Chapter 469

I limped into the ring as Brandon and Vince watched. Vince remained wary, but Brandon grinned. “Are you sure you want to do this? You’re already hurt. I don’t want to hurt you.” His grin belied his words to the gathering crowd. I let him continue. “Look at you,” he said, waving a hand. He stepped closer, feigning a sniff. “You stink of blood.”

I shook my head and approached Corzone. His face was a mask of alertness, but I saw concern in his eyes. I smiled. “Are you ready?”

He nodded. “I am.” He looked me up and down. “Are you ready?”

I smiled wider. “Yeah. I am. Brandon has a bad habit of underestimating his opponent.” Corzone nodded but remained silent. He was smarter than most realized. He wanted to support me because his pup, Carson, was one of those Vince had cursed. They didn’t know the truth—only that I’d visited their house and, after speaking with his mate, she’d allowed me to spend time alone with Carson. When I left, he was happier and, more importantly, healthier.

We faced Vince and Brandon and waited. Another guard emerged to referee. “This is a cath neart, a battle for strength and standing. The rules are as follows: no death blows. Once your opponent is on the ground for more than ten seconds, the battle stops. If your opponent is knocked out, the battle is over. There is no points system; this is a battle to knockout or surrender. You both agreed to no weapons, but shifting is allowed.” He looked between us, waiting for our nods. “Are there any questions?”

Brandon smirked. “Does she get any kind of lead?”

Vince turned and smacked his head. “And how do you think that’s going to happen?” He shook his head. “Stupid boy.”

It was my turn to smirk. “Don’t worry, Bran, you already got your lead this morning when you attacked me unprovoked.” I heard gasps from the pack members, and Vince growled lowly. But he could do or say nothing that wouldn’t further damage their standing within the pack. Their faith in these two was waning.

The referee addressed Vince and Corzone. “Seconds, are you ready?”

Vince nodded. Corzone stepped behind me. “Wait.” He shifted, his clothes shredding. He stood beside me. “Alpha Amy,” his voice deep and smoky, “I am Dune, Corzone’s wolf. We wanted a better view, so we took this form.” He bowed.

“I appreciate the help.”

“It is the least we could do.” Dune took a few steps back and nodded to the referee. “I will watch your back.” He seemed to want to say more but restrained himself, his eyes darting to Vince and Brandon. “Be careful.” I gave him a small bow before turning to watch Brandon.

Vince backed up. Brandon began removing his shirt and pants. “I’m not shredding my clothes,” he smirked. “Do you like what you see?” He was taunting us. I offered a placating smile. He approached in his underwear, grabbing his dick. “All of this can be yours if you just stop being stupid.”

“All of that has already fucked half the girls in this pack, and we both know it wouldn’t be just mine. I don’t know why this is so hard for you to understand. I do not share my man.”

He stiffened, especially with an unranked female. “And anyway… I’ve seen better.” Now it was my turn to smile as he snarled. He shifted, drool flying from his snapping snout. The referee turned to me, raising an eyebrow. “Oh, I’m not shifting. We can start.”

He watched me for a few seconds before nodding. “If you are sure.” He stepped back, and the murmuring crowd quieted. I cracked my neck, swung my arms, and twisted my back, checking for pain. Then I sank into a crouch. The tenderness in my ribs was gone, and I smiled. Vince’s face was neutral, but I saw worry in his eyes.

The referee looked at Brandon. “Alpha Brandon, are you ready?”

Brandon dug his back claws into the ground and snapped his teeth at me. The referee took this as a yes and turned to me. “Alpha Amy, are you ready?”

I grinned and gave a stiff nod. He took a few more steps back. “Begin!”