A Death Challenge Between Two Alpha Wolves.

GUNNAR

Three days later…

The entire pack gathered once again in the large forest they normally used to hold their meetings. The air was chilly and crisp, carrying the earthy scent of damp leaves and rich soil. The ground underneath was covered in a delicate layer of dew, glistening in the soft, early light.

When everyone had finally gathered, Keegan ordered the guards to bring Aqua forward. I couldn't help but feel puzzled by how she had managed to remain a virgin despite her captivating beauty. Even in her shabby clothes, she looked stunning. Her waist-length hair cascaded down her shoulders in natural black curls. Her mesmerizing aquamarine eyes exuded purity and innocence, and a sprinkle of freckles adorned her pale skin, enhancing her delicate features.

She was the type of woman who aroused a dominant male wolf’s instincts to protect, mound or…even mate.

Once she saw me, her eyes sparkled as she took a couple steps towards me but the guards held her back. Although the rest didn't notice it, I could feel Alpha Keegan’s eyes on me. I tightened the chokehold I had on the mating bond, and saw my mate’s face scrunched in pain.

“Let’s begin,” I commanded, my voice resounding across the silent forest. A growl escaped my throat when I saw her fall to her knees but I suppressed my inner wolf instincts.

Alpha Keegan cleared his throat and said, “We haven't found further evidence concerning the case which could prove that Aqua was telling the truth. Since she is guilty of sleeping with you without your consent, it would be best for you to kill her so that we can all forget this unfortunate incident-”

“And who said that I wanted to kill her in the first place?”

Keegan's eyebrows furrowed with confusion. “What?”

“She’s telling the truth, and I have evidence to prove it.” One of the guards stepped forward to hand him a tablet that showed a video as I continued, “Clearly, your future son-in-law lacked the intelligence to get rid of all the CCTV cameras stationed opposite his house. This video proves that he was the one who opened the door for Aqua to come into the house that night.”

Keegan’s body tensed as he watched the video, while the rest of the pack murmured about the new development in the case. The alpha of the Wind Ridge Pack declared, “In that case, they both should be punished. However, considering that he’s my daughter's true mate, I hereby plead for leniency-”

“That’s not all, Keegan,” I interrupted. When he fell silent, I turned to the rest of the pack. “You all can go now. Leon will announce the alpha’s judgement on this case.”

The pack members released dissatisfied murmurs but eventually dispersed, leaving me, Keegan, his daughter, Aqua, and Leon.

Keegan, who had been watching the scene, huffed, “What’s going on here, Gunnar?”

“We need to talk about the submissive wolves you’ve been keeping in the pack,” I replied.

Tension filled the atmosphere as our eyes locked, neither of us willing to back down. The alpha of the Wind Ridge Pack had always tried to ingratiate himself with me since I was crowned Alpha King, but I knew he was secretly dissatisfied with my title because he was older than me.

But that was to be expected. Although all the alphas were powerful, I was the only one born as a first-tier dominant wolf, making them wary and jealous of me.

He exhaled sharply, “What about them?”

“I have reports that you have been subjecting them to forced labor and violence. You do know that such an offense is punishable by death, don't you?”

The alpha of the Wind Ridge pack released a nervous chuckle, and then asked, “That’s a lie! I would never do such a thing, who told you that? Is it Aqua? You shouldn't believe that bitch-”

“I got the statements from all the submissive wolves you kept locked in a basement.” I scowled, my wolf rising to the surface. “Did you think I wasn't going to find out about your underground prostitution ring?”

When he didn't deny it, I knew my speculations were right. The truth was that I didn't have solid evidence against him but from the moment I arrived at the pack, I grew suspicious when I noticed there weren't many submissive wolves around. The laws of nature were balanced concerning the population of a pack so I didn't believe his bullshit story about them hiding because of the mating heat season.

Keegan bared his teeth towards me and said, “So what are you going to do about it? Punish me?”

“I challenge you to a death duel.” I began stripping my clothes as I spoke, “If you win, you get to claim the Alpha King title but if I win, you’re a dead man.”

Juliette stepped forward and protested, “No, Father!”

“I accept.” Keegan let out a twisted grin, giving into his wolf at the same time I gave into mine. My vision blurred as I felt the familiar, electrifying rush of change.

As soon as I landed on all fours, claws digging into the earth, I caught my opponent in the air. It was a massive grey wolf with yellow glowing eyes. He lunged first at me, our bodies collided with a force that echoed through the forest.

When we landed, Keegan attacked me again, his powerful jaws aiming for my neck. I barely escaped his teeth and swiped a paw at him, feeling my claws scrapping fur and flesh. He howled in pain but recovered quickly, his eyes burning with rage.

The brutal fight went on for a while, claws clashing and fur colliding until I summoned every ounce of my alpha strength and pinned him to the ground. Pain shot through me when he grabbed my leg with a vicious bite. I twisted out of his grip and retaliated with a slap of my paw, sending him sprawling to the ground.

Before he could stand up again, I tackled him to the ground and wrapped my jaws around his throat. After a loud snap, I felt him grow lifeless underneath me and retreated, releasing a bone-chilling howl that echoed through the forest.

After shifting back to my human form and changing into my clothes, I turned to face Aqua and the others. I could sense her fear coursing through our mating bond, but I pushed it aside to focus on more pressing matters.

Adrenaline pumped through my blood as I strode towards Leon and his weeping mate. “I'm willing to spare your life and make you alpha if you agree to my terms.”

“W-What do you want?” His voice trembled.

I replied, “I want Aqua.”

Leon's eyes flickered to my mate for a brief second, making me want to gorge them out. But in the next moment, he nodded, “I accept your terms.”

Satisfaction surged through me at his response. “Good.”