Chapter 21 FIGHT FOR HONOR AND TRUTH
Edeline
The day had slipped into evening, and time seemed to blur by in an instant. The sun dipped low on the horizon, casting a fiery glow over the lake beside us. The bonfire crackled and danced, sending bursts of flames into the sky. The only sound was the relentless crackling of burning wood.
The crowd had fallen into an uneasy silence. Nixx's eyes, burning with anger, locked onto Percival's. I saw Percival lower his head in embarrassment, then look up again, taking a deep breath and puffing out his chest. He was bracing himself.
Nixx approached him, his anger palpable. His fists were clenched so tightly his knuckles had turned bone white. I readied myself, prepared to back him up if needed.
“Hey, you can’t disrespect my sister like that!” Nixx shouted, his voice raw with emotion. His veins bulged on his neck and forehead. Percival, however, remained calm, though a flicker of sorrow lingered in his piercing blue eyes. I could sense the weight of the situation. Percival had lost everything because of one mistake—one action that had led to two consequences. I was set to defend my honor, feeling a mix of anger and concern.
Nixx’s anger erupted into action as he delivered a powerful blow to Percival's face, sending him stumbling backward. Another punch landed, and Percival collapsed onto the ground. He wiped the blood from his nose and spat it out, his demeanor casual despite the situation. Percival remained on the ground, eyes fixed downward.
“Hey, let’s go! Come at me!” Nixx demanded, his wolf instincts kicking in, ready to dominate. The crowd quickly stepped back, the sound of bones snapping audible as Nixx’s wolf began to emerge. He was a fierce fighter, and so was Percival.
Percival shook his head, a look of resignation in his eyes. “Nah, I’m not up for a fight.”
The other wolves gasped audibly. A confident fighter wouldn’t back down unless he deemed the challenge unworthy. Percival’s refusal to fight Nixx was unexpected, but it wasn’t because he didn’t think Nixx was worth the fight. He knew he was in the wrong and didn’t want to face his best friend in this way.
Nixx grabbed Percival by the shirt, shoving him against the brick wall of the pack house. His eyes blazed with intensity as he wrestled control from his wolf side, focusing entirely on Percival.
“Why!? Why won’t you fight me!?” Nixx screamed, his frustration evident.
The Alpha watched from a distance, arms crossed, ready to intervene only if things escalated further. Percival looked on the verge of tears but managed to hold them back, determined not to break down in front of anyone. He was clearly struggling, but not as much as I was.
“I’m not gonna argue with you because I know I messed up,” Percival said, his voice trembling. “I made a mistake. I care about Edeline, but I can’t be with her right now. It’s tearing me apart because I need to do the right thing. You’re my buddy, so I’m not gonna fight you. I guess I deserve this.” His voice cracked, emotion spilling over. The wolves around watched in stunned silence, their eyes wide with shock.
I gasped in shock, quickly covering my mouth with my hand. Percival had just declared in front of everyone that he cared about me. It felt like a slap in the face—he owned up to his mistake, but it seemed like he did it just for my sake. Now, everyone would be talking about Tatiana instead of me. It was like I'd been completely overshadowed. Thanks a lot, Percival!
Nixx was visibly stunned. “What do you mean you have to do the right thing!?” he demanded, his disbelief clear.
Percival met Nixx's gaze, his bloodshot eyes reflecting a deep sadness. He seemed emotionally raw as he spoke. “I... I felt weak up north when her heat arrived. Her father, the alpha, sent her back with me because she got pregnant. He wanted me to mark her and eventually take over both packs. But when I got here and saw Edeline, everything changed. The feelings I have for her are beyond words. I desire her. I want her to be my mate so badly, but unfortunately, I can't do anything about it right now. There’s a chance Tatiana might not give birth since Edeline is so close. I don’t expect her to just sit and watch, but I did tell her that the option is there. I’m sorry, Nixx. I never intended for this to happen. I care deeply for your family. It brought me joy to find out that Edeline was mine, but then I remembered what I did and realized I can’t be with her right now. I’m truly sorry.” He sank to his knees, a rare sight for a confident alpha who usually never begs.
The crowd watched in stunned silence. Percival’s vulnerability was palpable. It was clear that he was willing to go to great lengths for his partner, but Tatiana had been humiliated by his public confession. That was going to be hard for her to recover from.
I felt a strange relief. I wasn’t the other woman anymore.
Nixx glanced at me, a hint of sorrow in his eyes as he considered my situation. He gently placed a hand on Percival’s head, a silent gesture of reassurance that there was no need for further begging. The fight was over. Nixx then walked over to me while Percival, still shaken, leaned against the wall. Everyone’s eyes were on Nixx, awe and curiosity etched on their faces.
“Edeline,” Nixx said, standing directly in front of me, his voice tinged with hurt. “Why didn’t you let me know?”
I felt a pang of guilt. Tears welled up in my eyes, and I desperately hoped he would understand. The tightness in my chest was almost unbearable, the pain spreading through my body. The setting sun cast a warm glow on his face, highlighting the depth of his hurt and sorrow for me. It was all for my respect and dignity.