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Chapter Five
China’s parents, Duke, and Titus were standing on the front porch of China’s little house when they arrived. There were a few other males around, including Vale and Reign.
She, Oz, and Angel met them on the porch and China did the introductions.
Her mom hugged Oz. “It’s so nice to meet you. Thank you for saving China’s life.”
“Right place, right time,” Oz said as he shook her dad’s hand.
“It’s a pleasure to meet you, Oz. You have our gratitude for keeping China safe.”
“That’s what mates do,” Oz said.
“One hundred percent,” Lee said, nodding.
Duke shook Oz’s hand. “Congratulations on your appointment to alpha and finding your heart-match.”
“It’s interim alpha,” Oz said. “I don’t plan to fight to keep the title. Our pride is not known for fair fights, in case you didn’t notice, and I’m not about to risk my life for a position I don’t want.”
“Smart,” Titus said.
“Let’s go inside,” China said. She unlocked the door and let everyone in. After offering drinks, she, Oz, and Angel sat at the table with her parents, Duke, and Titus while the others remained outside.
“Our pride has never had a situation like yours,” Duke said. “Our alphaship passes from father to son. If there’s no heir, then there’s a battle, but once the winner is chosen, their line becomes the new alphas.”
“According to our laws, there has to be a certain number of combatants willing to go up for alpha in order to stage a battle. If an alpha dies of natural causes, then the elders will set up a battle and the winner will get the position. In this situation, I’m interim alpha until the next full moon. Then anyone who wants to be alpha will come to a free-for-all, the last one standing is the one who gets it.”
“It sounds like the alpha is constantly fighting to keep his job,” China said.
“Pretty much,” Oz said. “Benecio was a dangerous male. Crazy. Powerful. He could kill in both his human form and his shift, and he had. There weren’t many willing to come against him. Alpha battles aren’t supposed to be to the death, but it often happens that way. It’s why I never wanted to be alpha. I mean, why take a job where you might die at any moment?”
China was thankful that he didn’t want to continue to be alpha, considering how dangerous it sounded.
“I want to ask if you’ll leave your pride after the full moon and come join our pride, but I know you two just met and you haven’t had much chance to talk about things,” Duke said.
“I’ll hold your job until you make a decision,” Titus said. “Just let me know what your plans are when you figure them out.”
“Right now, the only plan is to go to Indiana and wait for the full moon, which is only a week away,” China said.
Oz nodded. “Once the battle is set up, I can take myself out of the running and leave it to the males who actually want to fight it out. I can’t do that until the full moon, though, so I have no choice but to go.”
“I’ll be back,” China said, “but whether I’ll be staying here with Oz or moving to Indiana permanently, I don’t know.”
“No rush on your decision,” Duke said. “Just keep me posted.”
“You bet,” China said.
Everyone rose and shook hands. “Safe travels,” Duke said as they all walked to the front door.
“Thanks,” Oz said.
When the door was shut, she turned to her mate, Angel, and her parents. “Let’s get packing.”
“Happy to help,” her mom said. “I’ll take care of the bathroom stuff.”
“Thanks, Mom.”
Lee grabbed Angel to get suitcases from the hall closet, leaving her alone with her new mate. He was so damn sexy. Broad shouldered and tall, with muscles straining his shirt and his hair a lovely shade of dark chocolate. He awakened feelings in her that hadn’t been stirred in maybe forever. She wanted to strip him and find out what he sounded like when he came. She wanted to kiss him all over and map his muscles with her tongue.
