“I believe I’m the one you have the issue with, Amber. How about we settle this between the two of us?” I stepped around Daniel, out into the forefront. I ignored the pleas for me to come back. Even though Amber had repeatedly made a play for Mason, we both knew this was about me and her.
“I wondered whether you’d have the courage to speak up.” Once again, her sickly sweet tone caused my jaw to tighten.
“Let’s quit playing games. You want Mason. You’ve tried your best, but at the end of the day, it’s me that will marry him. He’s mine and no sphere of magic is going to change that.” I didn’t take my focus off her, ready to move at a moment’s notice should she react.
“I beg to differ, sweetheart.” She all but spat out the term of affection. “I say, I hold all the power here. I dictate what happens and if I say he’s mine, then you’d better hand him over.”
I stepped closer. “True. But what happens once he’s by your side? You going to carry that magic with you for the rest of your life? Because you know I won’t let him go without a fight. I will be your constant shadow. I survived the refiner’s fire for that man and I won’t let anyone take him from me.” I turned around and pointed at Mason. “And you better believe he won’t stay. He’ll always be looking for a way to return to me. You can’t keep us apart. You’d be foolish to try.”
“Enough! Things change. Feelings die. I can win him back and it’ll be as though you never existed.” That panicked edge had returned to her voice.
“Our love will never die. You will never own his heart like I do. The only reason you think you stand a chance is because of what you hold in your hand.”
“Then I’ll just kill you with it.” Amber cocked her eyebrow and raised her arm. “One throw and all my problems are over.”
I didn’t flinch. I could see Devlin looking over me to Mason and the brief nod he gave. Things were beyond critical now, but I had a plan—one that I knew would work if I could just get Amber to see its validity. All this time, we’d tried reasoning with her and it hadn’t worked. I finally understood why. She was beyond logic. So, I went for the one thing I knew I could reach, her pride.
“True. Throw it. Destroy me. But would you truly have him? In the eyes of the law you’d just be a murderer. The second after you throw it, Devlin and his enforcers will restrain you and do you think anyone will show you mercy? Do you think Mason will plead your case?” I took another step closer. “What about your pride? Is this really how you want to win? By using magic? You’re a werewolf. Where’s your sense of honor? Obviously you have none.” The muscle under her left eye twitched and the brief movement told me I’d hit my mark.
After what seemed like a lifetime, Amber finally responded. “What do you suggest?”
“A wolf challenge. Let’s settle this the way our race has always settled disputes. No more magic. No more games. Just you and me.”
“So willing to die, are you?” Amber was back to being her arrogant self.
I held her gaze. “Whatever it takes to finish this once and for all.”
“Then I look forward to ripping your throat out. I accept.”
I was surrounded by a flurry of bodies as my mother and April rushed to get me out of my dress. My fingers worked quickly to remove the veil and hair clip, handing them over to my father for safe keeping.
I didn’t have to look at everyone to know what they were thinking. It was within my right to issue the challenge, but I knew they weren’t happy about it. No one had spoken a word to try and talk me out of it, for which I was grateful. If I’d learned nothing through my ordeal with the Moirai, it was that I was strong enough to face this. I held absolute conviction I would emerge from this the victor and that our problems with Amber would be finally over. Part of me wondered why I hadn’t thought of this sooner.
My eyes found Mason’s. “I’ll bet you didn’t plan this as part of the ceremony?” I didn’t like seeing the worried strain etched on his face and my attempt at humor didn’t help ease it. I reached up and tried smoothing away his concern. “This needs to happen. You know that, right? She’ll just keep coming and keep coming. I thought our mating being decreed by the Fates solved everything; but it didn’t, not with her.”
I cupped the side of his jawline and he leaned into it, placing his hand over mine. “I know. Somewhere deep inside I always wondered if it would come to this. So, I’m not going to say anything other than I love you so much and be careful. Amber’s a dirty fighter. Don’t underestimate her. Always keep your guard up. You’re the stronger wolf and she knows that.” Grasping my hand, he placed a firm kiss on my palm before holding it over his heart. “I believe in you, Darcy.”
I wrapped my arms around his neck, relishing the strength our connection and love gave me. This is why I willingly challenged Amber, why I would always fight for what was mine. Mason held me in return, kissing the side of my head before letting me go. One glance between us spoke volumes; it would always be just him and me, forever.
“Oh, how touching. It almost brings a tear to my eyes. Goodbyes are always so moving to witness.” I ignored Amber’s snide remarks, noting she was already undressed and ready to shift into her wolf form. “Don’t worry, Darcy. Once this is over, I’ll make sure he’s completely satisfied and happy. He’ll have a real female, after all.”
Quickly hugging everyone, accepting their good lucks and last minute advice, I faced Amber again. People had been busy while I was preparing, moving away any hint of a wedding and leaving a large space where we’d fight. The thought gave me a slight chill which I immediately pushed aside. Win the challenge then marry Mason, I thought. That’s all I need to focus on, business then pleasure.
“Enough with the small talk,” I retorted. We approached each other in the center of the makeshift area. It had been decided that Daniel would be the officiator, announcing the rules of engagement and ensuring both parties fought fairly. I was surprised that Amber hadn’t argued over it, accepting his appointment with a carefree wave of her hand. It just showed how convinced she was that nothing would prevent her from winning.
Daniel stood between us. “Darcy Matthews, member of the Mystic Wolves pack, has challenged Amber Bracken, member of the Silver Canyon pack, to a death match. Do you both agree?” We nodded and he continued. “Do you both accept the conditions that one, you fight fairly and with the honor of your Packs; second, you retain your wolf forms until there is a winner; third, you cannot employ the help of anyone in the audience; and lastly, you both must continue to fight until one is dead.”
“We agree.” The irony wasn’t lost on me that this may be the only time Amber and I ever agreed on something.
“Then shift into your wolf forms.” Daniel gestured, stepping away. He took his place in the large crowd that encircled us, standing beside his Alpha. “Oh, and Amber?” He paused, giving her time to look his way. “It’ll be a pleasure watching Darcy kick your ass.”
Chapter Twenty Two
Amber didn’t even bother responding with a snarl, shifting immediately. One minute she stood and the next she was on all fours, a grey wolf.
The change came over me easily, the fluid motion of my body giving way to my wolf was both graceful and smooth. She was chomping at the bit to fight Amber, to show her just how dominant we truly were and that we were done tolerating her. Striking against the enemy was what my wolf had been vying for since Amber first appeared on the doorstep claiming Mason. She was ready and more than eager.
There was always a sense of wonder as I patted my four paws on the ground, my nails scratching into the surface while I gathered my bearings. Becoming wolf would never get old for me. I would always delight in the way I felt and how effortless it was to step aside for the animal within me. This time I didn’t have the luxury of flexing my body, testing my muscles like I usually do whenever I go running. It all had to happen quickly. Shift, blink, act.
Amber didn’t hesitate. She, no doubt, assumed she’d have the upper hand because she’d shifte
d sooner than me. It was a miscalculation on her part. After this past year of dealing with Daniel’s sense of humor, his pouncing and striking while I was new to my wolf form, I had developed an overly sensitive combat readiness. Instinctively, I leapt to the side, missing her attack and with the snap of my teeth, growled low. She didn’t like losing the element of surprise. I didn’t care.
I waited for her to move again, but she opted to follow my lead. I began pacing about in a circle, watching the way her body flowed, looking to see any weakness. Both Mason and Devlin had taught me that lesson—that it was better to wait and get in a sure hit then mess around and risk being hurt. So far, Amber was keeping her plans to herself.
My wolf nudged me, wanting to come to the forefront. I still remained in the driver’s seat, even though I’d shifted; and she not so gently reminded me that this was her job now. She wanted full control. She wanted to be set free to do what she did best. With the agreement that this was a team effort, I stepped aside, the brush of fur against my spirit calming in an otherwise stressful situation.
We never once took our focus from Amber as she studied us. We ignored the comments from those witnessing the challenge. We released a dominant growl, asserting our claim that Mason belonged to us and no other.
Amber responded exactly how we’d thought. Goaded enough, she reacted impulsively and we saw her attack coming the moment it registered in her mind. We recognized the twitch that caused her fangs to flash, the way her front legs bent and her muscles tightened right before she threw herself through the air toward us. Whether she knew it or not, our simple growl had provided us all the information we needed to win.
This time, we didn’t sidestep or dodge her advances. Crouching, we sprang from our back legs and aimed for her midsection, hitting it full force with all our weight behind it. There was a slight whimper on impact and the mid-air collision stopped Amber before dropping her to the ground. The action winded her momentarily, but she was quickly back on her paws, her hate filled eyes staring at us.
We didn’t flinch—my wolf or me. We stood our ground and waited. Based on how Amber avoided moving a certain way, the impact had hurt her. It wasn’t too obvious. Any other time I would’ve overlooked it, but it was instinctual for my wolf to search for any form of weakness. She zeroed in on it and changed strategy, going from defensive to offensive in the blink of an eye.
Barreling toward Amber, we aimed for her mid-section again, and made a solid connection. There was another sound of expelling air as we avoided her claw swiping at us in anger. Whatever the initial strike had done to hurt her, there was no mistaking she was injured now as she stood. Her body language screamed that she’d gone from aggressive to desperate.
Amber didn’t disappoint. She charged, howling in anger and we didn’t back away. We snapped our powerful jaws at her and locked our teeth around her front leg. With a quick head shake, she became unbalanced and the scent of fresh blood filled the air the same time it hit our tongue. We’d drawn first blood, the air around us seemed to sizzle now with energy. We bit down harder until we heard a crack. With her leg now broken, we released her and moved away to study her more.
We’d definitely hurt Amber, weakened and infuriated her. Unable to stand completely, she hobbled to the side, saliva dripping from the corner of her mouth as she continuously flashed her fangs. Her eyes darted back and forth, frantically looking for any kind of opening she could exploit. The more she stared, the more feral she became. My wolf and I presented a united front. She’d clearly overestimated her strength and ability to defeat us. Without even killing her, we’d proven more than a match for her. Any other time, this fight would’ve forced her into submission.
My wolf was analyzing our next move to further weaken Amber, but my humanity demanded we end this. It wasn’t in my nature to prolong the inevitable. This display of dominance had not only proven to Amber who was the better wolf, but it had also sent a clear message to those watching. I was ready to end this, make the killing move, get married to my Mason and continue my life.
Cocking my head to the side, my wolf agreed. It was time. Amber was still hurt and the challenge close to over. Knowing the best way to end this was a lethal bite to the throat before ripping it free, we cautiously moved, looking for the best vantage point to strike.
Amber’s eyes never left us. She hadn’t made any attempt to attack again, choosing now to conserve her energy for the killing blow she knew was coming. Her eyes tracked our movement, the subtle shifts in her body and muscles the only indication she gave that she was still aware.
I wanted to tell her I wished there’d been some other way. I didn’t claim to understand her obsession with Mason or what drove her to such lengths to try and steal away a man who would never love her. I did know I didn’t like taking someone’s life. As a werewolf and Mason’s mate, something told me this wouldn’t be the last time I was called to do this.
My wolf declared she was ready and I let her make the move. We leapt through the air, teeth exposed and jaw widened to make the deadly bite. Amber seemed to anticipate it; but instead choosing her last moments alive to fight back, she lay still. Too still. There was a pulse of magic that prickled over my wolf’s fur and as she began closing her jaw around Amber’s throat, I realized what was happening.
Amber was shifting back to human. She was breaking the rules. She was forcing us to kill her outside her wolf form.
The move was a stroke of brilliance. If there was one way to stop me and my wolf from killing her it was this. Rules dictated the challenge be completed as wolves. Where others wouldn’t have cared and struck her anyway, it made me pause and I somehow managed to avert my wolf from making that last snap.
Howling in frustration, I paced away; disgusted that Amber had resorted to this. Mason had said she fought dirty, but I’d assumed he meant with fighting. I’d been watching for it, but this I never would’ve guessed. It was dishonorable and I all but spat at her as I joined my wolf at the forefront of my mind. I needed to be in control for whatever happened next.
I retreated to one side of the enclosed space. I could now hear everyone’s shouts—Daniel above all of them as he ordered Amber to return to her wolf form. She lay on the floor, panting softly as she brushed her blonde hair away from her eyes. A wide grin covered her face when she finally sat up. She looked pleased with herself and I tried not to lunge when she stood.
My wolf was furious, repeatedly chanting in my mind that we finish the job. Amber had broken with protocol; she’d made the rules null and void, so she deserved to be executed. I shook my head inwardly at her, asking my wolf to wait. I needed to see what Amber was planning.
Amber didn’t waste any time with her taunts. “Bet you didn’t see this coming. I must say, you’ve definitely shown me what a big, bad wolf you are; but do you really have what it takes?” She stared at me as if waiting for me to answer, then let out a loud laugh. “How silly of me, you can’t reply. Wolf got your tongue?”
She slowly began pacing back and forth, clearly amused by her poor attempt at humor. The only movement I made was the slight motion of my head as I watched her. She was up to something. Sooner or later she’d either change back and I’d kill her or Daniel would rule the challenge forfeit and Devlin would take her back into custody. I wasn’t ashamed to admit I was hoping for the first option. I was beyond ready for this to be over.
“Come now, Darcy. Are you really going to sit there? Are you going to let me and my poor, little human body stop you from doing what you’ve been longing for ever since we met. Don’t tell me you haven’t dreamed about destroying me or what it would feel like sinking your fangs into my throat. Then you wouldn’t have to keep looking over your shoulder, always wondering where I am or what I’ll do to reclaim what’s mine. I can see it in your eyes. You want my blood.” She came to a standstill and opened her arms wide. “So come get me. I’m all yours. It wouldn’t even take much effort. Come on. I dare you.”
Her last statement rang throug
h the air, a challenge. I snarled, snapping my teeth as my fur hackled. There was no doubt I was the more dominant wolf; and it went against the grain not to accept. I wanted to answer Amber by killing her, by putting an end to her last ditch attempt at manipulation. I rose up on all four paws, my muscles bunching as power crackled around me in the air.
“Oh, you didn’t like that, did you? I dare you, Darcy. I know you think you’re honorable. I know you believe in following the rules, but just this once, forget your humanity and fully give over to your wolf. I know she’s in there begging you to let loose. Imagine how good it will feel with my blood splashing down your throat, my flesh between your teeth and my death because of you.” Amber spoke in an almost soothing, hypnotic tone as thought she was calming a baby. She thought she could tempt me, convince me to forget the morals I valued and give in to her mind games. Again, she underestimated me.
I looked over at Daniel. He was conferring with Devlin, whispering back and forth and seemed to come to a decision. I watched Devlin gesture to others in the crowd and them beginning to push forward, their target Amber.
“I call this challenge forfeit, Amber. Even though you still breathe, I declare Darcy the winner and you will be taken back into custody where I hope you will rot in hell.” He didn’t bother to hide the scorn from his words. Amber glanced about and saw she was quickly losing control of the situation and growled when she realized none of her minions were around her.
“You didn’t think we’d let them watch, did you?” Devlin spoke, reaching for his silver cuffs to restrain her. “And your spell sphere has been diffused. Looks like you’re on your own.”
Testing Fate Page 17