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I peek out from around Haut. “What exactly do you think being Alpha will get you? Because it’s not a better house or a discount at Nesse’s Diner.”
His broad chest puffs out. “Respect.”
“Ha!” I slap my knee. “Because you all have shown so much respect to Owen since he became Alpha. That’s funny.” I poke Haut in the side. “He’s funny. We should have an open mic night once the town center is rebuilt so he can show everyone else how funny he is.”
Bruce’s nostrils flare. “Are you mocking me?”
“Not very bright, though.” I look up at Haut. “Seriously, what role does he have in town?”
The corners of Haut’s lips twitch. “He works on the forest clearing crew.”
“Ha!” I slap Haut’s muscular back. “I guessed it right.”
“You did. Good job.” Haut’s large hand curls around my hip, and he moves me back a pace. “Don’t come any closer. I’d hate to rip off hands that could be used to gather materials for our expansion.”
I glance over the gathered crowd, only recognizing a couple of them from the confrontation in front of the diner. “Are they all part of the land-clearing crew?”
“Yeah, it’s a good place for hotheads.” Haut’s angry stare fixes on Horace. “Also, the only ones who could be stirred into issuing an actual challenge. You’ve sunk low, Horace.”
The older man’s chin tucks down. “I did what was necessary for the safety of our town.”
Bruce raises his voice again. “Stop hiding, Owen Hartford. Or aren’t you Alpha enough to hold your position?”
Haut cracks his knuckles. “If you want to challenge the Alpha, you have to get through me first.”
I dart out from behind him. “And me.”
Bruce gives me an incredulous look. “You can’t be serious. I could swat you like a fly.”
I lift my fists. “Try it, Paul Bunyan.”
“My name’s Bruce.” He smirks. “Memorize that, because you’ll be saying it a lot after today.”
“Huh?” I peer up at Haut’s enraged face. “What’s he talking about?”
“Did you just make a claim on my mate?” Haut snarls, and several more people back away from Bruce, including Horace, who suddenly looks less sure about who he chose to be his champion.
I realize what Bruce meant when he said I’d be saying his name a lot and level a deadly stare at him. “After Haut rips your arms and legs off, I’m going to help dig your grave. We’ll bury you on the beach with just your head poking out of the sand. If your wolf shifter healing powers keep you from dying of blood loss, the incoming tide can take you.”
When Haut growls with approval, three of the men turn tail and run.
The screen door bangs open, and Owen steps out onto the porch. “Stand down, Haut. This challenge is meant for me.”
Haut whips toward him. “Did you hear what he just said?”
“I heard.” Owen steps up beside us. “Let me deal with it.”
Bruce bares his teeth in victory. “You heard your Alpha. Back off.”
Haut turns to Owen and grips his shoulder. “Someone like this won’t be a fair loser. If you accept the challenge, you have to be prepared to end it.”
Owen swallows, but nods and turns to face me. “Once the challenge starts, you can’t interfere, Rowe. If you do, it invalidates my win.”
I glance at those who remain to bear witness. “Does that go for his people, too?”
“It does.” Owen raises his voice so no one can claim they didn’t hear him later. “There will be no outside interference.”
Tension fills my body. How can anyone expect my gentle Owen to fight this battle?
