The Reluctant Alpha (West Coast Wolves #1) - Susi Hawke Page 0,42
and one will leave. You will fight as wolves. No human weapons are allowed. If you shift and illegally win the challenge with a weapon, you will be disqualified, and both packs will go to the fallen alpha. The Gamma Council of the winning pack will choose a new alpha in the fallen one's place. Any questions?"
Monty grunted. "Only one. Are we done with all the chin-wagging? Because I've got work waiting for me when I get done with this bullshit." I snorted at his arrogance but let it go.
Nodding to Ash, I turned and held my arms out for the mate I already heard coming. Elisha grabbed my shoulders, hugging me tight while he whispered a final warning. "I remembered something. Keep an eye on my father's ears. When he feints right or left, the opposite one will twitch. Ignore the rest of his body language and prepare to be struck from whichever side gives a twitch."
I chuckled softly as I kissed his neck. "Most mates would be begging me to rethink this or swearing their undying love. It says a lot about you how your last words to me before the fight are to offer advice."
"Because I'm strong in my trust, and I know you're going to win. I'll accept no other outcome. Don't drag it out, though. It's getting hot."
"God, I love you." My hands slid down his back to give his ass a squeeze. "Thank you for this, Elisha. Your faith is everything to me."
We shared a fast, passionate kiss before he patted my cheek. "I love you too. Now get in there and do me proud, son." When he repeated 'son' in the same condescending tone his father used, I snorted. I couldn't wait to get this over with and spend the rest of my life loving my fascinating man.
I made quick work of undressing, passing my boots, jeans, and my WCW cut into Elisha's care. Jared stood beside Elisha, while my gamma wolves surprised me by shifting in solidarity. Tucker and the rest of my crew had also shifted, waiting to follow me to the ring.
The two parade lines of deltas had already shifted, pushing themselves between the right side of the ring and the crowd. While they might not all have truly supported Monty, they were forced to be his backup. Altogether, at least three, if not four, dozen of them clustered together, growling a lupine version of smack talk.
I could never unsee Monty's scrawny ass and surprisingly hairy back, and watching him shift into a mangy gray and white wolf was a relief. He snarled over his shoulder before stepping into the ring. Unwilling to be intimidated, I tapped the left side of my mouth to let him know I'd noticed the broken, yellow fang he was sporting. I laughed and flipped him off when he snarled again. Only then did I let myself shift.
Calling my wolf forward, I gave into his thrall and let him take control. My bones cracked and popped, reforming and changing in an instant. Gums burning, my jaw stretched, and the teeth elongated. Closing my eyes, I enjoyed the tingling rush as fur replaced skin. When my hands curled into claws, I fell forward onto four strong paws. I opened my eyes and took in the scene with newly enhanced vision.
In human form, I enjoyed better stronger senses than the average person—but there was nothing like being in furskin. I smelled each and every person present, no matter what form. Along with their ordinary scents was a heady mix of fear, loathing, and deceit from Monty and his cronies. Pride, love, hope, and faith came from those rooting for me. A lot of the hope came from the deltas backing Monty, and I was glad all over again about doing the right thing when Jared called.
While Elisha would always be my first priority, knowing two packs needed my help made me proud to give it. Before I stepped a paw toward the ring, I looked back over my shoulder for a final glance at the person who mattered more than anything in the world. When I wagged my tail, Elisha grinned and rolled his eyes, motioning for me to get going.
I chuffed a wolfie laugh and sprang forward, loving my strong muscles as I bounded into the ring and ran in a circle around Monty. Stopping in front of him, I braced myself on all fours and greeted him with a drooling snarl.