I press my arm to Hunter’s chest as he lunges.
“I’m not a boy.” I look down his body, and back to his face. “You aren’t my dad. Never were.”
“He’s right,” Tawney says, tilting her head. “Do you have a hug for Mom?”
“Shit,” Bane rumbles.
“You didn’t act like my mom when you wanted me to fuck you,” I say.
“Are you fucking kidding me?” Remy steps beside Hunter.
“No.” I jerk my chin. “You were pissed when I turned you down. Three times.”
“You little shit,” she growls.
“Why are you here?” Frank asks, and I slide my gaze back to him.
“I thought I needed answers,” I say, taking a step back, looking around. “I’m not so sure anymore.” Hunter and Remy move with me. Bane stares at Tawney.
“Did she touch you without permission?” he asks.
“She…” Tawney steps forward next to Frank. “Doesn’t need permission in this pack.” She puts her hands on her hips and grins.
“In our town, you do.” We turn and see Juliana walk into the room. She moves directly toward Heath, presses against his side, and slides her arm around his waist. “I’ll let Lawson do what he needs to do, and then you're mine.” Tawney loses her cocky expression and backs up. “Too late. Don’t try to run now. I don’tappreciate anyone flirting with my mate. I really don’t like it when someone does it naked.”
I look at Heath, and he shrugs. “I don’t lie to her about anything,” he says, and waves his hand. “Go on.”
“Who the fuck are these people?” Frank pushes Tawney behind him. “Why are we here? This was a setup.”
“Heath was doing me a favor. I needed to see you.” As a child, I was terrified of him. He was big and gruff. His arms seemed so strong, and he could snap a man’s neck in a second. Even as I grew, he remained intimidating. He messed with my mind for so many years that I couldn’t fight him. Now, I can smell his fear. The pack is frozen, waiting for his instruction. The vampires in the room would cause anyone to hesitate. We were taught to respect them, so as not to offend them, and to stay as far away as possible. I hadn’t interacted with their species until I came here.
“I challenge you to fight.” No one breathes. “All these years, I never fought you. Not fairly anyway. You taught me not to fight back when you hit me. I allowed your control and abuse.”
He laughs. “You can’t fight me.”
“Why not?”
“As much as you said you hated being in the pack, you loved me.”
“Maybe, but that was the only way to survive.” I move, holding my arms out and facing the pack. “I am challenging your leader. What is the rule when someone is challenged?” They look at the others in the pack, and I wonder who will have the guts.
“You have to accept it.” A man whom I don't know steps forward.
“Or what?” I ask him.
“You drop to the bottom of the pack,” he answers.
“The person at the bottom of the pack is worthless.” I turn back to Frank. “Isn’t that how you describe them?” He glares at me, knowing I have him.
“Terms?” he grits out.
“The one who doesn’t die wins,” I say. My brothers tense but don’t say anything.
“What? You're going to lead the pack?” he sneers.
“Do you not have confidence in your skills?” I ask, and he looks down.
“Fight him,” Tawney says. “If by some miracle, he wins, I’ll lead the pack once I fight him.”
