Fight For The Highest Wolf Rank

by Valery C. Kincade

“Highlight of my night!” I manage to say between fits of laughter and holding my stomach.

  “You seem to really enjoy laughing at my expense.” Jason pouts a bit and tries to look upset, but I see the smile he's trying to contain. “To answer your earlier question, I figured that was a good way to see you, without asking you directly. I didn't want to influence your decision either way.” He shrugs while picking up the hairdryer and carefully resuming his earlier actions. Emphasis on the 'carefully' part. I let out a chuckle seeing him get so focused.

  “And what if I didn't show up?”

  “It was always a possibility. In my eyes that was an even bigger chance than you showing up. Though, I'm not sure it worked out in my favour since you arrived... accompanied.” His jaw twitches and his body tenses a little when he refers to me coming here with Tyler.

  “Between me and you, I think I should be the jealous one.” I freeze when I realize my still drunken braid didn't prevent me from saying that out loud. Shit! I don't even dare to look up at Jason. Suddenly I find the small mark on my shoes very interesting. It's oddly shaped like an elephant.

  “What is that supposed to mean?” Jason asks after seeing that I have no intention of elaborating further on my own. I'm still not looking at him, but I can definitely feel his gaze burning holes in my head. Oh, Goddess, this is going to make me look like a crazy person. He's going to figure out I was trying to make him jealous and get all the power back. I hate this dynamic, I have him having all the power whilst I'm being weak.

  “Tyler is not interested in females.” I say, or more like whisper. Wanting to steer the conversation somehow, I follow with the truth about our bond. “Him and I are very close because he's my Beta and we bonded that way.” I sigh loudly, realizing I haven't really spoken to somebody about this, to say my sincere wishes. “I'm kind of expected to take over after my uncle retires. In the States, they all see me as the future Alpha and act like it's all settled.”

  “I knew about him being your Beta, Bolder mentioned it a few months ago. I knew you guys are close, I'm very close with Brian, but when I saw you together, and realised he's unmated, my mind started imagining things. At least I hope I was imagining things...”

  “I'm sorry for earlier. I was being petty, I don't why I even did that.” I say embarrassed remembering my kiss with Tyler.

  “It worked out for the better.” Jason shrugs. “If not for that kiss, we wouldn't have ended up here together, and talking.

  He has a point, but I'm not sure I like where this is going. We're too close, I'm getting too close again, and like Icar who flew too close to the Sun, I'm going to get burned, AGAIN.

  “So you talk to my uncle?” I ask in disbelief guiding the conversation away from us.

  “I do. He sort of became my go to person for advice on anything, lately.” Jason tells me, slightly embarrassed. The pink tinge on his cheeks looks deliciously cute. Stop it! Why am I thinking like that? I'm sure it's only Ming's feelings being forcefully pushed forward. I harden my block on my wolf before she gets me in trouble. In more trouble.

  Probably seeing the different looks that pass on my face as I hold a hard inner battle, Jason is quick to apologize, thinking he might have upset me by talking to my uncle.

  “Sam, I didn't mean to offend you, or anything. I'm sorry for doing that. Look, I'll stop talking to him. I knew it was inappropriate, and I totally get how this may be weird considering our... situation. But for the record, he's always on your side, just so you know.”

  “No, no, it's alright.” I answer a bit too quickly. “I actually don't mind sharing him. I kind of had a feeling he likes you, anyways.” The boyish smile playing on his lips right now is making me dizzy. He looks happy. I haven't seen him like that since... I can't remember ever seeing him like that.

  “Great, so we can both share Bolder. I'll have from Monday to Wednesday, and you can have him Thursday to Sunday. You get an extra day, since he's your uncle and all.” I laugh, a genuine laugh like I haven't in a long time, while he grins proudly at his plan.

  “Deal.” I managed to say after I calmed down a bit. My cheeks are still hurting from how much I've been laughing in the past 10 minutes. We both shake on it, and stop while staring in each other's eyes, still grinning like school children who are getting into mischief. Who knew we would actually have fun together?

  Unfortunately this moment of carefree happiness is short lived. As soon as we are out of this room we will resume being distant. And after the threat is gone, I know what I have to do.

  Seeing that Jason has finished with the hairdryer, I take it from him and put it back where I found it. His pants look decent now, we're good to go.

  Opening the office door and making our way out into the crowded pub, I feel sad that this moment between me and my mate is finished. I sneak a look at Jason and I can tell he feels the same. I remember now the last time I saw Jason that happy. It was the night we found out we were mates.

  40 - Scouts

  As Jason and I made our way back to the table, I immediately noticed two men that I knew were Crescent Moon pack members. I also remember that they previously were under my adoptive parents' command. I stiffen slightly, not feeling too comfortable with them here. I don't have anything against them personally, they never did anything to me, but the mere thought that they were under those people's command makes me think twice about where their loyalty really lies. I might be paranoid, but you can never know who else Marie managed to buy.

  “Alpha, we have news.” The oldest of them informs Jason as both of them show their respect to their Alpha, but being wary of the others.

  “You can speak in front of them, it's alright, they're all friends.” Jason motions to the rest of our group and the guys all nod. “Everyone, these two men right here are the best Scouts that Crescent Moon pack currently has. I sent them to track 'you know who' after the attack.” He follows by explaining who those two men are. and they beam proudly at their Alpha's words or praise.

  “We went out and we followed small tracks, and it wasn't easy, but I am pleased to report that we know where Marie and her fighters are hiding, and we also managed to catch a glimpse at what we are up against.” The same man speaks proudly of their accomplishment.

  The sudden flood of people catches me by surprise, and I notice Tyler was asking me 'what's going on' with his burning gaze. It occurs to me that the pub is closing now, which is perfect timing, because we need to talk strategies, again, and we don't need anyone eavesdropping, or worse, reporting back to Marie.

  “The pub is all yours guys, I'm going to start tidying up a bit, just shout if you need me.” Rudy informs us and we all thank him. Jen decides to go help with the tidying up, not really having any input into our battle plan, other than for everyone to be safe. Well, as much as she can in her condition, while the rest of us each grab a seat at a much bigger table, waiting to hear what the Scouts have found.

  “They are covering their tracks well, I tell you Alpha. They also have a witch with them, but she is not that powerful. It's weird, I mean, we saw her and she looks too young, almost a child. She is scared and I'm not sure that she really knows what she's doing, that's why we think it may be the daughter of the witch you killed.” Jason frowns upon hearing that. I'm sure he feels conflicted about killing that which, leaving yet another child an orphan.

  “They have taken over a territory that doesn't belong to any packs. It's the one that's hidden deep in the mountains and woods, but it's fairly close to Crescent Moon and also Blood Moon.” The Scout looks from Luke to Jason as he explains the position of Marie's army. Both Alphas seem to know exactly where that remote territory is, exchanging looks with their respective Betas.

  “We should attack, be on the offense for once instead of waiting around, wondering when or where they're going to strike.” Luke suggests since no one else is speaking up.

  “I agree. We have lost too much, we need better control over this. If we decide to go on the offensive as Alpha Luke su
ggested, we get to choose exactly who gets put in danger and who stays safe, and we can make sure we only take the best with us into the fight. That way we can minimise our losses.” Jason adds.

  I must say, it's really unusual for 2 Alpha males to agree like that, to set any and all differences aside and any cockiness or will for dominance, and just accept the best ideas regardless of who came up with them.

  “We'll need a lot of help.” Out of all people present, Tyler was the one who decided to share his input next. I cringe, knowing he can be a tough pill to swallow sometimes. “No offence Alpha Jason, but from what I have seen, you only have about 25 or maybe 30 fighters in your pack that you can consider Elite, and not be afraid they're going to lose their lives within the first 5 minutes of a battle. From what your Scouts say, we need more than that, a lot more.” Jason growls, but it's more like a growl of frustration, not threatening to Tyler's bluntness, thank Goddess.

  “Blood Moon can provide 15 fighters that are 'Elites' as Beta Tyler just said. That includes me and Ryan. We'll send 15 more to help the ones you leave behind, just in case there's a threat at your pack house. I've noticed this girl can be unpredictable. I can't spare any more of my men because I feel like Blood Moon is already on your cousin's radar.” Luke offers and Jason agrees with him.

  “Tyler and I will call my uncle to see if he has any ideas. Meanwhile, Alpha Jason, maybe call some of your allied packs, see if anyone else would be willing to help?” I say while getting up and grabbing Tyler to go call my uncle. I'm sure he can help in some way.

  My uncle helped us enlist the help of some Royal Guards who are being sent by the King of werewolves. This is unofficial, as the King should technically never get involved in things like this between packs, nor take sides without a trial. But the King knows the whole story, it did all start with Marie's mother trying to assassinate the Queen, so he was more than happy to help his friend, Bolder, and us. I don't have an exact number, but between the King's men and my uncles ex Royal Guard mates, we should have between 40 to 60 fighters coming to our aid. It makes me and Tyler feel a bit better about this. We are both good fighters, but truth be told, neither of us has ever done anything like this outside of training.

  I have to say, Rudy surprised us the most. He really stepped up by contacting an old friend of his who just so happens to be a witch. Everyone is shocked at Rudy's connections, but he just laughed it off, saying that even an old dog like him still has a few tricks up his sleeve. Plus, his friend is an old witch, she can easily overpower the child Marie has in her army. Jason ordered that the young witch mustn't be killed and we all agreed. She's just another innocent child caught up in this mess without her will. Instead, the plan for her is to be taken by Rudy's friend, and taught the right way to use her magic, far away from people like my former best friend.

  Jason ended up making calls to some of his Alpha friends from the Academy, so by dawn tomorrow, we should have the full team. I kind of spaced out when he was explaining to us who's coming and how many men from every pack, I am just too tired, my eyelids feel like led.

  When we finally decided to call it a night it was almost 4 in the morning. Poor Jennifer was already asleep so Ryan had to carry her to their car. Tyler and I went back to our hotel, deciding to meet again with the others at the Crescent Moon pack house, where all the reinforcements were expected to arrive around noon. No one dared to say it out loud, but I know we were all thinking it, or more like praying to the Moon Goddess, that Marie doesn't attack first, at least not before more help arrives.

  41 - Jealous

  Samantha

  Opening my eyes, I groan loudly and very un ladylike. I just woke up angry. It might be because of the restless sleep I had, or the nervousness about what's to come and the possible outcome of it all. I try to convince myself that's the reason, but it's not just me, it's Ming too. She is growling and snarling, and just being bitchy and snappy, a whole lot more than usual. I know it's not that time of the month for me, so I try my best to get on with preparing for the big day ahead.

  After I quickly take a shower and get through my morning routine, to make me look at least human, I go and knock on Tyler's room. After a few minutes of loud knocking, it dawns to me that he must have already left. For some reason, that annoyed me more than it should have, and I ended up punching a hole in his door. Shit, what the hell is wrong with me and my anger today? I'll need to settle the bill with the hotel, if I ever make it out alive from this war.

  It didn't take me long to get to Crescent Moon pack's territory. I looked around and my heart swelled when I saw how many fighters have joined us. Pack members are busy catering to the guests' needs, making sure they're fed and get a bit of rest before all hell breaks loose and they will risk their lives.

  After saying a few hellos and shaking a few hands, I made my way to the Crescent Moon's pack house, noticing that Tyler was already outside, probably waiting for me. I put my resting bitch face on and approach my Beta.

  “Hey, I went by your room and you had already left. What the hell?” I scold Tyler. I am not a morning person, plus I didn't sleep too well last night, but this is next level even for me. I am so angry, I could burst out and beat someone up just for being in my way.

  “Wow, relax girl, I woke up super early and wanted to get a head start on things. I didn't want to wake you up, but I'm seeing that was a mistake. My bad.” He grimaces awkwardly, a bit scared of me. Ty is never awkward, this is weird, I feel like something's off.

  “I just need coffee, Ty. I'm sorry for my bitchiness. I just woke up with a weird feeling and I keep failing to control my anger today.” For some reason, Tyler doesn't seem to be taken by surprise by what I'm telling me, he looks like he's almost been expecting this.

  “Here, take mine, and take this muffin also. You'll need it.” He's almost whispering that last part before giving me his coffee. HIS coffee. I frown, because he's definitely acting weird and stopping in my tracks, I eye him suspiciously, hoping he'll spill the beans, but Tyler just shrugs and ushers me inside. We're heading towards Jason's office where I had learned earlier from one of the warriors that another Alpha that came to help was discussing with Jason.

  I swear, the closer we are to Alpha's office, the angrier I get, and Ming is not helping me calm down, instead she is spurring my anger on. Tyler tries to knock, but I just roll my eyes and open the door. I'm expected to be here, aren't I? Oh man, how I regret that. I was definitely not expected, nor expecting this... this whole thing. I don't even know what I'm looking at.

  I walked in on Jason being straddled by a slender and beautiful woman. She was wearing black leather tights that practically blend into her ridiculously high heel stilettos, and a crop top that looked more like a bra. How the hell is she not cold? Her hair was up in a long ponytail which caused a whip effect once Jason set her aside a bit too quickly for her liking. She didn't stumble or anything, which is both surprising and impressive considering those high heels.

  I can't help but compare myself to her. I hate myself for falling into this trap, but I do it anyway. My hair is in a messy bun atop of my head, I have grey sweats on with chunky sneakers and a crop top covered by my trusted leather jacket. I look like a hobo on a good day, while she looks like a fucking supermodel off the cover of a magazine. Fuck! Just play it cool Sam, I chant to myself while taking a very deep breath, ignoring their mixing scents, and resisting the urge to claw her eyes out and cut Jason's balls off. I have no claim on him, he is free do to whatever of whomever he pleases. It occurs to me that Tyler might have seen these two together earlier and was expecting me to be less than thrilled about how close they are. Tyler was not wrong, but It'll try to make it look like I'm not affected.

  “Sorry, I didn't realise you were... preoccupied. We'll come back later. It's not like this is urgent or anything, the whole war we're in can wait for you guys to finish, no worries.” Tyler lets out an amused snort at my spiteful comment, his arm grabbing mine without me even noticing. I guess he was
prepared to hold me in case I wanted to go for the she wolf's head. I would have preferred and expected him to help, but I'm asking him about that later. He's the one that always offered good places to hide a body, why is backing out when I'm about to finally take him up on that offer?

  “No, Samantha, wait!” A panic stricken Jason gets up from his chair and runs to the door keeping it open. Tyler steps protectively next to me, a brow raised as if challenging my mate to explain this and not make it worse that it looked. Because it looked bad. I mean, I get it, but any other time, not right now when we're about to go into literal war.

  He clears his throat awkwardly and pleads with his eyes for me and Tyler to get inside the office. We comply, because we are the bigger people, and Jason goes next to the bimbo again. Ming almost takes control and lashes out when I see that, but I manage to keep her in check.

  “Guys, this is Alpha Victoria, she's a friend from the Academy. She came with 10 trackers and 10 very good fighters to offer her help.”

  “Victoria, This is Alpha Samantha and her Beta Tyler.”

  “Ah...” The bitch doesn't contain the fact that she recognised my name. I wonder if she knows that I'm Jason's mate, not that I care, anyways, because I don't! “I heard a lot about you, Samantha. You managed to make quite a name for yourself in a short amount of time.” She extended a well manicured hand and I plastered a sweet smile on my face, accepting her hand and shaking it politely.

  I don't like her, not even one bit. She is Rianna 2.0, I tell you. The literal Alpha version of a queen bitch, and I don't do well with girls like that, as my track record has shown.

  “Alpha Victoria's pack is up in Scotland, so she thought that, since they're close, to accompany her fighters and lend a hand as well.” Jason jumps in, but quickly realises he should have kept his mouth shut, when seeing my glare.

  “What can I say, I would hate to know Jason was in trouble and I didn't do my best to help.” As she says that, she snakes an arm around Jason's. Is she claiming him? What the hell is happening?