and recognize me as your new Alpha or leave this place tonight. Any pack members who are here at daybreak will adhere to my rule!"

  There's a commotion behind me. Ranger's eyes go wide. In a split moment, he throws his body in my direction, pushing me to the ground. Wrenching my head, I strain to see what's happening. Beside us, Thane's body clumsily rises, his pupils black. My throat dries, and I scream when a bolt of energy forms in his hand.

  "Et abierunt!" Quentin roars as he steps between us. A flash of light blinds me, I close my eyes and burrow my face into Ranger's neck. The smell of burnt flesh rises in the air. My lips are dry as I cough.

  "You heard her. If you choose to stay on these lands, you will obey my daughter's law. I have a feeling some things will be changing for the Gulf Pack. Make a wise choice and flourish here," Quentin proclaims. "For now, you will all clear this area so that both of your new Alpha's may be attended to - or you will face my wrath! Where is the former Luna? Let us take care of the fallen Alpha properly."

  I want to stand up and demand him to stop shouting orders, but my body has had enough. Instead, I cling to Ranger and call for the rest of my mates through the bond. 'I need to touch you all.' They rush to my side wordlessly, and my heart bursts with love.

  'Unless you want us fawning over you in front of your new subjects, I suggest you let us help you stand and walk to the farmhouse,' Ty's voice is thick with worry.

  'Yeah, do us a favor, don't be a pain in the ass,' Ranger chuckles.

  Leave it to Ranger to pull a smile from me right now. I send my approval. The guys crowd in, shielding me while they help me up. It takes every ounce of strength I must wobble to my feet. A brief glance around reassures me that the pack is settled for the night as the field is nearly empty. Alyssa and Tyffani still pin down Thane's witches. Thane's second stands to Quentin's right. I scowl, not knowing where the male who raised me stands at the moment. I eye my biological father wordlessly, asking him to take care of the situation. He bows slightly and nods.

  "Where's my mother and siblings?" I croak.

  "They've been taken to the farmhouse. Millie is waiting for you," a female voice answers from my left. I look over and see my childhood friend, Sara. Her eyes sparkle with warmth, and she motions for us to follow.

  "Thank you, Sara," I take a step after her, Ty holding my left and Lewis at my right. Ranger takes the lead, his shoulders rigid, and Brandon follows close behind us.

  You'd think replacing an Alpha would be a bit more dramatic of an affair, but you'd be wrong. We're taught that this is a way of life from a young age. Alphas come and go, some stay for a long time, some don't. Usually, the really cocky ones, like Thane, get replaced, and the pack rolls with the change. Thane's clock was ticking. The longer he was in power, the more he was overreaching.

  Sara leads us to the back door of the farmhouse. A low, mournful howl echoes across the field just before I step through the door. Thane's wife is grieving. I feel bad for that part, she seemed kind enough. Lucky for me, they had no kids. Hell, maybe fortunate for her too, she can still find a new mate. I look back at the fire, her wolf's silhouette staring upward creates a sad picture that breaks my heart.

  With a heavy sigh, I move forward and into the house. The smell of freshly baked bread hits me like a sledgehammer. I realize I haven't eaten in more than a day. My mouth waters, and I scan the room greedily.

  "Faith, I mean Alpha? Are you hungry?" Sara curtsies.

  "Please, no formalities tonight. I know that tomorrow will change all of that, but I'm just Faith right now," I whisper.

  "Of course. I can show you and your… pack to the guest suite. After that, I'll bring some food up. I'm the head of the farmhouse staff. I'd be honored to stay on in the same capacity for you," she sinks a little lower even though I just asked her not to bow to me. I get it; instinct and upbringing are hard to overrule.

  "Thank you, I'd appreciate all of that," I smile and thread my fingers through Ty's.

  Only in the middle of a pack war can four males walk around stark naked, and no one even bats an eyelash. I have to say I like Ranger walking in front of me if I had any energy left, I'd pounce on that.

  'Easy there… Alpha,' Ranger snarks over his shoulder.

  "What's the security like in this house?" Brandon chimes in as we approach the staircase.

  "Well, the guest suite can be completely cut off from the rest of the house. There's only one entrance from the inside, and it has an emergency exit off the balcony. I'm sure your warlock sire or your witches can spell you safe as well," Sara shrugs. "Although I have to say I'm doubtful you'll need it. Dare I say, these last year’s Thane's greed grew, so he lost the support of most of the pack. That's why he always had his thugs skulking about."

  "Where did all of his enforcers go? I didn't see any of them when we left the bonfire," I ask.

  "Oh, my bet is they all ran off to the Little Rock Pack as soon as it was evident Thane was gone, a bunch of turncoats waiting to happen" Sara chuckles a little. "Sorry, I've always been a terrible gossip."

  "I remember," I smile.

  "Your sire stayed back to take care of things for you, I'm sure he wouldn't allow the enforcers to stay on either," Alyssa pipes in. "Would you like me to go check?"

  "It would put my mind at ease, yes," I nod as we stop in front of a large double door.

  Alyssa nods before she vanishes from sight. Now that we're not trying to hide our use of magic, the sisters can transport as
they wish, which will come in handy. I've yet to learn the skill. I tried twice, and.. yeah no.

  'No vanishing. Hurts,' Snow growls.

  "Well, here we are," Sara opens the doors and motions for us to enter. "I'll leave you to get settled while I round up some food for you all. The wardrobes are all fully stocked, I'm sure you'll find something that will do for now. If you think of anything else, there's a buzzer on the wall by the light switch that pages me."

  "Thank you, Sara," I incline my head. She dips her body in a tiny bow and ushers herself out, closing the door behind herself. "Can you tell my family I will be with them soon?"

  "Of course."

  As soon as the lock clicks, I stumble to the nearest piece of furniture and collapse. The chaise is soft as a cloud. I groan in appreciation. Footfalls echo through the room. The whispers of my mates fade into the background. My heartbeat trumps every sound, thump thumping loudly in my chest.

  "I've found a few basics," Ty's voice rings through the room. I can't even bring my head up to see what he's doing.

  A moment later, someone taps me on the shoulder before turning my face up on the cushions. My hazed vision settles on Ty, who grimaces and pushes a strand of matted hair out of my face. If I give in to him right now, I'll break into a million pieces, so I set my jaw and tuck the tears away.

  "We're going to dress your wounds before they scar, love," he croaks.

  "How bad is it?" I breathe. The grimace on his face is enough to answer. Fortunately, if they clean the gashes well enough, I should heal as soon as I shift. Resigned to more pain, I close my eyes and try to drift off. Snow chuffs and pushes me further to the back of our mind. I can still hear my men, but my body just feels numb.

  "Lewis, you get the leg, I'll clean her face," he whispers. Or maybe he doesn't, perhaps I'm just too out of it to hear clearly.

  Ty

  I've never felt for anyone or anything the way I do for Faith. She makes me whole inside and out. Having to stand by and watch her fight, then seeing her this way is breaking me, but I can't allow her to see how it affects me. Her face is so torn, she's hardly recognizable. Coupled with the black hair dye plus the blood, she looks like a dark witch or zombie.