Betrayed: Book Two - The Road to Redemption

by Nicky Charles

  “A sound list of complaints, but why would you want to get involved?”

  He curled his lip and spit out the words. “They’re Purists.”

  “What?” Reno spun around to study the little group. He knew better than anyone that Purists came in all shapes and sizes, but a less likely group he’d never seen. “Are you sure? Have they been violating the Rights and Freedom Act in any way?”

  “No, not that I’m aware. I found out when I came across some journals belonging to old man Harper. He was a Purist back in the day.”

  “Back in the day. But what about now?”

  “Does it matter?” Damien shrugged, his eyes narrowed as he followed Sam’s movements. She was walking their way. “Once a Purist, always a Purist,” he muttered.

  “Where’s Sinclair?” Sam didn’t look at Damien.

  “Apparently there’s been a slight change in plans.” Reno compressed his lips not liking being in the middle of this. There was a definite conflict of interest on his part, yet he didn’t want to hand this situation over to someone else.

  While Damien had been pardoned, there was still an element within Lycan Link that was prejudiced against him and might not judge the challenge fairly. Plus, it seemed Damien had a bone to pick with the Chicago pack. Reno wanted to ensure his friend didn’t lose control of his inner wolf and let revenge take over, like it had in the past. Purists were scum of the earth, but sometimes the past really was the past. People saw the error of their ways and changed. Watching Sam with her witch friend, he was hard pressed to believe she’d ever held a Purist view. She shouldn’t be punished for the sins of her elders.

  “What’s the change? Was he too scared to show?” Sam curled her lip in disdain.

  “No.” Damien finally spoke. “I’m his proxy.”

  “Proxy!” She looked about to protest then snapped her mouth shut. Eyes narrowed, Reno could sense the venom behind her stare. “Fine. Can we get started then?”

  Reno nodded. “Damien, do you have any issues with her pack members being here? It could be viewed as a form of intimidation.”

  Damien looked over at the group standing by the cars, a mix of emotions flitting over his face before he shook his head. “No.”

  “Then we’ll begin.”

  Chapter 33

  Sam stood on her mark six feet from Damien. Her stance was stable, weight balanced. The slight crouch she’d assumed was textbook perfect. Even her chin was protected.

  Thanks, Damien. She mentally tipped her hat to him. Had he’d known it would come to this, the two of them facing off against each other? Likely not, or he wouldn’t have helped her train. And he had helped her; it hadn’t been a show and that was what puzzled her. If Damien was working for Sinclair then why give her pointers on her fighting technique? If anything, he should have refused to assist or perhaps tried to sabotage her by sharing incorrect information.

  She eyed him noting he’d assumed a position much like her own. His face was impassive, his eyes trained on her, waiting for the signal to begin. He gave no hint as to what he was feeling. Hell, maybe he wasn’t feeling anything. After all, what did he have to lose? Not like her; her pack, her home, everything she’d ever worked for, hoped for, could be won or lost today. Her throat tightened with emotion. She resisted the urge to flick a glance towards where her pack mates were seated. Staying focused was the key right now.

  “The first ten minutes will be fought in human form. Should the fight continue beyond that point, I’ll give the signal and you may shift into wolves.”

  Sam nodded. It was part of the Book of the Law. Since the human half of a Lycan was considered the dominant member, they needed to prove their worth first. If the combatants made it beyond ten minutes then they were likely equally matched and the wolves would then be tested.

  Reno continued to outline the rules. “The challenge will continue until one of you concedes, the challenge is revoked or I call a halt due to foul play. OPATA wishes it to be stated that, in principle, they disapprove of a challenge to the death. Having said that, they also acknowledge that it is allowed under the Book of the Law. Do you understand and agree with the terms?”

  “I do.” Sam and Damien answered simultaneously and then both scowled at the other.

  “Begin.”

  The word had hardly left Smith’s mouth when she made her move. Nothing fancy or pretty, her purpose was to take control, to be the aggressor, to make her opponent defend himself.

  Too bad he had the same idea.

  They met in the middle, both trying for a vulnerable spot; the throat, the gut… Even in a challenge they both avoided going for the eyes. There was an understood code of honour they’d adhere to. A dirty fight was no way to choose an Alpha.

  Damien managed to hook his foot around her ankle and they fell to the ground. Instantly, Sam rolled to her feet and charged at him, her shoulder hitting his chest as he got to his feet. The air left his lungs in a wheeze. He gasped for breath, but he hadn’t trained as an Enforcer for nothing. Keep your guard up, especially when you’re at your weakest. How many times had that been drilled into his head?

  Damien sensed rather than saw her aiming a kick at him; it was the type of move he would have made. He dropped to the ground so her leg swung over him, then came up inside her guard and flipped her over his shoulder.

  She landed face down but rapidly rolled to her feet while spitting out bits of dirt. A kick to the stomach was his next logical move—attacking before your opponent gets reoriented was basic strategy—yet he hesitated for a fraction of a second. Fighting, rather than training, with a female didn’t sit well with him. That small delay was enough for her to scramble to her feet and lunge at him again, pushing him back against a tree.

  “Ready to give in?” She had her forearm pressed against his throat.

  A harsh laugh escaped him. “That’s what I like about you, Sugar. You always have a smart comment, no matter how deep in shit you are.”

  “You’re the one about to lose.”

  “Dream on.” Scruples be damned. He shoved her back, and they ended up on the ground again, a tangle of arms and legs. Grunts filled the air as blows made contact with flesh, yet neither let up their assault. Two spirits, equally determined, battled for supremacy, oblivious to everything but the need to win.

  Of one accord, they broke away, both panting, sweat and dirt staining their clothes. Sam swallowed with difficulty, her throat dry, her heart pounding. How long they’d been fighting, she had no idea. Were the ten minutes almost up? A sick feeling filled her at the thought. When Smith announced they could shift forms, she’d be at a disadvantage. Her human half had always been the better fighter. While her wolf was small and fast, Damien would have the advantage of power and weight, not to mention the ruthlessness of a rogue.

  She cautiously began to circle to the left, searching for an opening in his guard. Damien mimicked her movement, studying her with equal intensity.

  “So why are you helping Sinclair steal my territory?”

  He took a jab at her, but she leapt backward. “You’re Purists. You don’t deserve to run a pack.”

  “I’m not a Purist, asshole.”

  His lip curled in a sneer. “Right. And the notes in your grandfather’s journals are just stories he made up for the fun of it.”

  “Ancient history. He made some bad decisions. When he realized it, he severed his relationship with the group.” She feinted right, then left, and then attempted to deliver a hit to his chin but he dodged out of her way. A successful uppercut would have ensured her victory. Damn him for eluding her!

  “Leopards don’t change their spots.”

  “Wrong species,” she snorted. “And you have no right to point a finger. You lied your way into the pack, acted as if you were befriending Hiram and Christopher when all along you were using them.”

  A shadow passed over his face. Regret? Not likely.

  “I did what was necessary.”

  “In order to help Sinclair. Yo
u never cared about m—” She caught herself in time and switched her wording. “Us.” How he’d laugh if he ever learned she’d actually considered him as a potential mate.

  “Kane’s pack is too big. They need the space.”

  “And that justifies betraying our trust? Tearing my pack apart. Taking our home!” Unbidden tears sprang to her eyes and she blinked quickly to hide them.

  He clamped his mouth tightly shut. She pressed her advantage. If she could distract him… “What will happen to Flo? And Hiram? No pack will take them in at their ages. And my grandfather—”

  “Purists deserve no pity.” His expression hardened.

  “So everyone is punished for the sins of one? Haven’t I suffered enough? My father was killed by a Purist, you know!”

  Damien flicked a glance behind Sam to where her pack members stood and his resolve waivered. He could see young Christopher’s scared face, the worry on the face of the witch with the neon coloured hair. Hiram’s expression was grave and her grandfather… The old man was expressionless. Damned Purist had no feelings. He didn’t care that his kind had caused Beth’s death. Damien felt the rage building within him again and returned his gaze to where Sam stood.

  In that moment, she charged into him, the force of her movement driving him back. He stumbled on a tree root, his weaker leg giving way under the unexpected strain of both their weights. He could feel himself twisting sideways, falling with Sam in his arms. She felt thin and delicate beneath his hands and a memory flashed before his eyes. He could see himself holding her as they’d made love… No! Not love, sex.

  At the last instant, he instinctively turned, protecting her, taking the brunt of the fall.

  “You’re nothing but a liar!” She hissed the word as she landed on top of him.

  Startled, he stared into her face wondering how she’d known what he was thinking, but her next words dispelled that thought.

  “You lied your way into my pack. You lied about who you were.” Her lips curled. “The real Dante paid us a visit.”

  “You let that scum into your pack house?” He rolled them over so he was on top.

  “As if you have any right to judge. You’re no better than him.”

  “Never,” he growled down at her, “accuse me of being like him.”

  “How are you any different?” She bucked and flipped their positions.

  “At least I’m trying to make the world better. Dante’s only concern is saving his own skin and lining his pockets.”

  “Stealing my territory improves the world?” She swung her hand, intent on a karate chop to his throat but he caught her wrist before she connected.

  He shook his head. “Stopping the Purists. They killed my mate and my child—” His fingers tightened around her wrist.

  She struggled to free herself from his grip. Slowly, he was winning, pushing her hand away. “Just like my father was killed. Just like they wanted to kill me.”

  “You?” The pressure he was exerting let up and she began to gain ground again.

  “My grandfather paid your friend, Dante, blackmail money for years in order to keep them from finding out about me.”

  A whistle pierced the air followed by Reno’s voice. “Time. Opponents shift forms.”

  The two wolves circled each other, heads lowered, hackles raised. Snarls and growls filled the space between them, yet neither seemed inclined to make the first move.

  Sam studied her opponent, noting his size; the solid black of his fur making him seem even more massive than he already was. She should attack, take the offensive, but her wolf was reluctant to do so. Not out of fear; her inner animal was quick and nimble. If they came in low they could go for his throat, his belly…

  She should make her move—had to make her move; her pack was depending on her.

  A few steps to the right. He moved as well. His weaker leg gave a bit as he side stepped. That’s where she should attack. Snap his hind leg. It was strategically correct. Yet still she hesitated.

  Another step and another. She recalled the time they’d spent together; riding their Harleys, eating ice cream, skinny-dipping in the lake. His kindness to Hiram, how he’d taken Chris under his wing. The way he’d teased her, the tenderness of his touch… A dull ache in the region of her heart made it hard to breathe. She… Her wolf… Both of them had thought they’d found the male they needed. Had it all been a lie?

  He’d once said his mate had been part Fae. And now, knowing that his mate and child had been killed by Purists, his actions made some sense. He had every reason to hate, to want revenge. But was that even true or was he twisting the facts for his own purpose, to help Sinclair? And even if it was true, should her pack pay the price?

  She was an Alpha. An Alpha put duty first. An Alpha had to be strong, had to do what must be done regardless of personal feelings.

  With a snarl, she lunged forward.

  ~~~

  Elise stared at her hand, noting how her fingers were laced with Kane’s, how his thumb was idly stroking her skin. Her hands were always cold—cold hands, warm heart he’d often say—but right now she could feel his warmth seeping into her. This was how it should be; male and female connected and supporting each other.

  It had been a long time since they’d actually sat down and talked. Sure, they’d often commented on the weather or what present to buy Jacob for his birthday. But throw away phrases weren’t enough. Today they’d really been trying to communicate and she felt it was finally working.

  “So we’re agreed?” Kane drew her attention away from their hands. They were sitting on the picnic table in the backyard, just the two of them. Kane had turned his phone off and Helen was watching the children.

  “Yes. Agreed. The renovations at the Grey Goose can happen without me being there every day.”

  “And I’m overworked and the solution isn’t taking on more responsibility. I need to trust John as my Beta and delegate more.”

  And the fact that our pack is getting too big…?”

  “I’ll have to…I mean we’ll have to get creative.”

  Elise smiled at how he’d caught himself. It wouldn’t be easy for Kane. Alpha males instinctively took charge, but he told her to kick him in the pants whenever he started to slip into the ‘Super Alpha’ zone again and she planned to hold him to it.

  “I’ll place that call to OPATA now…if it’s okay to turn my phone on again, that is.”

  She gave him a mock scowl before agreeing and then listened as he talked to the officials. It had been hard for Kane to agree to back down, she’d seen the conflict in his eyes, but in the end she’d helped him realize their happiness couldn’t be built on someone else’s loss.

  “I hope it isn’t too late,” she said as he ended the call.

  Kane nodded. “If Damien’s already won he’ll be shocked as hell to realize he’s now an Alpha.”

  “It might be good for him to have a pack depending on him. I sometimes wonder if his ‘I don’t give a damn’ attitude is just a façade. Is he really become that much of a loner or does he just not want to get hurt again?”

  “Maybe a bit of both. He has rogue tendencies—you can’t change a wolf’s basic nature—but it doesn’t have to totally define them. In the right circumstances, with the right person, he might do just fine in a pack.”

  “Perhaps this Samantha Harper he’s been dealing with is the one he needed.” Elise leaned against Kane’s shoulder. “Sometimes you find the right person when you least expect it.”

  “That might be stretching things. I doubt that after this challenge she’ll even want to speak to him.”

  Chapter 34

  “Stand down!”

  The command rang out too late for her to stop. Damien turned his body, taking the brunt of her hit on his shoulder. Her teeth slashed his flesh, the metallic taste of blood stinging her tongue, his yelp of pain echoing in her ears. He staggered and went down. Somehow she knew it was due to his leg.

  She scrambled to her feet, shift
ing form as she moved, torn between concern for Damien and wondering why the observer had called a halt.

  Damien stood awkwardly, blood dripping down his arm, his face paler than normal. Concern for him had her taking a step towards him, but the observer was there first.

  “You okay?” Smith asked, his voice laced with concern.

  “Yeah. Twisted my leg. I’ve handled worse.” He pressed a hand to his injured arm. Blood continued to seep between his fingers.

  Sam looked away, her jaw clenched. Blood didn’t bother her but her stomach was churning at the sight of Damien’s. She blew out a long breath and tried to concentrate on what was important.

  “Why did you tell us to stand down?” She looked at Smith. Had she committed some sort of foul? Was he going to rule against her?

  He held up the cell phone he had in his hand. “Kane Sinclair called.”

  “And?” Her mind raced wondering what kind of a trick the bastard was pulling now.

  “He’s calling off his takeover bid.”

  “He’s what?” She felt her eyes widen, stunned at the news.

  “Why?” Damien took a hobbling step closer.

  “I’ve no idea. OPATA didn’t give details.”

  “So it’s over? It’s not some kind of a trick?”

  Smith shook his head. “According to the Book of the Law, a Lycan can only issue a challenge once for a particular pack. He’s had his chance. If he contacts you about this again, his butt will be in a sling.”

  Exultation mixed with relief and she turned towards Damien, even beginning to reach out to him before remembering they were on opposing sides. Letting her arms drop to her sides, she took a deep breath and looked at Smith, forcing herself to speak calmly. “Thank you for helping out with this. I know challenges are rare, so this probably wasn’t part of your usual job description.”