“Right for who? You could get hurt, killed even.” She pointed out.
“Yes.”
“What about me?”
“This isn’t about you, Rachel.”
“It is if you truly wanted us to be together.”
“You can’t even decide if you want me, but you can already interfere in my duties.”
Rachel turned red with embarrassment. “Fair enough, but if I decide I want you, will there be anything left over after the fight to claim?” She said before she walked out of the room head held high like a queen.
“She doesn’t understand.” Megan whispered. I knew that, but it didn’t make me feel any better about the lack of confidence my fated one had in me.
Megan handed me a platter piled high with food. If I lost this afternoon, it wouldn’t be for lack of energy. I sat down and began to dig into my food with a hearty appetite in silence. It was a surprise Megan had held back so long. She couldn’t stand it another second as she sat down next to me and fidgeted.
“Rachel loves you.” She whispered as if it had been torn from her.
“It might help if she knew that.” I replied.
“Hurry up, Stan. I think the ladies and Terrill are here.”
“Almost done.” I hollered with my mouth full of food. If nothing else, Megan had made me happy before the challenge. Was it wrong that I wished her sister had been the one to put out the effort?
Finishing off my last bite, I washed it down with a mug of coffee. I jumped up and rushed to Reese’s office where the three ladies from the James’ pack that had sought sanctuary sat across from Reese’s desk. Terrill sat on one side of the desk with Alpha Roberts sitting at the other. That left a chair up against the wall for me. Reese would say that was a lesson in arriving first, but Terrill and Roberts were both more instrumental in this meeting than I.
“Are we ready?” Terrill asked. No one answered directly but we all nodded. “Let’s start with you, Sue.”
“Alright. I’m Sue Meeks and I’m twenty-two. I’ve lived in the James’ pack all my life. It’s never been a pleasant place to live, but things have gotten steadily worse. We aren’t allowed to reject James’ warriors. The males of high rank are allowed to have anything they want. Females are required to service them or they take what they want and we are punished publicly. The property of others means nothing. They take food, valuables, and force the weaker males and children into service. We’ve put up with it for years now, but the females they are forcing are getting younger and the sexual deviance is increasing. It’s got to stop.” Sue explained.
Terrill was recording everything and he asked her for some examples of deviance. Her descriptions made me flush and I was pissed off. How could a male call himself a male and act like that? That alpha had to go. I hadn’t had any doubts, but maybe Terrill had some initially. No one had any after the three girls finished talking. The desire to rip someone’s head off was so strong, I knew I would have to fight not to kill James.
It was hard to understand how these things had happened basically next door to us and we’d seen nothing. No one had come forward to ask for help until now. They would get their help and once I was in charge things would be different. Knowing it would take time to heal this broken pack didn’t discourage me. Giving up wasn’t an option and letting that male go wasn’t one either. How he could not only allow, but encourage his males to commit indecent acts with females and young males was impossible to understand.
Furthermore, all three girls had implied that the alpha had either watched or participated in some of the worst acts committed. James was just a sick old fuck whose time had come. He wouldn’t escape wolf justice, not this time.
“How are you holding up, Stan?” Terrill asked.
“I’m pissed off which should help me tear him limb from limb.”
“I have to tell you that you shouldn’t do that no matter how much I would enjoy seeing it.”
“I know Terrill and I’ll try to remind myself that prison is worse than death especially for a pig like that.”
“Okay, it’s time to call James. The challenge needs to be made. Once it’s over, I’ll be taking whatever’s left of him.” Terrill said.
“I’ll be happy to let you have him in hopefully bad shape. Some of his top males may need to go too.” I insisted.
“We’ll investigate this thoroughly, Stan. I won’t be leaving until it’s done.”
That made me feel a little less alone. I knew Roberts and Reese would have my back, but there was only so much they could do. Terrill had the power of the council behind him and he had promised to bring back up.
Reese picked up the phone and made the call. “James?”
“Yes, who the hell is this?” His rough and disagreeable voice could be heard on the other end.
“It’s the overseer.”
“What are you calling me for?” His voice wasn’t as nasty as before.
“I have someone here that needs to talk to you.” Reese explained.
“Okay. Who is it?”
“It’s me, Stan, the overseer’s second.”
“What the hell do you want?” James asked.
“I’m calling you out. This is a challenge for pack and justice.”
“You’re not in my pack. You can’t challenge me.”
“Not true. I’m standing up for Sue, Molly, and April. They’ve accused you of mistreatment.”
“I’ve never done any such thing. You have to have proof.” James sputtered
“Alpha James?” Terrill asked.
“Yes, who the hell are you? How many people are in there? Are you having a party?”
“No party. I’m Terrill, we’ve met before. I’m a warden and I’m representing the council in this matter. You will fight this afternoon at the boundary between the packs. There’s an old circle there from years ago. Two hours, be there or forfeit.”
“You are railroading me. I know my rights. I’m calling my council male and you will be out of a job.”
“I’m sorry you feel that way, but you had better be there if you want to uphold your position.” Terrill insisted.
“Fuckers!” James cussed as he slammed the phone down.
“I think he took it pretty well.” Terrill joked.
“It could have been worse.” Reese agreed.
“It may still get that way. His pack is only in the hundreds, but half of them seem to be what he calls warriors. Many of our people are just that, they have regular jobs and families. Altogether, we might have five hundred males trained to fight. Getting them together could take a while even though we sent out word yesterday. James keeps his warriors around him in case something like this happens. He’s going to have them fight. Maybe not right away, but if he thinks he might lose he’ll turn his army loose.” Reese observed.
“I hope you’re wrong. I managed to get twenty-five volunteers from nearby packs and some wardens flew down to help out.” Terrill offered.
“More than I expected. You’ve done well.” I praised. “We have guys watching James and his pack. I also sent someone over there to let those assholes that have been living high on the hog and giving nothing back know that they may have to give everything for James to try to hold his position. I may have misled them on how many forces and what kinds we have on hand.”
“What did you tell him?” Terrill asked.
“I might have suggested a couple covens of witches might turn them into frogs.” I chuckled.
“Why would they believe that?” Terrill asked.
“Rachel and Megan have witch blood. Rachel is actually a powerful witch. Some of the James pack might already be aware of that.” I admitted.
Terrill laughed. “Some of those cowards will run. That will help us today, but they’ll be trouble wherever they go. They’ll be easy pickings one at a time.”
They sat around relaxing until a scout that was keeping an eye on the James pack came in. “Here to give a report.” He said.
“Go ahead.” R
eese directed.
“We gave them the gossip Stan told us to. A few of them packed up and left. They slunk off like chicken shits.”
“It’s time.” Reese announced. They needed to get there before James if possible. Letting him have a chance to set something unpleasant up needed to be avoided at all costs.
Everyone stood up, filed out, and headed to the old circle. That was an old fighting circle that a pack had used for their dominance battles. It was clear blood had been spilled here. A lot of it and a long time ago judging by the feel of the place. The stones were old style in shape and may have been brought here from some other place. No grass grew here now and probably never would again.
People were gathering, more on Stan’s side than on James’ side. The females and the children from the James pack slunk in the back of the crowd, wanting to watch, but terrified of being seen. Whispers began at the back of the crowd telling them all that James was on his way.
People started to part leaving a path right up to the circle. James huffed and puffed as he hurried along. Was he putting on a show to mislead me? That would never work. He came to a stop and stared at Reese, Terrill, and me.
“You have me here. Now let’s call an end to this bullshit.” James insisted.
“Did you call the council?” I asked.
“Yes, but they don’t really understand what’s going on here. This is just a sad attempt to add more land to your holdings.” James accused.
“No, if Stan wins, your pack will remain intact, but under new leadership.” Reese explained.
“Stop stalling, James.” Alpha Roberts insisted. “Let’s get this done.”
Chapter 2
Alpha Challenge
I was hiding in the back with my sister Megan. The males would not approve of our presence here in hostile territory. We were safe enough as long as we had our wands with us. The wands weren’t the source of our power and we had magic without them, but they focused and sometimes magnified the spells that were cast. Some powerful witches sneered at those that used them, while others swore by them. To each his own was my opinion and wands were my thing.
My fated mate was about to take on James the soon to be defeated alpha of this pack. I could imagine no other outcome so I just trusted it would be so. We watched James walk right past us with no sign of recognition. His mind was on a more serious problem than who was here to watch the battle he couldn’t hope to win. I heard his words, a pitiful attempt to dissuade Stan from his challenge. It was no surprise when he refused to withdraw the challenge already given.
“Both combatants need to enter the circle. Once inside, neither may leave until a clear winner is declared or both parties are unable to fight on.” Terrill declared.
As Stan and James entered the circle, Terrill went on to read the charges that had led to the challenge. Justice would be determined by this battle. He spoke of the long history of challenges particularly a challenge to give justice for victims of crime. Terrill mentioned the leadership of the pack would also be determined by the challenge because those the crimes were committed against were pack members.
“Either participant wish to make a statement?” Terrill asked but both shook their heads. “Let the challenge begin.” His hand was fisted and dropped down. The battle had begun.
Stan and James met in the middle of the circle making half assed kicks and punches at each other as they circled round and round. I knew they were testing each other’s reflexes, speed, and strength. They did it long enough that some of the bloodthirsty James pack began to chant for some action. Stan’s shoulder length dark hair kept sweeping over his face. He probably should have cut it, but I liked it long. His dark eyes examined his adversary and found him wanting. A golden glint was in his eyes showing his wolf.
“Bring blood, James.” Some male member yelled. Maybe they foresaw that Stan’s victory would bring James’ warriors nothing good. What they didn’t realize is their good times were at an end either way.
Megan had explained things to me so I was finally aware of all that had occurred. I was proud of Stan, but I was also frightened for him. It wasn’t a lack of faith, the fear was unreasonable but it was still there. The fight had picked up and Stan was getting two hits to every one James made. The old alpha’s eyes were wild and insanity peeked out. His animal was losing his grip on reality.
James morphed into his wolf fast as a blink but Stan was just as fast. Now a mangy wolf stood there, black but with gray mixed in. His fur was dull and his eyes blood shot. Stan’s wolf was solid black, his fur glossy, and his eyes were clear and glowed gold with his wolf’s power.
Both wolves slobbered from jaws that revealed sharp looking fangs. Neither of them were playing around anymore. James lunged first. His plan was to get in quick and end things. The plan failed as Stan moved lightning quick and latched on to James’ hind leg instead. A yelp came from the old alpha that hurt my ears because it was so high pitched.
Megan grabbed my hand and I could see watching this was hard on her. My Stan was beloved in his pack and I would always wonder if Reese hadn’t been around if he would have claimed Megan instead of waiting for me. Jealous much? Hell yes. Who wouldn’t choose Megan if they had the chance. She was what I would look like if all my faults were erased and I was shorter and more buxom.
A yip turned my attention fully on the fight where Stan had nailed James across his back. Blood dripped from the wound and James looked incensed. He went after Stan like a rabid dog, but Stan stayed calm looking for his opening. Fear rolled over me because he was backing up as James hit him with everything he had. Did he realize how close to the perimeter of the circle he was? He must have because his backward motion slowed and then stopped before he turned things around and went on the attack himself. I could see power rolling all around Stan’s wolf. It almost made him glow.
James was beginning to look like a worn out old wolf with little left to offer. Stan steadily backed him up until he hit the edge of the circle and was thrown by an unseen power clear into the middle where he lay struggling to get up. Could it be that it was over so easily?
I looked around and now some things I’d seen that I hadn’t understood made sense. The unseen force field around the circle was why no one strayed too close to the edge. This was strong magic and now I understood wolves did have magic of their own. It wasn’t like witches’ magic, but strong in different ways.
Stan growled as he stood back waiting to see if James would rise to fight once more. It didn’t seem possible, but I was wrong. He charged Stan in a last ditch effort and he seemed to fly, he moved so fast. It was unexpected, yet Stan reacted immediately. True warrior strength showed in the muscles that rippled under his fur as he jumped in the air to catch James before he landed.
The target was James’ throat and he caught it in his open jaws. Shaking him like a rag doll, Stan growled and his eyes glowed with pure alpha strength. James fought frantically to get loose and somehow managed but it was obvious he was just delaying the inevitable. His wolf sat on the ground, breathing roughly, and trying to gather his strength. Stan had had enough and moved in to finish him.
He’d underestimated James who had more power left than it had seemed like and he moved in a flash getting a precarious hold on Stan’s neck. Easily, Stan shook him off but he had managed to hit blood and now neither of them looked good.
They growled at each other and slobbered, both taking a dominating stance but posturing wouldn’t end this fight. Action was needed and Stan was ready to go. Unfortunately he forecasted his move and James managed to move just enough that Stan missed him.
I held my breath praying for an easy end to this. Pushing forward just a little, I saw that Stan’s eyes fell on me. Would it encourage or distract him? He was my hero for risking his life to help these people and I was ready for this to end. Never would I have imagined James holding up this well and I wondered why he had. It was time to put this evil creature down and start helping the people that needed and deserved it.
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Stan looked recharged, his eyes were clear and determined. Nothing would stand in his way now. James looked ready to drop, but I would not be fooled again and I was sure Stan would use caution. He was forecasting again and he was ready to spring at James. The old alpha moved first, but Stan had feinted and instead caught James’ neck in a perfect hold with his razor sharp jaws. James struggled and every move made more blood pour but he refused to yield. It was obvious he wanted an honorable death in battle.
Stan just held, not granting that death to an adversary so lacking in honor during his life. Eventually blood loss and maybe even oxygen deprivation from the tight hold, made James lose consciousness. Once it was clear he was out, Terrill called the match in favor of Stan. James was taken away but Stan stayed in the circle to see if any other wolves wanted to challenge his rights to the alpha position.
A young and strapping wolf stepped forward. “Name and position.” Terrill demanded.
“Jergens and I am third to the alpha.”
“There’s no point in you fighting.” Terrill said as two males stepped up and restrained him. “Complaints have been filed against you for your treatment of females and children in your pack. You are under arrest and these males will read you your rights.” Some others thought to slip away, but they were caught too. “Anyone who doesn’t abuse those weaker than themselves wanting to challenge?”
A young male stepped up. Maybe he thought to take advantage of Stan’s injuries. There was no way he could win. “My name is Marks. I claim the second position.”
I hadn’t even realized I was holding my breath until he spoke. Now others stepped up claiming a spot in the hierarchy they would have never managed before. Some might manage to keep it, some would lose it quickly.
“If there are no challenges for alpha, I declare Stan the new alpha of this pack.” Terrill declared. He looked around and no one commented. “I give you your new alpha. Stan, you may exit the circle. Males, restrain James and place him in the backseat of my SUV.”
Stanley (Red Wolf Book 2) Page 2
