“You. Touched. My. Wife,” he roared. “Give me one good reason why I shouldn’t kill you? I accepted your refusal to remain within the alliance. I wished you no ill will, even extending an offer of protection, and this is how you repay my generosity?” Mason growled.
“You wouldn’t dare hurt me,” Paxton sneered, somehow managing to stand up to my angry mate, despite the fact his actions had warranted it. “It would blemish your precious reputation.”
“I don’t give a damn about my reputation. You come into my home and dare attack my wife?” Mason moved quickly, grabbing Paxton by the throat and lifting him off the ground before slamming him hard against the wall. The force of the blow caused part of the brick surface to crumble.
Paxton’s face began to turn a dark shade of purple as his airway was slowly crushed. Gasping for air, he gripped Mason’s hand, struggling to break his hold. “I challenge you,” he croaked, clearly unable to budge Mason. It was obvious who the stronger one was between the two, making his comment ludicrous. I’d never seen Paxton fight, but he wouldn’t be a match for the angry Alpha who held him suspended in the air.
“I accept,” Mason answered, dropping him to the ground as his own chest heaved from the adrenaline rush I knew he must be experiencing. Finally looking away, he turned to me, ignoring the commotion that had broken out around us. “Are you okay?”
“I was okay.”
“He dared to touch you. In my home. He needs to answer for that.”
As Daniel rushed forward with Wade, the others crowding around us, there was no doubt in my mind that Paxton would.
Judging from the murderous expression on Mason’s face, eight Alphas had arrived earlier today. By the time the night was over, only seven would be leaving.
Chapter Twenty-Five
Mason
He’d touched her.
In my home.
My mate. Mine.
Thoughts raced through my mind as everyone acted quickly, clearing tables and chairs to honor the challenge. As the one receiving it, it was up to my digression when and where the fight took place. With my anger blazing red-hot, there was no chance in hell I would wait.
This was a slight that needed to be addressed, immediately.
He’d dared to insult my wife, calling her all kinds of vile things, threatening to kill her.
He was lucky I didn’t just rip his throat out within seconds of issuing his cowardly opposition. There was no way he could believe he wasn’t at fault here. Challenging me suggested he felt justified.
He could feel whatever he wanted. The result would be the same.
“Mason,” Darcy whispered softly beside me. Her expression had grown darker and darker as each minute passed. She’d been present at some of the recent confrontations, so she knew that there was a reason I was viewed as one of the most powerful Alpha’s in the country. It wasn’t with pride that I could say that. I knew my strength and I’d trained hard to keep my body primed for moments like this.
A Pack was only as strong as it’s Alpha, and the Mystic Wolves was well defended.
“This is inevitable, sweetheart,” I answered, stretching out my muscles, my gaze never straying from Paxton who was taking advantage of the quiet before the storm. He had to know this wouldn’t end well for him.
There was only one way a challenge could end—either in mercy or in death.
I wasn’t feeling particularly gracious to the asshole’s feelings.
He touched my wife, I growled inwardly, my hands clenching in and out of tight fists.
“I know,” she murmured, her voice filled with sorrow. “It just saddens me that when everyone is preparing to face an unknown enemy, Paxton would take this kind of stand. We should be rallying together, not brawling.”
“You understand why this has to happen, right?” Dragging my focus away from the betraying Alpha, I captured Darcy’s gaze and held it. She had such a tender heart, and I’d hoped to spare her from unnecessary killing. She’d already seen enough and my gut said she’d see much, much more before the Master was stopped.
“I do.” Wrapping her arms around my neck, she kissed my cheek before placing her lips beside my ear. “Doesn’t mean I have to like it.”
“Me, either,” I answered, squeezing her gently against my body.
Reluctantly letting her go, I couldn’t let sentiment cloud my focus. Where Paxton was usually a fair fighter, there was no telling whether he’d resort to whatever gave him an advantage. He already knew that insulting Darcy was a sure fire way to anger me. I couldn’t let him undermine my control and allow him to use what he saw as a weakness against me.
I didn’t want this challenge going on any longer than necessary. Killing wasn’t fun for me, especially when it was someone I’d considered a friend and colleague.
“Everything’s quiet on the property,” Wade said, approaching us, his gaze scanning the group constantly. “The guards I set up haven’t seen anything out of the ordinary; but just in case, I asked them to keep a careful eye out. It may be a case of paranoia, but I’d rather be safe than sorry.”
“I appreciate it. I’m not sure why Paxton has chosen this path for himself and his Pack, but it would be foolish to not consider this might involve Helena and the Master. In fact, I’m leaning toward everything somehow involving them. I don’t put much faith in coincidences.”
Wade nodded. “I’ve got you covered while you take care of business.” His assurances confirmed I’d made the right decision in making his position as Pack Enforcer official.
“You ready?” Daniel asked, looking calm for someone who’s Alpha was about to defend his right to lead and mate. A wide space had been cleared, all traces of the barbecue removed. No one had retired to their lodgings or the rooms I’d provided. Although fighting was a common occurrence, everyone recognized this for what it was.
They’d come expecting some kind of bloodshed, and they wouldn’t be disappointed.
“Yes.” Giving Darcy one last kiss, a combination of affection and declaration that no matter what Paxton said, I still claimed her, in spite of her conversion.
Paxton and I walked forward, meeting in the middle as everyone else formed a loose circle around us. “As the one challenged, it’s my right to determine the rules we are honor bound to follow. We will fight in human form until either one of us yields or dies.”
This earned me a sarcastic sneer from Paxton. “Weak, even now. Afraid that if we battle in wolf form, I’ll show everyone here they were wrong to pledge themselves as your allies?”
I was done listening to his smart mouth, instantly willing the change to partially shift my hands into claws, as I snarled my retort. “There’s no weakness in allowing someone much inferior a chance to redeem themselves.”
“I don’t need redemption,” Paxton spat, my accusation hitting a nerve. “Still, I accept your terms. Kiss your mate goodbye, Mason. It’ll be the last opportunity she has. I look forward to ruling over your Pack at your death.”
Both Wade and Daniel stepped forward, hostility blazing from their expressions as their growls filled the air. I couldn’t see Darcy, but I had no problem hearing her furious tirade in my mind. If Paxton somehow managed the impossible and killed me, I didn’t know who would step in to avenge me first—her or my two friends.
“I’ll kiss my wife when I’m celebrating putting you back in your place.”
Slowly, we began to pace around each other, studying the way the other moved for a glimpse of any opening. It was amazing to see how cocky Paxton strode back and forth, stopping only to bounce on his feet in a fake display of agility.
He could stand on his damn head for all I cared. I didn’t need all the theatrics that often accompanied these challenges as wolves showcased themselves for the crowd. There was no doubt in my mind that a few strong hits and I’d subdue him. Part of me wanted to prolong the inevitable and punish his body for abusing Darcy. It wasn’t about him insulting me; it was what he’d dared to do to her.
No one would fault me for pounding brutally into his flesh, reducing him to a bloody pulp before ending it. But even with all the anger stirring within me, my conscience wouldn’t allow me to lower myself to his level. I would get my justice, but not at the cost of my integrity.
“Scared?” Paxton taunted, even though he had yet to advance.
“Bored,” I retorted.
Sure enough, any ribbing aimed at him hit its mark and Paxton gave up prancing about and launched himself at me. As his body collided with mine, his weight knocked me backward, making me stagger. Seizing the moment, his knee connected with my abdomen, causing me to grunt before he swung his elbow at my head.
Everything happened in slow motion. Dodging the strike, I retaliated with a punch of my own. Unlike his, mine carried the full force of my power and my aim was true. Blood sprayed everywhere as his nose broke more beneath my fist. “Being Alpha doesn’t mean you have an excuse to be sloppy,” I taunted, opting to use my words to rattle him. If there was one thing I’d learned in fighting others, it was that most of the times the battle was mostly in your head. Often there wasn’t need for extreme force when the attackers pride could destroy their strategy.
I hit him again, over and over, as I took the offensive, never giving him a second to breathe. Loud crunches filled the spaces between grunts and snarls, blood scenting the air with its coppery tang. Regardless of the hits I was taking in return, I didn’t ease up. The longer the challenge went on, the more it fueled my frustrations at being constantly placed in these situations.
Threats would come and go.
Paxton wouldn’t be the last person to question Darcy’s existence.
But after tonight, others would think twice about ever angering me.
“You’re weak!” Paxton screamed, the veins in his neck bulging from exertion. “Fight me! Quit holding yourself back! You, the damn Alpha of the precious Mystic Wolves, and you’re fighting me like you’re afraid to break a damn nail.” Raining his own punishing blows down over my body, it was a vicious battle of strength as Paxton upped the ante between us.
Partially shifting his own hands, his claws left deep gashes across my chest—a bold statement that he was done playing it safe. As blood trickled over my skin and pooled at the top of my pants, his tactics won out. He’d wanted to piss me off to the point where my control was in jeopardy.
Unleashing the darkness that had been brewing inside me for weeks, I snapped my jaw at him, my wolf racing to the surface in a bid for freedom. I held nothing back as I pummeled him, slashing at his arms and leaving my own welts against his flesh. I’d done everything I could to fight fairly, to be the bigger person, even though he deserved to face my wrath.
“He’s going to make her his whore!”
Claws erupted where my hands once were and I charged, gripping his throat tightly as I lifted him into the air before slamming him down to the ground, bones breaking on impact. Blood trickled from the puncture wounds my nails left at his neck, but there was no relenting. The asshole couldn’t speak if he didn’t have a voice box. One more comment and I’d remove it from his body.
“Last chance, Paxton,” I growled, sweat dripping from my face as I pinned him to the ground with my weight. Bucking against me in an attempt to get free, I kneed him hard in the groin. A strangled gasp escaped his lips, the noise better than the vileness that had previously spewed from his mouth.
“Go ahead, kill me,” he spat, a deranged gaze overtaking his eyes. The sight of it turned my blood ice cold. “Once he’s done, you’ll all wish you were dead.”
Driving my fist into his face, I was at the end of my patience. “Yield or accept your death.”
Paxton’s body stilled as he suddenly stopped resisting. “Death would be better than the hell he has planned for your mate. She’ll beg for oblivion once he’s done breaking her.”
There was a flash of something in his gaze—something I wouldn’t understand until much later. Had I seen it before I tore his throat from his body, plunging my claws into his chest to pierce his heart, maybe I wouldn’t have killed him. Watching the light fade from his face, it wasn’t hostility I saw as he died, but gratitude.
Cursing beneath my breath, I didn’t move from where I kneeled, grief hitting me over the loss of yet another person. This was exactly what I’d hoped to avoid; and yet the drama had been brought to my doorstop. Some things were beyond my control—his attack one of them.
Slowly my claws disappeared, returning my hands and fingers so I could close Paxton’s eyes. Exhausted, I stood and addressed the silent crowd. “Anyone else want to be a fool and challenge me?” Turning around, I looked each person in the eye. “Step forward now. If not, this matter is resolved. Should anyone feel the same as Paxton, kindly keep those opinions to yourself. I’m tired of losing people.” My heart raced as I attempted to catch my breath, my muscles taut.
It was Benjamin who spoke up. “I think I can safely speak on behalf of everyone here that Paxton’s actions were his own. None of us find fault with your mate.”
Clenching my teeth together in an attempt to calm myself, all I could do was nod. I’d thought the Summit was the only serious business conducted tonight, but judging from the somber mood now hanging over the gathering, it hadn’t been. This was that moment.
This was where loyalties were strengthened and the alliance truly sealed. It wasn’t until each Alpha saw the lengths I would go to, to defend those I loved—even against someone I’d considered a friend. Hopefully anyone who had any doubt would finally see that nothing had changed between Darcy and me.
Her hand gently slipped into mine as we stood there in silence, Paxton’s lifeless body at our feet. It was a bittersweet moment—one of solidarity and heartache. But decisions had been made and fates sealed.
“I’ll remove the body,” Wade spoke, gesturing for the distraught group that had accompanied Paxton to the meeting to come forward. Not budging a muscle, prepared in case the two young men chose to avenge their leader, I didn’t show the relief I felt when they approached.
“I’m sorry for your loss,” I murmured. Because I’d been the one to kill their Alpha, protocol dictated that I was their new leader. In light of everything that was happening, it was simply another issue that needed addressing. Plans would need to be made and someone delegated to stand as proxy for me until I could decide what to do. Paxton’s territories were in California, relatively close to my own. Eventually I would need to go out there and see what affairs he left behind, but not now.
It would need to wait.
One problem at a time.
As Wade and the two pack members carried Paxton away, I finally allowed myself to breathe.
“You okay?” Darcy said as she felt my body relax beside her.
“I will be.”
With the challenge over, I was ready for the gathering to disperse so I could escape into the bedroom with my wife. There was nothing more I needed than to immerse myself into her body and find peace in her embrace.
Unfortunately, business wouldn’t wait.
Darcy squeezed my hand in support. “Can I get you anything?”
“A stiff drink,” I laughed, unable to maintain my rigid posture. Turning to face Daniel, I couldn’t allow my focus to shift. “Call Devlin and have him meet us in the office. Paxton wasn’t acting alone in this. He wasn’t this foolish. I’m pretty sure the Master had a hand in this somehow, holding something over Paxton’s head to make him obedient.”
My comment surprised him. “What makes you think that?”
“It was right before he died. He looked grateful . . . like I was doing him a favor. Despite everything he said, he looked relieved in the end.” I couldn’t explain it any better than that. While I couldn’t read his mind, I knew what I saw reflecting in his body language. Something was off.
“Did you want me to join you?” Darcy asked, watching me as she tried to judge how I was feeling. Allowing her to see for herself through our connection, I shook my head. “I need
you to make sure everyone is okay and see whether they need anything. I’ll go around and meet with each Alpha personally, but it’ll help soothe any remaining concern if they talk with you, as well.”
“Okay,” she smiled. It did nothing to diminish the worry still in her eyes, however.
“I love you.” Kissing her quickly, it was with a heavy heart that I didn’t follow her and, instead, walked in the opposite direction with Daniel. “How bad do you think it is?” I asked, before reaching Colt and Max.
“Only time will tell.”
As the first of tonight’s late discussions began, it was with the hope that Paxton’s death hadn’t impacted the alliance, toppling it like a precarious line of dominoes.
Chapter Twenty-Six
Darcy
It was killing me not to be in the office with Mason. Things had quickly settled down an hour ago, but he still remained locked in the room with Daniel and Devlin on his way over. Our friends and colleagues offered their continued support, concerned with how I was dealing with the crazy turn of events, the aftermath leaving me with more pent up energy than I knew what to do with.
Going for a quick run in the woods hadn’t alleviated the adrenaline I’d felt coursing through my body. Neither had slipping away into the kitchen for a few baggies of blood. My body remained tense and on alert. If this was how I felt, Mason must be wound even tighter.
He’d reassured me through our mental link—letting me know that all my concern was for nothing. Yes, he’d dealt with an unexpected challenge, but he’d bounced straight back to focus on the larger, more pressing matter.
On my way back from getting something to drink, I’d bumped into Wade and asked him whether there’d been any disturbances. Everything was quiet.
Too quiet.
It was hard not to let my imagination run wild. After the extraordinary lengths Helena and the Master had gone to with Mason and me, it seemed strange that suddenly there was nothing. I knew well enough that the silence on their end wasn’t a good thing.
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