SIXTY-FIVE
**-Indy’s POV-**
It’s saturday, the day of the fight. We’ve spoken to Raki and although he’s not fond of the idea that ‘his’ pack can go to any wolf right now, he understands that this is the best. He promised to watch the fight, to show himself tonight. It will be the first time that his packmembers see him, after Khal went to the pack here. They’ve never seen him or Raki again. Hunter prepared them, explained to them what happened but never told the whole truth. We decided that it’s to Raki if he wants to tell them. The people know that Khal ‘misbehaved’ and was a threat to the pack he visited and that he was killed in a fight. They also know that his wolf, Raki, somehow survived but can’t lead the pack anymore, without a human.
I’m still in the hospital, my vitals aren’t stable enough. I lost a lot of blood and I still feel very weak and empty. Although I think I’m healthy enough to stay in the packhouse, the boys didn’t allow me to. I sigh internally, thinking about my two overprotective Alpha’s. Now even more than ever. Luckily, I convinced them to give me another room in the hospital. One with a less ‘sick’ feeling to it, one that looks a bit more normal. I have a tele in here, a little refrigerator and two sofas where I can relax on. Yeah, this is much better.
I stand up from the sofa and walk to the window. I stare outside, and enjoy the magnificent view from the third floor I’m on. I can watch very far into the distance, I see a lot of trees and the mountains are shown around the valley. It’s gorgeous, I really wished I could raise my children here… My babies, my lovely and innocent children. I’m so so sorry.. I couldn’t save you, as your mother, I couldn’t save you and I’ll never forget myself. Tears are running over my cheeks as I think about the babies I’ve lost. It’s like my heart is ripped out of my body, replaced with the stabbing pain of loss.
I touch my belly with both of my hands and I start crying out loud. “Why? Moon Goddess, Why? They were innocent! It’s all my fault...”
I feel my knees getting weak and I fall down to the floor. I’m still sobbing, holding my belly and repeating those last few words. I’m not sure how long I’ve been here, on the ground, but at some point I feel two strong arms lifting me up and I curl myself against his chest. I inhale his familiar, lemon scent and feel myself calming down a bit.
“Sshhhh, *babae*, it’s nót your fault, remember? Scott reminds me. I hear his words, but they’re not reaching my heart. I let him rock me as a baby while we cry together. At least I’m not alone in this, at least I’ve two loving and caring mates.
---
**-Scott’s POV-**
It’s almost eleven, we should go now. “Come on, why does it take so long? It’s just a fight, you don’t have to bring any stuff..” I remind Ryan. “I bet the other wolves are waiting outside already.”
“Yeah, yeah. Fine. I’m coming! It’s just that I want Indy to be as comfortable as possible…” Ryan answers.
I sigh. I was very against it, but Indy insisted on going too. She’s not able to walk far, but luckily she has two very strong mates that can take care of that. I smile, that’s the part I’m looking forward to, having her in my arms for the almost one hour walk. Yes, I bet my arms and shoulders will hurt after that, but that’s nothing for an Alpha werewolf like me. I bet that I'll recover before the end of the fight.
“Alright, fine. I will be outside, I’m curious how many men decided to join us this evening.” and I walk away from Ryan, who’s still grabbing all kinds of stuff.
The moment I walk outside I smile, there’re not many strong wolves I see, but the group is large. There are children, women and men, young and old. “Well, that’s exciting to see. How are you all doing, people?”
One of the Alpha wolves smiles and replies: “We’re not only here to fight or watch, but to support our Luna-to-be as well. It was her pack after all…”
I feel heartwarmed by those words and I nod. “That’s right, and I bet she’ll appreciate it very much. Thanks you all! If you don’t mind, I’ll pick her up from the hospital. King Ryan will be here in a few minutes as well, we’re leaving in 10.”
I walk towards the hospital, straight to Indy’s room. My wolf is bouncing in my head, getting excited by the strong strawberry scent we smell. I smile, *easy puppy…*.
I open her door and I can barely see her figure in bed, it’s dark in here. “Indy?” I whisper.
“Hmmmm. I’m sleepy, but awake. Is it time?” she asks.
“Yes, it is.”
Indy stands up from the bed and waits before she takes a few steps into my direction. I hugged her and wanted to lift her but she stopped me. “No, I’ll walk outside by myself. You can carry me later on.”
“Fine, but I’ll hold your hand. Just in case…” I smile, grabbing onto her hand if she’s a toddler that can run away any time.
We walk out of the hospital and while we come close to the waiting people in front of the packhouse, Indy stops. “Are they all here to fight? But there are children as well!” I can tell she’s shocked and I chuckle.
“No, silly.” I answer, “Some are here to watch and support their loved ones who will try to fight, but there are also a lot that came to support you.”
“Me?” She asks confused.
“Yes, you. You’re their future Luna and they know that this pack officially belongs to you. They want you to know that you’re not alone and you’ll never be.”
I see the tears on her cheeks, but I guess that are happy tears this time.
“That’s lovely, I appreciate that.” She whispers, while we’re slowly heading towards the packhouse.
“Alright, people…” I say out loud. “We’ve less than two hours before the fight starts. It’s roughly around an one-hour walk. For those that can’t walk that long, I suggest staying home or get helped by others. Understand?”
I got many whispers and confirmations in return, making me decide that’s time. Ryan is standing on the side, with a large backpack on his back. I smile and mindlink him.
*What are you planning to do, are you moving out? Camping? What the hell, Ryan?*
*Oh shut up. I brought blankets, food, drinks, a foldable chair.. anything for my princess…*
I roll my eyes and lift Indy in my arms. “Ready to go, darling?” I ask her.
“Yes..”
“Alright, let’s go, people! And remember, maybe one of the wolves that are present here is going to be the next Alpha of a new pack.. Who knows?”
I feel the excited ambiance between the young and hungry wolves. And I understand them, I was like them too - many years ago. Despite I’m always supporting my people, I can’t help to hope that it’s not one of them that will win the Alpha-position. But a very smart and fitted werewolf that’s probably waiting at the place already… Ready to take over the next Alpha-postion of the Sentinel Pack. But it’s not going to be easy, I’ve trained my men well. I watch the clear sky and almost a full moon. *Moon Goddess, I trust you. I trust your decisions. But don’t blame me for hoping my plan is the same as yours….*
---
We arrived at the place safely and as expected I saw Hunter with some people waiting there for us already.
I give a sleeping Indy to Ryan and walk over to Hunter. “Hunter, nice to see you again. Thanks for coming.”
“Alpha Scott, good to see you too. Let me introduce you to some people over here. This is the Old Alpha, Steven and Ivy. The last two are trying to fight the position as well.”
I shake hands to all three of them, surprised there are even werewolves from the Sentinel Pack ready to fight. “Nice to meet you, I’m Alpha Scott.”
“The others are here to watch the fight, act as referees or witnesses - how you may call it. Some are here to support Steven and Ivy or watch Raki’s support.” Hunter says.
“I see.” I say. “Well, it’s time for the gathering, I guess. Let’s come together and share something to drink. Let us act neutral and restrengthen from the walk. Ready?”
Hunter nods. “That sounds like a plan.” He makes a gesture with his head and all people are following him. I’m surprised that he has such control over the people, feeling all comfortable in this temporary role. I can see he’s nervous though, I would too.
I follow him to the open spot in the woods, perfectly lit by the light of the moon. I hear Hunter talk and welcome everyone. He’s explaining the rules and the reason why this open-fight for the Alpha position of the Sentinel Pack is happening. After he confirmed that everybody understands the concept and planning of the night, we sat down in a big circle to share a drink. The cup with water is passed to everyone, Hunter is making sure that the cup is filled regularly so everyone has enough. After the shared drink, it’s time to start the fight and explain the rules.
I stand up and take the initiative to talk this time. “Again, people, welcome to the open-fight tonight. As Hunter explained before, we’re fighting for the open Alpha position of the Sentinel Pack. The rules are simple: play fairly and alone, which means you cannot accept help from the outside or from anybody outside the ring. No interception, no other powers than your human- and wolf form. Is that clear?”
“CLEAR.” I hear many voices respond.
“Alright, step forward when you’re ready to fight.”
I watch men and women taking a few steps towards the middle of the circle. I start counting, five from our pack and two from the Sentinel Pack. I watch Hunter, who’s still standing next to me. I frown an eyebrow and he smiles. He’s walking towards the row of fighters and stands next to them. I hear voices, whispers and shocks around the people and I can’t help but smile too. I guess Hunter didn’t tell them he wants to fight too.
“Alright, I’ve now eight warriors in front of me. Are there more wolves willing to fight? Last chance..” I say out loud. But to my surprise, Steven and Ivy are standing back in line with the others. “Steven? Ivy?” I ask them.
Steven answers: “We’re not fighting Hunter, sir. If he’s going to fight, we’ll support him. He’s a much better leader than we’re ever going to be. We just don’t want any of your packmembers taking over the position. With all due respect, sir..” He quickly follows his statement with those words.
“Good. I understand. That means that this fight is going to be between these six warriors. We will fight in pairs of two, the winners of the first round will fight against each other: all three winners, at the same time. The last one standing will be the next Alpha of the Sentinel Pack. Questions?”
“NO, SIR.” I hear in unison.
“Great.” I watch upon them and start making pairs. “The two of you are first, you’re second, and the last two warriors are third. The first pair starts first. You’ve five minutes to prepare or warm up.”
I take a spot between the line of people, next to Ryan and Indy. Indy takes my hand and squeezes it. She smiles at me and I smile back. I watch the several warriors prepare and stretch their muscles.
It’s time to fight...