The field is packed with wolves, all of them surrounding the bonfire and ready to bring in the New Year. Chase Maheegan is here with his Timberwolves, and Tate Grayson brought the Great Plains Pack. The only people we’re missing are Amelie, Knox, and Kara.
“Something’s wrong,” I hiss, focusing on my phone. I’ve texted Amelie several times from my phone and Laila and Tyla’s. But, unfortunately, she hasn’t replied to any of them.
Sebastian pulls out his cell and looks at the time. “They’re an hour late.”
I knew I should’ve stayed by her house, but I wanted to be ready at the party. I’ve paced so much that the snow is packed down. Colin grabs my shoulder and steps in front of me. “If you want, I’ll go with you to check on her. I don’t like seeing you like this.”
Huffing, I peer out at the crowd. Laila walks over with Kami and Tyla, and Laila takes my hands. “Be careful. I don’t know what’s happening right now, but things feel strange. Like there’s a storm coming, only not.”
“All right,” I say, turning to Colin. “Let’s go.”
“I’m coming too,” Kami offers, coming to stand next to Colin. “If the psycho bitch is with them, then somebody needs to take her out.”
“It’s a time like now that I wish I’d taken Amelie’s blood. Then, I’d know exactly what’s going on.”
Colin nods. “It does come in handy.”
Before I can even take a step, that’s when a burst of energy blasts through the crowd. It doesn’t affect the mated royals or even me, but those who aren’t visibly sway on their feet.
Laila grabs my arm and latches on tight. “They’re here.”
When Knox comes into view, Amelie is right beside him. The scent of blood permeates the air, and my wolf goes on alert; it’s Amelie’s blood I smell. I can see the red on her neck and hands. “Blood,” I growl. “Amelie’s been hurt.”
“It’s not just her,” Laila whispers. “That’s Kara’s blood on her hands.”
Amelie’s eyes meet mine, and I can see her fear. Knox marches up toward the bonfire, and everyone moves out of his way. Laila lets my arm go and runs over to Amelie, followed by Kami and Tyla. They surround her while Knox glares at the crowd before settling his murderous glare on me.
“I know your plan, Lyall,” he snarls. “You were going to use your daughter to put me down like the coward I know you are.” He opens his arms wide. “Were you too afraid to fight me?”
I step forward. “No,” I growl, my fangs lengthening. “I didn’t because of Amelie.”
Knox tilts his head back and laughs. “You’ve always been the honorable one. I always told you one day it’d get you killed.”
“What do you want?” I hiss. His gaze turns to Amelie, and I can feel my wolf just underneath the surface, desperate to break free. “Don’t you fucking look at her,” I shout. “She’s not yours.”
I can feel his need to be with her, and it enrages me even more. Knox focuses back on me and grins. “Not yet, but that’s going to change.” His smile disappears and is replaced with hatred. “It’s time for us to end this. Do you remember the way we handled things two centuries ago?”
My jaw clenches, and I nod. I knew it’d come to that. “Yes,” I answer.
Knox takes off his shirt and tosses it on the ground. “Good. You can either fight me or have your daughter do the dirty work for you. What’ll it be?”
The old way is to fight to the death. Only one is allowed to survive. It doesn’t matter if your opponent submits; they have to be killed. I can feel everyone’s eyes on me, waiting for my answer. I look over at Amelie to see tears on her cheeks but understanding in her eyes. She knows there’s no other way; I have to do this.
“I accept,” I shout so everyone around the bonfire can hear. Knox smiles and stretches out his arms while I stand back with the rest of the alphas. Ryker, Sebastian, Colin, Tate, and Chase all know this is what I have to do.
Ryker places his hands on my shoulders. “Are you sure this is what you want?”
I nod and focus on Sebastian and Colin. “And no interference,” I say, addressing them both. “This is between Knox and me. If he wins, you have to let him go.”
Ryker sighs and looks to Tate and Chase. “Let’s get into position.”
All three of them walk off, but Sebastian and Colin stay next to me. I meet both of their gazes, making sure to keep my voice low. “If I lose, you can’t let him take Amelie. I need you to promise me.”
Sebastian squeezes my shoulder. “You better not lose, brother.”
“Promise me,” I snap. “Both of you.”
Sebastian and Colin nod, and I turn my attention back to Knox, who grins as if he’s already won. For the first time in my life, I’ve never entered a fight I wasn’t sure I could win. This time, however, is a different story.