Gwen chuckled and Mischa turned to place the platters on the table. Sergei came up and put his hand on Lindy’s waist.
“There you are,” Artur said from where he sat at the table with Isanti and Sergei’s other brothers. “The lovely Gwen insisted that we wait for you to appear before we ate.”
“A good thing, I’m sure,” Sergei said leading Lindy to two empty chairs. “Or we would get nothing to eat when you ate it all.”
“Oh, we’d leave you something,” Gavriil said. “Just not the best parts.”
“All of Gwen’s cooking is the best part. Here, Gwen, sit by me,” Mischa said holding out a chair.
Lindy fully expected Gwen to refuse, but she sat down with a smile and reached for her napkin. Was Gwen responding to the lycan mating bond?
§
“We thank the Great Spirit for all his creations and ask this food be blessed to his purpose,” Isanti intoned.
Once he was done, everyone dug in. Sergei looked to make sure Julie and Kylie were getting enough to eat, and noticed that Sonya and his brothers filled the young ones’ plates first before helping themselves. Gwen’s plate was filled by Mischa, her halfhearted attempts to refuse completely ignored. Sergei offered the platters of bacon and eggs to Lindy before taking for himself.
“Where are Travis and Chase this morning?” Sergei asked, noting their absence.
“Miss Lee picked them up early,” Gwen said. “She said she would make sure they were fed before helping prepare for the special events today. She asked me to help out at the first aid tent, since I’m a healer.”
Lindy lifted her head. “What did you say?”
“I said yes. It’s the least I can do. I understand that injuries are common during the challenges, though I suppose most people will shift to heal them.”
“Young ones often can’t control their shifting when injured. Pregnant woman also don’t shift. If an injury is very small, a bandage is often used until the next shift occurs.”
“I will stay close to Gwen and make sure she is safe,” Mischa said. “I can help carry the supplies as well.” Gwen smiled, her cheeks warming.
“We will all look out for the women and watch for this rogue Beta,” Artur said.
“Do you think Chuck will come to the Challenge, even though he is wanted for killing Henry?” Lindy placed her hand on his leg.
“I don’t know what he will do, but I welcome my brothers’ help in making sure nothing interrupts the event. Artur will stay near you today when I cannot be.” Sergei rubbed his thumb over Lindy’s lips, wishing he could take the worry from her gaze. She nodded and went back to eating.
Sergei looked at Isanti and saw him nod. It seemed the Shadow Walkers would also be on alert today. As if thinking about them, made them appear, Raven and Joe walked in the backdoor, followed by Hugh and another man, Sergei didn’t recognize.
“Did you save us anything to eat?” Hugh asked stealing a piece of bacon off Gwen’s plate. She slapped his hand, but didn’t stop him from eating his prize. Mischa surreptitiously replaced it with a piece from his plate.
“This isDasan Fighting Eagle,” Raven introduced the other man. Sergei thought he looked like a younger Joe: wide and tall, except his black hair fell to his shoulders.
Gwen stood and gave the man a hug. “Dasan, so nice to see you again.”
Mischa bristled and rose, his hand going to Gwen’s back. “I’ll help you get more plates ready for your guests.”
“Gwen and Dasan dated for a while,” Lindy sent to Sergei. “Then he went to one of the other Isanti offices. Gwen didn’t pursue it because Shadow didn’t mark him as her mate.”
“That won’t be necessary,” Raven said. “Most of us ate before coming over. Coffee or tea would be great. You, sit, Gwen, and finish eating. We can get it.”
Mischa helped Gwen into her chair. Raven quirked an eyebrow, as he filled a mug from the pot. He squinted and then looked at Sergei in surprise. Sergei shrugged. What else could he do? It appeared Gwen and Mischa were destined mates. Raven didn’t look happy but didn’t comment.
“So what’s the plan?” Joe asked leaning against the wall.
“We keep the women safe and make sure no one interferes with the Alpha Challenge,” Artur said. “Easy.”
Sergei hoped it would be easy.
§
Allie Lee led Sergei and Lindy to a small tent near the edge of the fighting field. Artur and Sonya, holding Kylie’s hands, followed behind them. Mischa and Gwen had already gone to the healer’s tent across the field. The others, including the Shadow Walkers, scattered throughout the crowd of pack members gathering to watch the challenge. Tall trees surrounded the cleared area. A small outdoor heater sat near the edge of the enclosure, keeping the area warm. Lindy took a seat and Sonya sat cross-legged on the blanket by her chair with Kylie sitting in her lap.
“Here are the five approved applications,” Allie said, handing Sergei a stack of papers. “We did background checks on all of them and they came back clean.”
“Did they say why they wanted to move to another pack?” Sergei asked, curious.
“Two stated a need to be closer to nature. One complained of a grievance with the Alpha, and the other two stated financial concerns. Greeney is a fairly inexpensive place to live.”
“Will they be allowed to petition to join our pack if they lose the challenge?” Sergei asked.
“Yes, that is normally how it’s done, though not many stay. Some of the applicants are too alpha to be under someone else’s control. They’ll continue to look for a pack they can take over.”
“You said this year the applicants must be mated. Are the mates heart bonded?”
“Two of the five couples are bonded. We don’t penalize a couple for not being heart mated. Not everyone finds their perfect mate. My sister and I are perfect examples, as was dear Henry.” Allie’s voice broke and Sergei put his arm around her shoulders giving her a quick squeeze.
“Did the two councils interview the applicants?” Sergei asked.
“We had a small meeting this morning. It was decided that the applicants were acceptable.”
“Do any of them have children?”
“Yes, the Morgans have two children, a boy and a girl. The ages are listed on the application.”
“From what I understand, everything is in order. When do we start?” Sergei asked.
“Normally the Alpha gives a welcome speech. If you would rather, I can do it for you.”
“Not at all, I’m willing to speak. Do the healers give an invocation to Asena?”
“I’m sure Jenny would love to do so. I can get her right now.”
“On such a momentous occasion, Asena’s blessing would help us all,” Sergei said.
“Of course, I will return shortly.” Allie hurried off to find her sister.
Sergei looked around at the pack members circling the field. Excitement buzzed in the air, laughs a little too loud, a child wailed for its mother. Younger pack members wrestled for position to the side in a small group. A long line waited at the pack refreshment tent. At least selling the food would bring the pack a little money. Two men argued over who would win to challenge the Alpha. The applicants brought pack members to cheer them on and send strength during the fight. On the surface it looked like a county fair, but a dark undertone spoke of violence to come.
“What do you think?” Sergei asked Artur as he sat in the chair next to Lindy.
“If someone will attack, it would probably come from the woods. Raven and his men are hidden amongst the trees.”
Sergei laughed. “Spoken like a true Beta. I meant what do you think of this pack? Do you think you could be happy here?”
“The people seem nice enough.” Artur motioned to the pack members setting up lawn chairs on the edge of the field. “I even saw a few single females. I think we can help fix things up around here. The Alpha’s lodge looks like it needs a complete makeover.” Sergei nodded.
“Don’t worry, Art
ur. I’ll be happy to help with that,” Lindy said with a smile.
“Me too,” Kylie said. “I want my own room.”
The grown-ups chuckled. Allie hurried over with Jenny. “We’re ready to begin.”
“By all means,” Sergei said rising and ushering the women into the open area.
The snow crunched beneath their feet as they moved to the center of the circle. Jenny called for Asena’s blessings. Sergei welcomed everyone to the Alpha’s challenge and then Allie called out the combatants to come forward. The five men were introduced to the crowd and then drew a numbered piece of paper from a bowl to determine their place in the list.
Sergei and the two women walked off the field as the first two combatants prepared to shift. “Does the pack have people guarding against human interlopers?” Sergei asked.
“Travis and several of the men are watching the gate to the property,” Jenny said. “Excuse me, I need to get back to the healer’s tent. Gwen is an advanced healer and I’m going to suggest she join our order.”
Sergei watched the older woman hurry away and turned to her sister who looked so much like her. “How long do each of the fights take, Allie?” How long until he must take on the winner?
“It depends on the combatants and when a clear winner is determined. Normally, the winner will pin the other wolf and hold him for a count of ten. Other times the winner will toss the loser causing unconsciousness. If the two wolves are evenly matched, the fight can continue until both are exhausted and one of them gets a lucky break.”
Chase ran up to the tent. “The first two are ready to start, Miss Allie.”
She patted the teenager on the shoulder and called for the fight to begin. Sergei returned to his chair and took Lindy’s hand in his, lacing their fingers together. Two wolves fighting furiously was a daunting sight. He had no idea how his mate would handle it.
Lindy watched the men shift with only a slight tinge of pink on her cheeks showing her embarrassment at the men’s nakedness. When they came together, teeth and fur flying she looked away. Sergei squeezed her hand. She turned to look at him, sorrow in her eyes.
“If you wish to go home, I will have Artur escort you.”
“I want to be with you, to encourage you like the other women do for their mates. Seeing them fight makes me sad and uncomfortable. Couldn’t an Alpha be chosen in a non-violent way?”
Sergei shook his head. “The Alpha must be strong enough to hold the pack together and fight off challengers. It is the way of the wolf.”
Lindy nodded. “At least you only have to do this every three years.”
One of the wolves was tossed to the ground. The challenger grabbed hold of his neck and held him down. Howls and jeers came from the crowd. A fight broke out between several people in the crowd. Mischa and Joe broke it up, while Allie hurried from the tent to proclaim the winner. Kylie whimpered and climbed onto Sergei’s lap.
“Scared, little one? Why don’t you go with Sonya to the refreshment tent? I think they have hot chocolate brewing.”
Matfei materialized out of the crowd next to his wife and helped her stand. Kylie slipped from his lap and took Sonya’s hand. “Keep them from the field. Kylie is too sensitive to witness the fights. Her sister Julie is working at the pack refreshment stand,” Sergei sent to Matfei. He should have thought of removing the little girl earlier. Matfei nodded and escorted the pair through the throng.
The next fight began. Sergei took note of the fighting styles. Morgan seemed to be the stronger of the two and stood several inches over the other wolf. He tried a feint attack at the throat and when his opponent snapped at him, he turned, grabbing the back of the neck and pinning the weaker wolf easily.
Sergei’s wolf pushed at the surface of his mind, the need to fight and protect brushing his thoughts. His canines lengthened in his mouth. Fur ran just under the surface of his skin. Sergei pushed his wolf back and tried to build a wall in his head to protect Lindy from his growing aggression. He didn’t need her to touch on that part of his psyche. She wouldn’t be able to accept the beast he needed to become to survive.
Chapter Twelve
The final fight of the Alpha’s challenge was called. Lindy winced. Sergei removed his clothes so he could shift. She clutched the small, carved wolf Sergei had made her, like a talisman. If she kept it safe, she could keep Sergei safe. She whispered a prayer to the Great Spirit. Please…
A warm hand on her shoulder made her jump. Artur stood behind her. “Sergei will do fine. He can take this guy. I think Gavriil could take him. These American wolves are flabby around the middle. We fight and train every day; this one hasn’t done so.”
Lindy heard the contempt in his tone and hoped Artur was right. This challenger seemed to be as trim and built as Sergei. Sergei hadn’t trained since coming to America. She hadn’t noticed any flab around the competitor’s middle before he shifted. In wolf form they looked evenly matched. Lindy stood and wrung her hands. She wanted to pace but with the pack watching she didn’t dare.
Gwen walked into the tent and smiled. “I thought you might like company.”
Lindy nodded, thankful her sister once more backed her. She couldn’t speak from the tightness in her throat. Gwen took her hand and they stood together. Lindy felt overwhelmed. She and her sister weren’t raised in a pack. They were outcasts. How could they ever fit in?
Sergei walked onto the field with the other man. Lindy’s eyes narrowed. She stiffened, and pushed back the fear, holding the wolf tighter in her hand. Sergei needed her to be strong. Her fear could weaken him. She wouldn’t be the cause of him losing this fight. She had no idea if she wanted to be the Alpha female of this pack. She did know she loved Sergei Sokolov.
“The final challenge in this contest will begin,” Allie shouted over the applause.
A light breeze brushed her face and Lindy used one hand to clutch her coat tighter. Then she smelled something. Her head whipped around, looking for the source.
“What is it?” Gwen asked.
“I smell gun oil. Just now, I caught a hint of it.”
Gwen pulled one of the mini-crossbows from her pocket, a dart already in place for firing. Lindy gasped. “Hey, you can’t be too careful,” Gwen said.
Artur chuckled even as he sniffed the air. The first growls of the fight began. More than anything Lindy wanted to watch Sergei, but someone having a gun meant trouble.
“I can’t catch the scent of a lycan, but I can smell the gun oil. You ladies stay here. I think it’s coming from the trees over there,” Artur said, pointing. He headed in that direction.
Lindy looked from the tangle of fur and limbs that made up the fighting wolves to the tree. It was a perfect line of sight. She clutched Gwen’s arm.
“I see it,” Gwen said moving in front of Lindy. A flash of light glinted off metal in the branches. Lindy turned to search for Artur. Halfway around the field, he’d never make it in time. Gwen took aim and fired.
“Die, Russian scum!” slammed into her head. Lindy flinched. A shot rang out.
“Sergei!”
People screamed. Several men ran to the base of the tree. A body fell to the ground.
Pain radiated in Lindy’s hip and she sunk to the floor of the tent.
Gwen gasped and knelt beside her. “I got him, Lindy. He can’t hurt you any longer. I don’t see anything wrong with you. What’s going on?”
Lindy pushed the pain away. “It’s Sergei. He’s been shot. I’m feeling his pain.” She rose to run to her mate when Allie grabbed her arm. “Someone shot Sergei. He’s wounded,” Lindy explained.
“I’m sorry. No one is allowed to stop the fight. He must continue until a winner is chosen.”
§
Sergei flinched when the bullet hit him. Chuck’s hateful words still rang in his head. Blood began to pour from his hip. His opponent felt him hesitate and bit at his shoulder, leaving two gashes in his skin. Sergei backed up trying to get into position to lunge again. They were evenly matched, and
worse, Sergei liked Morgan. He’d been trying to win without doing permanent damage.
The smell of blood filled the air making their wolves go crazy. The instinct to kill or be killed kicked in. Red covered Sergei’s gaze. The two wolves came together again, biting and clawing. They both bled from scratches on their muzzles and neck. Sergei tried to push back the rage of his beast and hold onto his humanity.
They broke apart. Sergei slipped in his own blood. His back legs went out from under him. Morgan lunged and grabbed him by the neck. Sergei twisted, trying to get free. He couldn’t let Morgan hold him down. Sergei felt his body weaken as his blood continued to cover the ground. He wasn’t going to get loose. Morgan would win. The crowd began to count: one, two, three, four...
Sergei’s wolf struggled. His heart thundered in his ears. He grew weaker. The count continued… seven, eight. Then the sun suddenly seemed brighter, bouncing off the snow. Warmth filled his body and with it, strength. Lindy’s delicate touch branded him. “Get up and finish this fight,” she commanded.
Sergei lunged forward and broke free from Morgan, circling the now confused wolf. Sergei could feel more strength pouring into him from Lindy’s family. The bullet fell to the ground as his hip healed. Then Allie, Julie, and the rest of the pack, sent strength into him. Even little Kylie could be felt joining the link.
Sergei leapt. He grabbed Morgan by the neck, holding him down. When Morgan began to struggle, Sergei growled a warning. “Hold still,” Sergei commanded him using his Alpha voice. The pack had spoken. By sending him strength to win the challenge, they had chosen Sergei to be their Alpha.
Morgan subsided, baring his throat to the Alpha. The crowd counted to ten. The fight was over.
Sergei released Morgan. Lindy was suddenly beside him, her hands buried in his fur. Her tear streaked face rubbed against his coat Sergei shifted into human form and pulled her into his arms. Lindy sobbed, her arms going around his neck.
Shadow Mate Page 12