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She looked at the cleared area where the battle was getting ready to start. Seven males, including Oz, stood shirtless and shoeless, watching each other. Some of them seemed excited at the prospect of fighting; some seemed determined. Only Oz seemed distracted as he looked from the males to the woods, as if he could figure out where China was being kept.
“He’s going to get himself killed if he doesn’t concentrate,” she said under her breath.
The three elders moved to the center of the dirt circle and raised their hands for quiet. The pride settled quickly.
“Tonight, a battle is held to choose our new alpha. When a male is unconscious—or dead—he is out of the running. Partial shifting of claws and fangs is acceptable, but a full shift is not. Interference from pride members outside of the circle is forbidden and will result in the offender being imprisoned and punished,” Mark said as he stared right at Teresa.
As if she’d run full tilt into a circle of males trying to kill each other to be alpha. Well, she wanted to save Oz, but she knew she was no match for them. He had to save himself.
She couldn’t believe the elders wouldn’t stop the battle and force them to produce China. It wouldn’t surprise her if one or more of the elders were in on the abduction to force Oz to fight for real.
She just hoped that Angel, Craig, and his two sons were able to locate China, and that Oz would be able to hold his own in the battle. He might not want to be alpha, but he had to fight for it now. China’s life depended on it.
* * *
Oz rolled his neck and squared his stance, letting his beast out enough to produce claws and fangs. He saw Teresa in the crowd. She looked so worried it turned his stomach to lead, because he knew he appeared just as concerned. He had to focus on the battle. Angel, Craig, and Craig’s two sons, Jeffrey and Ben, were hunting for his mate. He hoped to fuck they found her before anything happened to her.
His nerves were singing with anxiety for her safety.
We have to fight to keep her safe, he told his lion. The beast roared in agreement.
He didn’t want to be alpha, but he’d lay waste to the six males to see her safe.
* * *
China took a step back, her claws at the ready, as the doorknob rattled.
She’d make a break for it the moment the door was open.
The lock clicked and a familiar voice said, “Fucking finally,” as the door opened slowly.
“I’m not a wizard, I’m just a male who learned how to pick locks,” another voice said.
“Angel?” China asked, not relaxing her aggressive stance.
The door swung open fully and Oz’s best friend stood between two males, one holding a set of lock picking tools. “Hey girl. Shit, you look terrible.”
The sudden rush of adrenaline had made her forget her face hurt, but she winced at the reminder. “Thanks.”
“Sorry,” Angel said.
One of the males cuffed him on the back of the head. “Idiot. I’m Ben and this is my brother Jeff. Teresa told our dad what happened and he sent us to help Angel find you. He’s on his way to the battle and we need to get you there.”
“It started?” she asked.
“Just now,” Angel said, looking at his phone. “We need to hurry. They’re going to kill Oz.”
“Not if I can help it,” China said.
She followed the three males out of the room which turned out to be built into a corner of a dark basement. They climbed the wooden steps and entered a kitchen, where a young male was unconscious and tied up on the floor.
“Was he the only one watching me?” she asked.
“Yep,” Ben said as he bent and slung the young male over his shoulder.
“How did you find me?” she asked.
Angel grabbed the back door and held it open. “My mom told us where she’d seen you and I went to the woods and found your scent and the plate of cookies you had. I followed your scent and Jeff and Ben caught up to me and we came here. Are you hurt other than your face?”
