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I scratch a hand down my cheek. This isn't what I expected. Alpha fights are often to death. I’m sure when Carli asked me to end this, she didn't mean end it this way.
“Are you sure? You know the chances of one of us dying are high, Devon. This might not be over the way we want it to.”
“You asked me what I want, this is what I want.” Devon puffs out his chest. “If you don’t agree to this, give me Alpha without a fight and then I’ll stay away from Carli and you. I’ll tell Beth to do the same.”
I glare at him, telling him without words I would never agree to that. I would never hand over Silver Moon to Devon. To be swallowed by the darkness of Black Valley.
Devon drops his chin, looking like he expected that response. “Otherwise, nothing changes and I’ll bring Black Valley here to kill each and every one in Silver moon.”
I think of my options. And the best one I have is going to battle. There is only one way to get out of this big mess and keep my pack, my family safe.
That is to win.
I nod, acknowledging this was probably inevitable. “I accept your challenge.”
Something that’s sickeningly close to excitement flares in Devon’s eyes. “Next full moon, the clearing by the lake. Be there.”
He leaves me alone in the parking lot, shocked, yet calm. I look behind me at the hospital, thinking if I should tell Carli now or ponder about it first myself. I’ll need to train, I’ll need more free time to discuss this with Danika and the others. I can’t afford to put them all in danger again.
“Fuck it.” I walk to my car, punch the ignition and drive to the Wet Spot.
It takes an hour, but I revel in the peace and quiet, pretending I’m going home with everything being the way it was when I left. Everything being okay, and Carli waiting for me at the beach house to share her excitement about the baby.
When dusk falls, and I’ve ignored all the calls from Danika and Carli, I reach the pack’s bar and immediately order a whiskey. I need a drink. I need to forget for a while. The responsibilities on my shoulders are getting heavier and I don’t know where to lie down.
“Here you go, Jace.” The bartender slides my poison over to me and I swallow it all in one go, the burn down my throat making me wince.
“I fucking hate pack politics,” I mutter before walking to the office. After quickly dialing Danika, I pull out all the information I can find on Black Valley and Devon. I guess it’s time to start planning.
For Carli, and for my baby.
I will win.
“Where the fuck are you?” Danika answers. I put her on speaker and place my phone down on the table before sitting. It’s good to be back here, in my space, in familiar territory where I feel more in power. “Carli was so worried you didn't answer.”
“I’m sorry, I was driving back to Rockport. You need to get here soon, there's a lot to be discussed.”
“You’re in Rockport?” I hear a door closing and then silence around her. “What happened with Devon?”
“He asked to battle for Alpha.”
There’s a heavy pause before Danika speaks. “Please tell me you refused.”
“No,” I sigh. “I said yes.”
“Fuck,” she curses. “You know how this could end.”
“I know Danika, which is why I need you and the rest of the pack in my office as soon as possible.”
“What do I tell Carli?”
“Tell her I’ll call her later.”
I know I won’t. Not yet anyway. I’ll check up on her but I won’t tell her about this. She has too much on her plate, and if she knows, she'll talk to Devon. Carli will do what she can to stop this, and I can’t have her interfering.
She needs to be as far away from this shitshow as possible.
“I’ll be there.” Danika says.
