Mark pov
Pacing through the cabin, I linked back, “Defend the pack members but try to hurt no one from the Starlight pack. They are here because of their grief. Let them see the Alpha if that is what they wish.”
“Yes Beta, but what do I tell the men? They want to defend the Alpha.” I realize this is what they train for to defend their Alpha, but the Alpha must be deserving of such loyalty. Ours is not.
“Most of the men expected this attack. They are smart and know that the made-up rogue attack story was just that. A story Alpha Thomas concocted to cover up what really happened. He lost his temper and ended his fated mate’s life.” I had to remind the warrior.
“Sir, they are upon us and asking for a higher-ranking wolf.” I could hear the worry in the warriors’ communications.
“Tell Alpha Lorn I am on my way. I will be there shortly.” I said, gathering my weapons. I had no intention of using them. I knew that this attack was going to happen eventually, and we had all decided to protect the Little Luna and let Alpha Thomas deal with its consequences.
“Be careful Mark. They may not look kindly on you either.” Katia was worried. “You are his Beta, and they may blame you also.”
“Nosy Luna! Listening in on conversations that are not for you.” That got a smile from her. “What good is having the ability to do things others cannot if you don’t use them?”
“You stay here with Kelp, Eric, and Coral. If things get bad, I will link, and you all get the hell out of here. Head to the hidden cave out in rogue territory. I will meet you there when it is safe.”
Doc grabbed his bag, and I grabbed the one I had put together. Shifting, we took off for the opposite side of the pack lands. Doc came along in case there were any injured who needed assistance from either pack. We had no quarrel with the Starlight pack. Our Alpha did.
Arriving in the clearing, we saw that Alpha Lorn, his father Cade, and Beta Riley were shifted back to their human sides and barely containing their rage.
“Where is your Alpha? Why is he not here to defend his pack?” The attacking Alpha wanted to know.
“He sends his greetings and has no interest in fighting you, Alpha Lorn.” I tried placating him. I did not know where our Alpha was or if he had any idea. We were under attack by his first dead, Luna’s family.
“Beta, you know what happened to my sister and we have heard he has killed another that was to be his chosen mate. She was just a child.” Wow, he must have had a spy in the Blood Meadow pack.
“Your Alpha did not think I would send my sister here without allies, did he?” He sneered. “They are still here and watching. What he did to that young girl? He needs to be killed and I am here to do the honor. My sister could not defend herself against such a monster either. I will avenge both.”
Linking to the Alpha, “Thomas, get yourself to the northern border now! The Starlight pack’s Alpha, Beta and father are here. They attacked some of our warriors out on patrol and are now awaiting your appearance.”
“What? Why are they here? They did not send notice of a visit.” Thomas sounded confused as to why these individuals would be here on his land.
“Oh, my goddess, Thomas. Really? They are here to take revenge for their sister and daughter. What did you think was going to happen? Alpha Lorn has a spy in our pack.” The man was frustrating, and I did not have the patience to deal with him. I needed to get whatever this was taken care of and go back to our Alpha Luna to ensure her safety.
Doc came striding over, “No real injuries to anyone. Are you sure they were attacking?”
“We do not have quarrel with your pack members, just your Alpha.” Cade spoke up. “I want him here now.”
Just as he spoke the words, a blonde wolf came galloping through the trees to the clearing. Alpha Thomas shifted and smiled, nodding, “Lorn, Cade, and Riley what do I owe this pleasure too?”
Riley, their Beta, spoke gruffly, “No pleasure in this visit, Alpha. My Alpha is here to challenge you for your pack and his sister’s body.”
“There is no need for a challenge. Your sister was killed by rogues, and we have been taking care of the rogue population since her death at their hands.” Thomas just did not know when to keep quiet.
“Alpha Thomas, my sister died at your hands and no one else’s. My man saw you carry her already dead body of your cabin, rip her throat out and throw her body in the water. He had heard her scream and it had sounded different to him this time, so he was headed to the cabin to check on both of you.” Lorn said in a controlled tone.
“I want my daughter’s body to be taken home and buried in a place where she was loved. I want revenge for that poor little girl you chose for a mate and killed because you could not control yourself once again. I want your pack because they deserve a better Alpha than you.” Lorn’s father, Cade, whispered.
“My son challenges you in my stead. I want nothing left to chance. I want to make sure you do not survive this challenge. I want your life taken from you as you have taken from my daughter and that poor girl.” He said in a stronger voice this time.
“Alpha Lorn challenges you, Alpha Thomas, to fight to the death. The winner remains Alpha of his pack and absorbs the pack members of the loser’s pack into his.” Beta Riley stated for all the warriors present to hear.
“This is uncalled for”, Thomas cried. “I have done nothing to warrant this treatment. I loved my fated mate and Luna. As for the other, she shifted, and her wolf tried to kill me.”
“Alpha Thomas, you are a coward and an abuser of women. I should just kill you where you stand. However, I am giving you a chance to defend and fight for yourself, which is more than you gave my sister or that poor girl.”
“The Betas of each pack will be the referees. This is a fight to death. There will be no weapons and shifting will be allowed after the first injury is made,” Senior Alpha Cade stated.
“Let the fight begin.” He yelled.