Rogan remarked in a quiet but firm voice, "Ava, you don't have to do this." His gaze pierced mine, seeking something I wasn't certain I could provide.
I tried to stabilize myself against the storm that was building inside his eyes by crossing my arms. Rogan, you're mistaken. Yes, I do. What's the point of all of this if I don't?
With a sigh, he ran a hand through his hair, letting the strands catch the room's faint light. "Your safety is the first concern. This conflict is not something you owe the group. I am accountable for it, not you.
"But now we're a team, aren't we?" I moved closer to him in response. "Or was that merely conversation?"
I could see the conflict tearing at him as his jaw tightened. Rogan wasn't accustomed to delegating the work to others. However, this was now our war, not just his.
The emptiness between us was thick with unsaid words. I inhaled deeply before reaching for his hand and putting my fingers through his. "I am aware of the stakes," I muttered. However, I am also aware that ignoring this won't make me any safer. It will only weaken me.
A glimmer of pride pierced the storm clouds in his eyes as he tightened his hold on me. He whispered, "You're braver than I deserve."
"Or perhaps simply more obstinate," I remarked, grinning slightly.
With a ghostly smile tugging at his lips, he answered, "Both."
However, there was no time for lingering. Rogan's expression darkened as his phone buzzed on the table and he looked at the screen.
"What is it?" I inquired, already fearing the response.
His voice cut as he said, "Victor." A meeting has been arranged by him. asserts that he has proof of my "incompetence" as Alpha.
"That's convenient," I retorted. "Isn't he advocating for a vote?"
Rogan gave a nod. For weeks, he has been establishing the foundation. He will force a challenge if he can persuade the council enough. Additionally, if I lose...
I stopped him in his tracks. "We then ensure that you do not lose."
The hours that followed were a haze of tension and scheming. Although they were wary, Rogan's council allies were devoted. For some who believed Rogan's leadership had been too cautious, Victor's faction had become more assertive, and his promises of reform and power were alluring.
The Great Hall, a vast area rich in the pack's past, was the location of the gathering, which was scheduled for sundown. I could feel the weight of generations bearing down on us as we got closer to the hefty double doors.
Just before we went inside, Rogan stopped and turned to face me with such intensity that I gasped. "I need you by my side no matter what happens in there," he murmured.
"Always," I said.
There was a lot of tension in the crowded hall. With his followers on either side of him, Victor stood at the far end of the room. His eyes sparkled with premeditated venom, yet his face was composed.
As we walked in, he said, "Alpha Rogan," with ease. How kind of you to come along. Not to mention with your... beautiful wife.
"Victor," Rogan replied in a chilly tone, "get to the point."
Victor grinned. Excellent. As you are aware, our pack is now at risk because to the recent attacks. We are on the verge of disintegration because of your leadership—or lack thereof. I think it's time for fresh leadership.
The room was filled with murmuring that sounded like irate bees. Rogan took a step forward and spoke to the crowd in a powerful manner. "You believe that our issues will be resolved if I'm replaced? Victor is more concerned with power than with this pack. To stroke his own ego, he will lead us into a conflict we cannot win.
"And you believe you are any better because of your human bride?" Victor scoffed.
Every pair of eyes turned to me as the words hung in the air like a slap.
With a voice as keen as a sword, Rogan declared, "She's more wolf than you'll ever be."
Victor's smile wavered, but only briefly. "Let her prove it if that's true," he said. "Assign her to be your challenge second."
There was silence in the room, and I could feel Rogan tensing up next to me. "That's enough," he stated in a foreboding tone.
Victor wasn't finished, though. Fighting for the pack is the best method for her to demonstrate her devotion to it. Or are you worried that she won't be able to cope with the stress?
Before Rogan could stop me, I moved forward, my heart racing but my will unwavering. Despite the terror gnawing at me, I responded, "I'll do it," in a calm voice.
Rogan grabbed my arm and said, "Ava, no."
I faced him, looking him in the eye with all the resolve I could muster. I remarked, "This is my fight too." "And I'm not going to back down."
The challenge, a trial by battle that would decide not only our fortunes but also the pack's future, was scheduled for the next morning. Rogan was enraged and paced our room like a savage.
"Victor wanted exactly this," he remarked. "He's attempting to trick us into committing an error."
"Then we don't make one," I responded, closely observing him. "We fight wisely, not carelessly."
He halted his pacing and faced me, his face displaying a mixture of fear and rage. "Ava, you don't realize what you've committed to. This isn't a game. If you lose—
I confidently declared, "I won't lose."
He sighed after giving me a long look. "You're not possible."
I smiled a little and added, "You married me."
He pulled me into his arms and said, "And I'd do it again." "Just swear to me that you will exercise caution."
I muttered, "I promise," but I wasn't sure if I was comforting myself or him.
The arena, a circle of stone encircled by the pack's watching eyes, was icy and merciless. On the other side, Victor stood with Marcus, a burly behemoth, as his chosen second.
Victor remarked, his voice brimming with phony worry, "You still have a chance to back out."
I said, "Not a chance," and entered the ring.
Every move in the vicious combat was designed to push me to the maximum. I took use of the fact that I was faster than Marcus, who was stronger, by avoiding his strikes and hitting him when he was vulnerable.
He feinted, though, and his punch struck my side in a hit that left me gasping for air just when I thought I had the advantage.
As I staggered, unable to breathe, Victor's grin widened.
"Rogan, is this the best your friend has to offer?" He made fun of it.
Something broke inside of me. Disregarding the ache, I forced myself to stand and concentrated on Marcus. I was prepared when he attacked me again.
After dodging his punch and putting my elbow into his ribs, I kicked him, sending him tumbling. The audience cheered, but I refrained from celebrating just yet.
Marcus got up with difficulty, moving more slowly now. I walked around him, waiting for the perfect opportunity, and then I hit him with a barrage of strikes that left him on the ground, unable to move.
Even though I had won, I felt a twinge of worry as I stood there, gasping for air.
Victor was grinning.
With a slow clap, he said, "Well done." "But you weren't expecting it to be that simple, were you?"
The arena doors flew wide before I could react, and a pack of armed wolves rushed in, their eyes blazing with strange light.
The real battle was only getting started.