Chapter One Hundred and Ninety
Chapter One Hundred and Ninety
Of course, Phil and Austin didn’t think facing the Onyx Pack’s Alpha unarmed and unprotected was the brightest idea. I knew the risk I was taking, but I had to do this. My advisors and Aric–who had volunteered to come with me–were the only ones accompanying me.
Alpha Derek and his soldiers waited a short distance from the pack borders.
His eyes studied me, just as they had in the meeting room still measuring whether I was a threat. But once again, his expression revealed nothing.
I came to a stop a few feet away from him.
“I remember telling you that once I come for war, my offer will be off the table,” he reminded.
“I didn’t forget, Alpha Derek,” I said, assessing him just as much. The air was thick with tension. The Onyx Pack’s soldiers stood ready, prepared to strike if it came to that. Things could easily turn very messy.
“I have an offer for you. You want the Alpha King title? Then earn it.”
“That’s what I intend to do when I conquer this pack.”
“My offer is even better, but I wonder if you’re as brave as they say.”
Derek smirked; there was no humor in his eyes. “I am curious to find out what this offer is all about.”
“I challenge you, Alpha Derek of the Onyx Pack, to a fight till surrender. If you win, the pack and the title— everything–is yours.”
My offer took everyone by surprise–my advisors and Aric included.
Derek smiled–wider than I had ever seen before. “Challenge accepted,” he said without the slightest hesitation.
“Tell me when and where you want the fight, and I’ll be there.”
“Five hours is all I’m willing to spare. As for the location, it’s only fair you choose,” Derek replied.
Five hours was hardly enough time. I had expected a few days to prepare but I would have to work with what I was given. “There’s a clearing in the woods, that should do.”
He nodded, but I noticed a new look in his eyes–this time, he regarded me with respect.
I turned away from him and headed back to the pack house
“Tell me you have a plan… that you’re not actually going through with this,” Phil said.
“I gave him my words and I will keep to it.”
“Are you crazy?” This came from Austin. Any other time, I wouldn’t have let him speak to me like that, but this time, I couldn’t really blame him.
“You don’t think I can take him?”
“Alpha Derek is a strong and powerful man. You might be equally matched with him but it’s too much of a risk.” Phil said. “It’s better we face the Onyx pack in an all–out war than risk it all in a one on one fight.”
“Many would die.” I stated.
“Each and every one of those soldiers had trained their lives for this, they are aware that death could come anytime and they are prepared for the inevitable.”
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Chapter One Hundred and Ninety
“I know that, but this is a way to prevent unnecessary bloodshed.”
“And what if…” Phil trails off, but what he isn’t saying is still somehow loud enough for me to read. ‘What if I lose?‘
“At least then, I’d know I did everything I could to keep my pack safe.”
Aric hadn’t said a single word but I could almost sense his disapproval. He has been trained on battle strategy all his life and He too didn’t think this was the wisest decision. Well too late to back out now.
“The Nightshade pack would never agree to be slaves under a new leader.”
“They won’t have to be, if I succeed in forcing him to surrender.”
“A man like Derek doesn’t summit. He would rather die.”
“Well if that is the only way, then I would have to kill him.
Look, I have five hours left. I’d rather spend that time training and planning, so if you’ll excuse me,” I said, walking away. They weren’t helping in the slightest.
I was no fool to think taking down Derek would be easy, but I had to try. Losing wasn’t an option, simply because I couldn’t fail my pack.
