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I shook my head. “It will be fine. Though I heard there was already a challenge?”
Willow nodded. “Yes, Kayden was attacked by the contender from the Central Plains pack.”
“What happened?” I wasn’t sure why I wanted to know so badly. Maybe because I felt Kayden had already been through so much today.
“She was about to enter the reception when the other woman—in wolf form—charged her from behind. It was very unexpected. I don’t know of any Contentions where there have been attacks before the opening reception.”
“Yes,” Mother agreed, “it seems these ladies are quite eager, as Holden said.”
Willow made a sound of agreement. “But Kayden held her own, fighting until the other girl submitted. Though not before getting her side sliced. Margie had to give her stitches.”
I arched my brows. “I bet Grandmother wasn’t expecting to be called into action so soon.” She’d been our personal nurse my entire life and didn’t show any inclination toward retiring. Despite the fact that we employed other medics, she simply couldn’tnotwork, and she was particularly gifted when it came to healing.
“She took care of Kayden, and all is well now. The other girl is on her way home.” Willow nodded and clapped her hands together. “Now, let’s talk about how tomorrow will go for you, Holden.”
I sat on one of the plush leather sofas. “Let’s hear it.”
“There will be a large group date for lunch tomorrow. All the ladies will be in attendance, though we will divide the women into small groups so you can interact and get to know them a bit more. After visiting each small group, you are to select five women you’d like to spend more time with. The five will join you for a more intimate group date around the fire tomorrow night.”
“Okay, thanks.” I could handle that. A lunch date and an evening date. It would still allow me plenty of time to take care of business throughout the day. “And all nineteen remaining women will be there?”
“Of course,” Willow said, her brows drawn together in confusion. “Why wouldn’t they be?”
“Well, after tonight… one has already gone home.”
“You seem awfully concerned about this attack,” Father said, sitting opposite me.
“Honestly, I’m just surprised Kayden fought back. She had a perfect out, yet she didn’t take it.” If she didn’t want to be here in the first place, why hadn’t she just submitted? Then again, perhaps our conversation this morning had an impact on her. “You’re sure she wasn’t the one that started the fight?”
“Positive,” Willow said. “I saw it happen. Kayden was fighting to win.”
“Hmm.” I rubbed my chin. “I just didn’t think she would stay.”
Mother sat down next to me and patted my knee, a faint smile on her lips. “Perhaps you already have a favorite in mind? Just like your father.”
I rolled my eyes and laughed. “No. It’s not that. I don’t have any favorites. I’m just concerned about this girl who seemed so willing to die this morning being attacked right off the bat. Speaking of which,” I turned to my father, “we need to decide what to do about Branson.”
“What are you thinking?” He took a sip of his favorite Scotch.
“I believe he chose Kayden as his submission for the Contention because he thought she’d opt to die. I told you earlier how she behaved this morning.” I’d also told him what I learned about her brother, though I didn’t mention it in front of everyone. “It was Branson’s way of defying me without it being an outright refusal. He knew she’d either opt not to go or be out of the competition immediately. My opinion is he tried to find a workaround.” Most alphas sent the cream of the crop, wanting to have their submission chosen to create a tighter alliance with the North American alpha. Branson was most definitely an exception.
Father sighed. “I agree that he has some ulterior motive. He didn’t just change his tune because you showed up in person—especially when he seemed to anticipate exactly what you’d do and set up an ambush for you.”
“He’s testing our limits,” Cal said quietly from where he stood, looking out the window. “Seeing how far he can push.”
I grimaced, knowing he was right. Instinct and experience told me we hadn’t seen the last of Branson.
Father met my gaze. “I think we need to pay him another visit. Best to establish your dominance now.”
He was right. I already had enough on my plate with the Contention. I didn’t have time for this bullshit. Branson needed to be dealt with swiftly.
My mind drifted back to Kayden, an idea taking hold. I knocked back the rest of my drink, the liquid burning down my throat. Perhaps she could be useful in more ways than I’d anticipated.
7
KAYDEN
As soon as dinner ended, I left the dining hall, wanting to return to my room. My injuries throbbed, and I could feel myself flagging. The last thing I wanted was to show any weakness. It had been hard enough to walk in late, the women staring at me as I’d tried not to limp. Still, I’d held my head high, even if all I’d wanted was to leave the infirmary and crawl into bed. I didn’t have a choice—not if I intended to make it to the top ten and change my and Jenna’s lives. I couldn’t go back to my pack and would do whatever it took to get my sister out of there.
