The two wolves crashed into each other with a loud crash. They growled loudly. Ryker's big wolf tried to use his size to win, but Vixxen was faster.
He dodged Ryker's attacks with quick moves. Vixxen jumped forward and bit Ryker's shoulder, tearing his fur and skin. Ryker growled angrily and swiped his claws, cutting deep scratches into Vixxen's side. Vixxen clenched his teeth and twisted away, using his speed to stay ahead.
Then, Ryker used his Alpha’s authority. Vixxen staggered. His body went rigid, his movements slowed as if invisible chains had wrapped around him. His instincts screamed at him to submit, but he fought against it.
Ryker took advantage, slamming into him with full force. Vixxen yelped as he was sent crashing into the ground. Before he could get up, Ryker was on top of him, his big paw pressing down on his chest, his teeth bared in a winning snarl.
When Ryker saw that he had won, he stepped back and transformed back into a human. His injuries were already healing, and he smiled down at Vixxen.
"You fought well," Ryker said, rolling his shoulder. "But in the end, you're just Terran's pet."
Vixxen, still breathing hard, transformed back into a human too. His body was bruised and bloody, but he glared sharply at Ryker. "And you're nothing without your Alpha’s authority," he sneered. "That's the only reason you won." Ryker's smile grew wider. He didn't let Vixxen's insult bother him. Instead, he tilted his head. "I could kill you now," he thought aloud. "Or... I could make you an offer.”
Vixxen narrowed his eyes.
“Join my pack,” Ryker said smoothly. “With your strength, you’d be a valuable asset. "
Vixxen let out a scoff, his bloody lips curling into a smirk. “I didn’t come here for games, Ryker. I came for Zeph. "That’s all.” His golden eyes burned with defiance as he stepped closer. “And let me remind you, you were the one who came crawling to Terran for help in protecting your pack." His voice dripped with mockery. “I will never join your pathetic pack.”
Ryker’s amusement vanished instantly, his expression twisting with fury. Without warning, he struck again, his fist slamming into Vixxen’s already battered face. The force sent him stumbling back, blood dripping from his mouth.
“I should end your life right here,” Ryker growled, his voice venomous. “And that of your precious Alpha, Terran.” He leaned in, his dark eyes gleaming with cruel satisfaction. “Zeph would never know.”
Vixxen wiped his mouth with the back of his hand and glared. “You’re pathetic, Ryker. "You talk about killing like it makes you powerful.”
Ryker chuckled darkly as he paced around him. “Oh, but I have done far worse. Tell me, Vixxen… did Zeph ever tell you about her first mate?”
Vixxen’s expression faltered slightly. “What about him?”
Ryker smirked. “She thinks his death was an accident, doesn't she? "That he died so mysteriously?” He tilted his head. “But you see, her mate was just at the wrong place at the very wrong time.”
Vixxen’s fists clenched. “What are you saying?”
“I killed him.”
Vixxen was momentarily surprised.
Ryker grinned at his reaction, clearly enjoying himself. “He found out about my dealings with some… shall we say, ambitious territories. Those who share my vision of taking over Terran’ territory.” He chuckled, shaking his head.I had to kill him. You should have seen the way he begged.”
Vixxen’s hands curled into tight fists. ” How could you ? ”
Ryker sighed dramatically. “Zeph will never know the truth. And this little secret? "It dies with you.” He pulled back his arm, ready to deliver the final blow.
But before he could strike, his entire body was locked in place.
He tried to move, but his muscles were stuck. Then, a voice cut through the air. "You... you killed him?" Ryker looked toward the sound. Zeph stood a few feet away, her eyes blazing with anger. Her hands shook, but the fury coming from her made the air feel electric.
She took slow steps forward, breathing heavily. "You... you're the reason my mate is dead?" Her voice shook, and her emotions seemed to be overflowing.
“The endless accusations … they all called me a cursed omega,” she said, her voice growing colder. My own pack blamed me for his death. And all this time, was it you?”
Ryker scoffed. “Don’t act so surprised." Your mate was weak—just like you were back then. If he couldn’t survive, he didn’t deserve to.”
Zeph’s body trembled, but not with fear. Not anymore.
“You took everything from me,” she whispered, stepping even closer. “And you felt nothing?”
Ryker chuckled, but it was forced now. “Why should I? It’s the way of the strong. You should be thanking me—”
Her fingers curled, and with a quick flick of her wrist, Ryker's body rose into the air. She threw him across the courtyard, and he smashed into the stone wall with a loud crash. Dust and debris flew everywhere.
But even as Ryker groaned, struggled to his feet, and wiped the blood from his lips, he just laughed. His voice was rough, but his arrogance remained. “You were nothing but a weak little omega back then. I did your mate a favor.”
Zeph’s breath hitched, her fury reaching its peak. The surrounding air swirled, thick with raw power.
“You took everything from me.” Her voice trembled.
Ryker smiled, not caring. "And I will gladly do it once more." Guards, finish her off!" Zeph didn't move as the warriors ran toward her. Instead, she raised her hand, and with a quick flick of her fingers, an unseen force hit them.
They stopped mid-step, their bodies freezing in place as if trapped in invisible chains. She turned back to Ryker.
"Killing me won't change what happened."
"We'll see about that."
A voice interrupted them.
“Don’t,” Ashral said, stepping forward. “That won’t make him suffer for what he did to you.”
Zeph hesitated. The burning rage inside her screamed for revenge, but Ashral was right. Death was too quick. Too easy.
A new thought entered her mind—one far worse than death.