Chapter Twenty: Amara

Amara couldn't believe her ears, as apparently no one else could either.

The entirety of Gray Creek's focus was now shifted squarely on Darius. In no time Darius had darted through the crowd away from Amara, shouldered his way to stand before Ulrick, Gavriel, and Remus, and announced his challenge to Ulrick. Darius would take the place of Remus and vie for the right to claim the status of Alpha within the Pack. Never in her wildest dreams did she think  Darius would risk his life this way, and neither did anyone else, it seemed.

Awkward and dramatic silence followed Darius' declaration, receiving only stares of awe and amazement. Gavriel was the first to speak, breaking the spell of silence Darius had brought forth. "Are you sure about this, Darius? This is no mere scuffle you will take part in, this would be for the fate of our entire clan. If you win, you will become Alpha of the Pack."

Darius nodded resolutely. "I'm sure. I can't afford for Ulrick's stubbornness to win this time around." He shot a glance at Remus, who looked back as if Darius had wounded him.

Ulrick chuckled wickedly. "Then you are a fool, because I would never accept a challenge from vermin like you. You are not worthy."

Gavriel snarled in Ulrick's direction, but Darius remained unfazed by Ulrick's words. "At least I am not a coward, running from the difficult choice. Fighting alone is always easier, but learning to work together with someone you think you hate is the hardest thing one can do. So run away, Ulrick, run with your tail between your legs if you think that's what is best for our clan."

Ulrick howled at Darius, slamming his fists on the platform. "I will not stand for this mockery! If you truly are dumb enough to give up your life fighting me, then so be it!" He straightened himself and shouted into the crowd. "A naive pup dares to challenge me to a duel, and now he will pay for it! Tomorrow, at dawn, we shall commence our fight. All who wish to witness his demise will meet here." Ulrick stretched out his arms. "This ground will be where his blood runs red!"

Some of the crowd cheered Ulrick on, but others shifted uncomfortably, looking at Darius with admiration. Amara understood their feelings completely. Darius was strange by both clan's standards and always stood out from the crowd. He did things no other would do; even Remus couldn't bring himself to fight his own father, but Darius was willing to put his life on the line for a simple chance at saving all.

Amara burned Darius' strong stance into her mind, his clear determination and confidence making her heart thrum. Love, lust, worry, fear...they all tumbled around in her head as she anticipated the battle to come. She loved that he stood tall for not only his people, but for hers as well, but feared that she would lose him at dawn.

Darius glanced back at her, smiling, and Amara wanted to rush up to him and throw her arms around him in an embrace and kiss him silly.

Suddenly, Amara's mating instincts kicked in again, realizing how easy it would be for Darius to fall to Ulrick. So she pushed forward through the crowd, much like Darius did, and made for him. Surprised, Darius turned to her, and when Amara reached him, she grabbed his hand, intertwining her fingers in his, and standing tall next to him. If Darius dared to face down the Alpha, then so did she.

Predictable as always, Ulrick pointed a meaty finger at Amara. "He fraternizes with the enemy! He hasn't a chance in hell of beating me."

Feeling the need to speak out, Amara turned the crowd. "My name is Amara, I’m a cat shifter from the Pride, and daughter of the Pride's Alpha." Gray Creek's residents reacted just as Amara predicted, with apprehension and bewilderment. "Most, if not all, of you already know I come from my home of Red Rock in peace." She motioned to Darius. "Darius saved me from the Vampire Orpheus, as well as saving the lives of two young cubs that became the targets Orpheus' hunt at the same time. If...no, when Darius wins this duel, I swear on my life that I will do everything in my power to make an alliance between your people and mine a reality, uniting us against our new enemy."

There were expressions of shock to be sure, but many wolf shifters actually nodded and smiled at her promise. Slowly, but surely, Amara could see they were winning favor among a variety of Gray Creek residents. It wouldn't be long now until Amara and Darius gained the majority's favor.

"Bah!" Ulrick snorted. Amara turned to see Ulrick glare at her, and then walk off the platform, leaving them behind. Glancing to Darius's left, she met made eye contact with Nyssa, who stared back in total fright. Nyssa hung her head and turned to follow her father. Amara felt terrible for the girl.

Gavriel stepped up to the edge of the platform, clearing his throat. "Alright! You all know what's happening, no need to stand around. Go tend to your loved ones, and anyone still wounded from the fight yesterday. I implore you all to think about what's best for our clan. Also, any warriors willing to stand guard around Gray Creek, please, by all means, you're welcome to help keep an eye out for signs of any Changelings still roaming the forest."

The crowd dispersed, the central hub quieting and becoming open.

Darius turned back to look up at Remus who frowned back down at Darius. "Remus...I'm sorry. I acted on impulse. I didn't mean to do this to you…"

Remus pinched his nose. "...just, don't die tomorrow, okay, Dare? The duel is a fight to the death...just remember the gravity of your choice." He turned away from them. "I need to go speak to my father and sister. Hope you don't mind."

With that, Remus jogged away, following his father and sister. Darius squeezed Amara's hand, and she knew exactly how he felt. "Darius…" she said. "It had to be done, Remus wasn't up to the task."

"No, he wasn't," Gavriel said, gingerly sitting himself down on the edge of the platform, his legs swinging beneath him. "I suppose I misjudged Remus' resolve to fight against his father. And I underestimated how far you'd be willing to go Darius."

Gavriel looked grave, clearly worrying over the duel. Amara watched as Darius tried to grin, but the grin didn't have as much weight behind it as he wanted. Darius spoke up anyway. "Don't look so grim, Gavriel. When I win tomorrow, you'll be able to tell me all about mother, remember?" Gavriel smiled at his son, but Amara could tell easily that the smile was fake. Gavriel wasn't sure Darius could win.

"You have to win, Darius," Amara suddenly found herself saying. "You have to." She turned to Gavriel. "He has to. For my people. For your people. For our people." She gazed into Darius' eyes. "For me."

Darius' gaze softened, and he embraced her. Not expecting the sudden hug, Amara recoiled at first, but quickly let her guard down and wrapped her arms around him. Amara could feel his heart beat through his chest, rapid, intense. She could feel every emotion through his heartbeat, and she made sure to take all of his feelings in.

They let go soon after, Darius staring into her eyes with a longing she had never felt before.

"Okay, I'll leave you two alone," Gavriel suddenly broke the silence. "Don't get so lovey-dovey in the middle of Gray Creek, though." He stood and walked away, leaving them completely alone.

Darius leaned closer. "I think our plan needs to change just a tad bit."

Amara cocked her head. "How so?" Dread filled her. Did he mean he didn't think he could win the duel?

Darius moved his lips next to her ear. "I mean, that we shouldn't be aiming for a temporary alliance anymore, but a permanent one. Because once I become Alpha, you'll be my mate for life."

Amara's cheeks warmed as he moved his head back, a grin plastered on his face. "I mean, if we're going to have little Darius' and little Amaras running around, we're going to need to set a precedent."

"You're unbelievable, you're thinking about having children? Now, of all times?"

Darius shrugged, causing Amara to giggle uncontrollably.

"Alright, fine," Amara conceded. "We'll aim higher. Are you happy now?"

"Very!"

Darius' lips came in to touch hers, and they kissed, energy sparking between them. Amara just hoped it wouldn't be the last kiss they shared.