Tooth and Claw
Morning came too slowly for Ghost’s liking. The guards discovered him in the night, but a sharp snap of his teeth and a deep warning rumble from his mate made them back off. Ghost ignored the glares sent his way all night long, and he snuggled as best he could with Kane despite the bars between them.
This morning three would meet their fates in the pit.
A growl from the edge of the small space beneath the trees made Ghost lift his head, ears pricking forward. A large chocolate brown wolf padded from the shadows. Burke’s eyes were gold, glowing brighter than the metal humans prized. He was shaggier than Ghost, a burly beast who moved with an easy lope. Burke came to a stop at the cell, sniffing at Ghost before touching noses with Kane through the bars.
*The Tribunal has called the clans to attend the punishments. Andromeda has warned that families may want to keep their youngest cubs at home,* Burke said, somber. He sat on his haunches and quirked his head to the side, as if listening. Burke was a Speaker, his mental abilities staggering to comprehend, so it was likely he was listening to many minds at once. *Usually in situations like this all would be required to attend, but Andromeda went against the tribunal and warned her wolves it was going to be brutal. No one argued against her after that. Claire is to be punished first.*
Ghost stood and shook out his fur. Cubs were accustomed to violence. Parents hunted with their younglings, fights were common, and bloodshed was easily dismissed as normal. For Andromeda to warn her wolves to keep the younglings away, the coming morning would likely be deeply disturbing. Ghost whined low in his throat, pawing at the cage bars. Burke gave a soft huff, the bigger alpha worried too.
*It is our way, to punish with blood and death. We are not humans. We have no prisons. We keep prisoners for a short time before their fates are settled. This is our way.* Kane was calm, unperturbed he would be soon facing the mysterious out-Clan alpha in the pit.
A guard in human form came up and opened the gate, Ghost and Burke moving back so Kane could exit. Kane was huge. Burke was almost twice Ghost’s size, typical for a greater alpha—Kane was easily another half again bigger than Burke. Ghost was dwarfed by his massive mate, who stood over him as a giant.
Kane stepped up to Ghost, reaching down with his great head and gripping Ghost at the back of his neck. Kane rumbled, pleased, and Ghost went limp in happiness when Kane loped a paw over his back and moved Ghost underneath him. Ghost pulled his tail in and settled down, letting Kane smother him in his scent and body. Kane smelled like the forest and earth, but with a wild tang that hinted of heat, blood, and wild chases through the night. Everyone politely ignored the behavior but Burke sneaked a swift peek before darting his eyes away.
“Move it,” one of the guards said after a few minutes, a sneer on his lips. Kane merely looked in his direction and the other alpha went pale and took a small step back. He found some courage and managed to speak without sounding too terrified. “We need to go now.”
Ghost wormed his way from under Kane, licking his mate’s nose when he got free. Kane indulged him before nudging at his flank. Ghost moved out of the way, and Kane took off at a gentle jog through the trees. The guards complained, hurrying to keep up. Ghost and Burke stayed right on Kane’s heels. The guards brought up the rear, their scents confused as they tried to understand Kane heading willingly to his fate, not away from it.
Ghost could not wait for when they were done with Tribunals and fighting. He wanted only his mate, the mountains, and the wind carrying the sweet smell of prey.
****
Her granddaughter many times over darted in amongst the clan leaders, pouring tea for Julian. The alpha gazed at the young beta far longer than Andromeda cared for, and when he finally looked away, she caught his eye. He tried to play it off, but his face tightened and the faint stink of unease wafted across the table.
A tip of her head, Andromeda directed her younglings from the room. Caius frowned at Julian, having seen the same thing she did. Helen and her siblings left, and Andromeda waited until the younglings were out of hearing range.
“Julian,” Andromeda said, lifting her tea cup and taking a sip. Julian looked her way, the alpha discomfited. She didn’t care. “My family is entirely off limits. Look at Helen, or any of my wolves like that again, I will castrate you and feed you your balls.”
“I…” He started, but with a lift of a single brow, she silenced him. Anger seething under the surface, Julian gave a brief nod and growled at the other clan leaders who dared to enjoy his set down.
*He won’t take kindly to your warning,* Caius whispered in her mind, and Andromeda agreed.
*He will mind me or suffer for it,* Andromeda replied. *I know what he does in his own territory. He will not lay a hand on my wolves.*
*Agreed.* Caius paused, his mind briefly focused elsewhere. *I have tasked First Beta Sophia with keeping an eye on him. My wolves will intercede if necessary.*
*Thank you, brother.*
Breakfast done, the clan leaders eventually dispersed. Andromeda touched Caius on his wrist, keeping him in his seat. They nodded to the others as they left to make their way to the pit. The door shut in the front of the cabin, and aside from the guards and the prisoners in the cellar and the subtle heartbeat of the youngling Gabe upstairs, they were alone.
“Ana?” Caius said, sitting back in his chair. Caius had only taken coffee that morning, eschewing food. Likely for the very same reason as Andromeda.
“You asked me once, many years ago, to trust my family into your keeping,” she said, then paused. She gripped his wrist, tighter now, crushing the sleeve of his cotton sweater beneath her fingers. “My family grew over the centuries. I have many children. I have lost some, but many of them live still, and I am thankful to the Goddess every day for her blessings. I am thankful for one of my dearest friends, pigheaded and harsh he may be,” Caius’ lips twitched at that, and she smiled. “I am thankful for you allowing me my ways, and aside from some small squabbles over the years, you have never let me down. So I ask now, my brother, for a small favor yet again.”
Caius pulled his arm back just enough to grip her smaller hand in his, holding tight. She thought of the wayward child waiting in the cold cellar, and asked for what she could not do herself. “I cannot bear to punish her. I brought her into this world. I carried her beneath my heart. I taught her to talk, walk, hunt. She was one of the first children I birthed here in the New World, and I cannot find the strength to punish her. Not as the Law demands.”
Caius squeezed her hand tightly. “Let me take this burden from you. Red Fern holds vassal to Black Pine—I will see no other do this.”
Andromeda nodded, thankful. “Please.” She thought of the clan leaders heading now to the pit, and shook her head once. “Julian would kill her in his glee; he knows no restraint. Mercuriel would do his duty, but his strength would do more harm than the punishment calls for. Neither Royrick nor Hero are of the temperament to harm a female beta, even for a banishment. And I…I cannot.”
Andromeda looked back to Caius. He was somber, and she knew his heart was already heavy. His own son was to die, and she asked this horrible task of him. He had done worse, in the many years since he became clan leader, but their time here in the New World softened the harsher edges of their lives during the last fifty years.
“I will handle Claire’s punishment and exile. She will receive her due, and no more.”
Andromeda sighed, clutching Caius’ hand.
****
Sophia followed the tribunal members as they made their way towards the pit. Julian was in the front, walking fast to put distance between himself and Andromeda. She laughed quietly, the word of caution her clan leader gave her regarding the volatile alpha from Birch Grove fitting perfectly with what she knew of him. If he made a move toward any of the youngsters of Red Fern while she was around, there wouldn’t be anything left of him for Andromeda to kill.
She lost sight of them at a bend in the path, and jogged ahead. She all but ran head first into a solid, thick chest, and came to an abrupt halt.
“Stalking now a hobby, Sophie?” Royrick asked, a wicked grin on his lush lips, green eyes sparkling with mischief. He was alone on the path, the other clan leaders on their way to the pit. She huffed, and tried to get around her former lover. “Sophia, come on.”
“What can I do for you, Clan Leader Royrick?” She kept her face blank, her tone dull and respectful. She didn’t have time for his typical, bratty banter.
“Ouch,” Royrick rubbed a hand over his chest. “Can one old friend not say hello to another? This is the first time I’ve been able to see you in forever, Sophia.”
She sighed, a long exhale, full of exasperation. She was fond of him, and he surely knew that, but what he wanted from her was something she couldn’t give. She couldn’t be what he wanted. His refusal to bend his pride and buck tradition all those long years ago is what ended their affair. “You see me every gathering, Royrick.”
“Once every five years. I asked you to be Alpha Mate, and we were together for two decades. Surely that warrants more than a flat hello and a brush off.”
“Your idea of the perfect Alpha Mate was different than mine. Different enough that we broke up because of it. I refuse to be a simpering beta maiden dependent upon her alpha for all things.” She crossed her arms and glared. “I can do more than have cubs and cook supper.”
“I know you can, Sophia,” Royrick started, but she snorted in disbelief. A noise came from the path at her back, and she turned to see Andromeda and Caius approaching, the two clan leaders talking quietly to themselves, and behind them, the prisoners and their greater alpha guards. She darted around Royrick before he could say another word, and headed for the pit.
She heard a frustrated growl from Royrick, but he refrained from continuing his case, following behind.
****
Ghost found himself herded away from Kane’s side just outside the pit. Burke led him around and up, while Kane went again for the tunnel in the side of hill. They stayed in their wilder forms, and snaked through the gathering clan. There were less clanmates present, and the lack of cubs was apparent. Even the younger adults weren’t there in the full numbers Red Fern could boast.
There was no sign of Gabriel Suarez—and Ghost had no idea where the younger alpha may be. Roman was about to be punished, and as it was Roman who was directly responsible for Gabe’s abduction and subsequent assault, Ghost was sure Gabe would want to be present for the last hour of Roman’s life.
And there was another notable absence—the shamans were not present at all. Ghost thought that an odd thing, but since everything that was about to occur was punishment, perhaps healing the condemned afterwards, if they still lived, wasn’t allowed. Or maybe the shamans could not stomach what was about to happen and Ghost found himself again exasperated with those who were supposed to be his kindred. He had yet to encounter a shaman who could live up to the example set by his grandfather and that left him bitter. He shoved that feeling aside as best he could and focused on what was about to happen.
Sophia was looking over her shoulder, a worried expression on her face until she saw them coming. Ghost leapt past her to the ledge, peering downwards. Kane was almost right below him, still in his wilder form and sitting back on his haunches, unconcerned with the growing tension in the guards. They were arranged around him in a semi-circle, as if to keep him from bolting. Ghost huffed, thinking these greater alphas were all brawn and had not a single intelligent thought among them.
Commotion at the tunnel to the left drew his attention. Screams and pleas for mercy came from the dark seconds before a naked Claire was dragged from the shadows. An alpha held her arm while another held a long metal spike and shackles. Ghost crouched down, ears flat to his skull when he realized what was about to happen. Claire was guilty of so much evil, regardless of the fact that she never took a life with her own hands, yet watching her now, Ghost only saw a frightened beta.
The greater alpha who held the spike reached over his head and slammed the point into the stone wall just below where the tribunal sat. The point dug deep into the wall, making a dreadful screech. Ghost flinched, ears flat his head. The alpha then swung the shackles over the spike while Claire was dragged to the wall. She screamed in protest, pleading for mercy. Sounds of dismay from the crowd came from all around Ghost. He looked down at his mate. Kane showed no sign of distress, immobile and unmoved. Ghost dropped to his belly, tucking his tail to his back legs. Burke and Sophia were behind him still, the scent of distress rising from his friends.
Claire’s arms were raised over her head, her wrists shackled in the chains. Her guards backed away, leaving her to stand alone on her toes. Andromeda was nowhere to be seen. Ghost checked the surrounding edge of the forest, and he saw no sign of the female clan leader. The Tribunal appeared from the trees, except for Caius. They took their seats, all of them bearing serious expressions but for Julian, the redheaded male appearing to be eagerly awaiting the coming punishments. There was a manic gleam in his eyes that Ghost could see even across the pit.
Movement from the right-hand tunnel drew his attention. Caius, came out from the shadows, bare to the waist, in his hand was a long length of leather and silver. He wore shiny, smooth leather pants and was barefoot. The metal glimmered in the weak sunlight that cut through the clouds, and Ghost could smell the acrid scent of the poisonous alloy. It was a whip, coiled like a deadly snake in his grandfather’s hand. Claire saw Caius approaching, and she started to cry and plead with her clan leader. Caius went to the center of the pit, not responding to her cries, his face blank and remote. Ghost could not sense anything from his grandfather, not even a hint of remorse or regret for what was about to happen. Claire must have realized that she would receive no mercy, as she fell to quiet sobbing, her face buried in her arms.
There was a subtle movement at the tunnel Caius had come from, and Ghost could just see the faintest of light from glowing glacial-blue eyes. Andromeda was watching, and Ghost felt sympathy for the female clan leader. She was about to watch her daughter be punished, and Ghost had no idea how Andromeda must be feeling. To be a clan leader meant that Andromeda had to be both ruthless and compassionate, such contrary states must be tearing her part.
Royrick stood and addressed the gathered clan. “Claire of Black Pine has been found guilty of all charges. She is to receive one hundred lashes, then she will be banished from all clans represented by the tribunal. Clan Leader Caius will carry out her punishment.”
The whip uncoiled from Caius’s hand, falling to the ground with a hiss. Ghost could see a thin metal chain intertwined with the dark smooth leather of the whip, one smooth braid that must be longer than Caius was tall. “Caius, you may begin when ready.”
The greater alphas in the pit all moved away until their backs were to the wall, out of reach of the whip. It snaked through the air with a sharp hiss, and the snap as it went forward was loud, echoing across the pit. It happened so fast that Ghost didn’t even see the blow land. Claire screamed and arched her back, head thrown back as a stripe of red bloomed on her pale skin. The red was vibrant for a short second then her natural healing abilities soothed the injury. The next blow fell before her scream faded away.
Caius set a brutal rhythm with the whip. Soon her back was a horrific mesh of crisscrossing lines, some of them bleeding from the edges. Blood dripped down her sides, thin lines that smeared as she screamed and fought against the shackles. The silver of the whip soon overcame her ability to heal, even stalling her body’s instinctive reaction to Change in response to the pain.
Everyone present was silent, the only sounds to be heard the whip flying and Claire’s muted cries. The scent of blood was strong, filling his nose and blinding his senses to anything else. Ghost sneezed, trying to clear his nose. He had no idea how many lashes Claire had already taken—he couldn’t count that high—yet he was certain that Caius knew how many lashes remained. There was no hesitation or missing— each blow landed exactly where he meant. Claire collapsed against the wall just as Ghost grew concerned she may not last much longer.
The sound of the whip stopped as what must be the last blow fell, Caius stepping away and coiling the now bloody leather and silver length into his hand. He was still expressionless, but sweat ran down his back and his hair was damp from exertion. Caius nodded to the tribunal, and said, “That is one hundred lashes. Her punishment is done.”
Caius nodded to the greater alphas acting as Claire’s guards, who went to the unmoving beta. One of them unshackled her, the other caught her as she fell. She was slung over his shoulder, limp and unresponsive. She did not smell of death so Ghost knew she still lived. She was carried to the tunnel where her mother waited for her in the shadows. The guards and their burden disappeared.
Caius took a few running steps and then leapt, landing on the far edge of the pit. He tossed aside the whip and took his seat among the Tribunal. Royrick gave him a concerned glance, but Caius paid him no attention, his eyes on the floor of the pit. Royrick took a second then stood, addressing those present. “Remove Kane from the pit—Roman McLennan is to be punished next.”
Kane huffed in annoyance but stood anyway when his guards motioned for him to follow. Instead of returning to the tunnel, Kane leapt up the wall and landed next to Ghost. His guards growled and there were frowns from the tribunal, but when Kane settled beside Ghost and made no further movement, Royrick waved off his guards. They left the pit themselves, retreating into the darkness of the left-hand tunnel.
Ghost took his chance and snuggled with his mate. Kane gave him a lick across his muzzle before looking back to the pit. Growling came from the left-hand tunnel as Roman was dragged into the pit like a dog. Roman was naked, like Claire had been, with a chain around his neck. Ghost flattened his ears and a low growl escaped from him before he could stop it. Roman may be his uncle, but the wolfkin before him had cast aside all bonds of family and blood with his actions. Where he had felt compassion and regret for what was done to Claire despite her crimes, he felt no such things for Roman. Caius was unmoving still, once again an emotionless statue.
Heromindes stood and prowled to the edge overlooking the pit. Roman was forced to the center and pushed to his knees by his guards. Heromindes, without a word, began to remove his clothing, tossing the pieces aside. The guards left the pit, the last one to leave removing the chain from Roman’s neck. The guard shoved Roman down and walked away. Roman fell to his face in the mud, then sent a nasty glare at the retreating guard’s back.
Heromindes was naked at last, his long dark hair free from its braid, the ends catching in the wind. Roman slowly pushed himself up to his knees, wiping mud from his face. Royrick looked like he was going to say something, but Heromindes sent his fellow tribunal member a stifling glare, and Royrick retook his seat without a word.
“You will face me for what you have done,” Heromindes shouted at Roman. “I will snap your neck after I have feasted on your blood. The lives of all the wolfkin you have taken over these long years will be avenged, and justice will be had for my slain kin.”
“They were weak and useless wolves,” Roman snarled in response. “None of them served their purpose. And your kin are lost to you still. My death will not save them. You can try to kill me and you may be able to do it, but your family will still die screaming for you to save them.”
Heromindes roared and jumped into the pit. He landed a few feet away from Roman, who quickly backpedaled to get some distance. Heromindes was changing, his wilder nature taking control. His human form melted away as dark fur sprouted from his twisting limbs. Heromindes took his wilder form in a matter of moments, though not as fast as Ghost had seen Kane transform.
Heromindes was a large beast. His coat was a mix of dark brown and gray with random swirls of white. He was shaggy and brawny, with large paws and a big head, his mouth full of long white teeth that shined with sharp points. He clawed at the ground, throwing mud behind him.
Roman bared his teeth and growled. He was changing too, but far slower than Heromindes. The clan leader of Ashland prowled back and forth as he waited for Roman to complete his change, saliva dripping from his jowls, hackles raised, and hair up along his spine. His great claws dug into the earth, leaving furrows in his wake. Roman shuddered and flopped down on all fours, presumably the silver from his chains prolonging the transformation. It looked painful and difficult.
At last Roman stood as a wolf. He shook his head as if to shake off the trauma of his slow change. His ears flattened back and he dropped his head, lips pulling back from his teeth. He was not as large Heromindes, but he was still a big beast.
They were dire wolves, great predators of the ancient past, despite the modern personalities within their minds, and as the two wolves circled around each other there was nothing civilized about what was to happen. Ghost shivered, pressing to Kane’s side as the tension rose and finally snapped.
They came together with a crash, jaws snapping and claws rending flesh. Roman dug in with his back feet and pushed forward, throwing Heromindes head over tail. Mud splashed in all directions. Roman charged, attempting to take advantage, but Heromindes was on his feet and met his rush with open jaws. Roman tried to dodge but slipped in the mud, skidding with a yelp, landing on top of Heromindes in a tangle of limbs. Roman was quickly flipped off of the clan leader and onto his back several feet away.
The fight was messy and loud. Heromindes charged Roman, snapping at his heels and tail, chasing the disgraced lesser alpha around the pit. Blood dripped from wounds hidden by long fur. Roman would try to turn and snap at Heromindes only to be bulldozed down and bitten. What used to be growls of anger and challenge soon changed into screams of pain and whimpers.
Ghost could not watch anymore. Heromindes was enraged, a mindless creature hell-bent on tearing apart his prey. Ghost turned his head and pressed his face into Kane’s side. The scent of blood was inescapable, joining the spoor left over from Claire’s whipping. He wished he could close his ears to the noises coming from the pit. He could not turn off his mind which supplied images to accompany the sounds of ripping flesh and bones snapping.
He knew when it was over. Heromindes gave a great roar of triumph. The cry cut through the air and trees, startling some nearby crows into flight.
****
Kane rested his head upon Ghost’s back. His little mate was shaking, face buried in his flank. Ghost was a wild thing, feral and changeable, alternating between a grown man’s mind and that of an untamed wolf. Ghost could fight tooth and claw to defend himself and those he loved, but it was not in his heart to watch such a mismatched and forgone fight to the death.
Roman was dead. Heromindes stood over the mangled remains of the great traitor, blood in his fur and dripping from his fangs. Roman’s head was twisted back, neck sliced open down to the bone, blood still running in rivers into the mud and snow. He had died with an expression of resigned fear, his once glowing eyes dim and void.
Kane looked to Caius where he sat among the Tribunal. His clan leader was staring at the body of his son, and it was only due to long years of serving as Heir that he could see pain and grief in Caius’ eyes. Heromindes was snorting and tossing his head, ears flapping against his skull, tail flagging high as he gave in to his wilder instincts and celebrated his win. Greater alphas waited at the edge of the pit to remove the body but made no move to approach while Heromindes was in such a state. He would be violent and would react viciously to any attempt to remove his prey.
Ghost remained hidden, though his shivering ceased. Kane gave a heaving sigh, exhaling roughly through his nose to expel the too sweet scent of Roman’s blood. The Red Fern wolves seated behind him were quiet and subdued. At last Heromindes turned away from the corpse, and he left the pit with one last insulting swipe at the mud, sending damp earth over the body.
*Little wolf, lift your head. Look at me,* Kane whispered to his mate quietly in his mind. *Can you continue? Soon it will be me in that pit. I will not have you suffer.*
Ghost lifted his head, bright silver eyes glowing. Kane could feel worry and fear coming along their soulbond but also determination. It would pain his mate to watch what was to come, but he would watch regardless. *I will watch and you will win.*
Movement on the other side of the pit drew his attention. Roan, the mysterious alpha from Sorrowfields, came out from the trees and stood just below the tribunal. He was already naked and stood tall as he watched the body being removed from the pit.
As a greater alpha with the Voice, Kane had occasionally, in the last twenty years or so, come across other alphas with the same gift. Caius had the Voice, and young Gabe had it in even stronger measure, and there were a few wolves spread out amongst Black Pine who had a measurable form of the Voice— yet none were as strong as Kane and the gift he carried.
Except perhaps for this strange alpha from Sorrowfields.
Sometimes Kane could sense it in another wolf. It gave off a faint metallic and oppressive atmosphere if the greater alpha who bore it did not bother to hide it or keep it contained. Some greater alphas with the Voice wore it like a badge of honor and used its presence to intimidate and coerce without using the gift. Kane strove always to keep the gift contained and out of his daily interactions with his fellow wolfkin. But for the few moments when he was in error, like when he reacted instinctively with Heromindes, Kane was the least willing amongst all greater alphas with the Voice to use the Gift. Looking now at this strange alpha, Kane could not actively sense the Voice, but it was the fact that this alpha held such tight control over his gift that told Kane that it was immense indeed. Listening to his guards speaking to each other at night gossiping about Roman and Claire’s forced testimonies gave him the impression that Roan’s gift was a terrible and mighty weapon.
Kane had been unmatched for many long years— in fact, for his whole life. Even as a youngling he had never lost a fight or challenge with his peers. When he became Caius’s Heir, Caius encouraged him to fight every challenger who disagreed with the clan leader’s decision. Kane won every fight. Some opponents he left alive, as he had with Roman and Gerald a decade before, and a small handful Kane was forced to kill because they would not yield. A part of him was sorry for their deaths, but it was their nature and their culture that made such deaths both necessary and vital for their society to function and keep their wilder natures from overwhelming their humanity. He knew Ghost would disagree, and in fact he could feel his mate’s derision at such a concept through their bond. Violence for the sake of violence was what Ghost could not comprehend nor accept. Kane understood the necessity, even if he didn’t agree with it all the time.
The body was at last removed from the pit, nothing remaining but some tufts of fur and blood that pooled and froze along the edges. The greater alphas who had been acting as guards withdrew from the pit and disappeared. Royrick stood and gestured to Kane, “It is time, Kane of Black Pine.”
Ghost gave him a small lick across his muzzle, a small shiver racing through his slender frame. Ghost backed away until he could lay between Burke and Sophia who put their hands on his shoulders in support. Kane looked away from his mate after one long look and met the eyes of the foreign alpha. There was no emotion in those eyes, only calm acceptance for what was to come.
Kane wanted his words to be heard by all and did not want to waste the energy casting his mind to all those present, so he reached for his human form and changed swiftly. He stood as a man, naked and bare as Roan. “I have no quarrel with you, Roan of Sorrowfields. I will not take your life unless I am forced to do so. This fight can end with either one of us yielding to the other. Agreed?”
“Kane of Black Pine, I accepted the tribunal’s request to fight on one condition. If you die or if you yield, I take your place as heir, and all that you own and all that you treasure will be mine. If you do not yield, I will kill you.”
Growls and angry muttering came from the Black Pine wolves at his back. Kane tightened his jaw and let the anger wash over him and he let it go as best he could. “Same conditions as a traditional challenge, then?”
Roan gave a decisive nod, his eyes and hands already giving in to his wilder nature. His gaze landed on Ghost and it took Kane a moment to realize; never in any challenge had Kane had a mate to lose if he lost the fight. “Ghost and I are soulbonded—if I die Ghost may die with me. If I yield, he will still be my mate until the day we both die. I do not know what lies or misconceptions you may have believed, but Ghost is not someone you can win. You can take my place as heir and win all that I possess, but you will never win my mate.”
“I have my doubts that what you share is a soulbond. When I win, we shall see just what the nature of your bond is when I have the little gray wolf in my bed.”
“He can’t be that dumb. Roan heard the shamans’ testimony. He’s goading you, don’t believe a word he’s saying,” Burke whispered urgently behind him. “Don’t get angry.”
Kane looked over his shoulder at his best friend and gave him a wide grin. “I’m not that worried. Stay with Ghost—I’ll see you all in a few minutes.”
With that Kane took a flying leap over the pit, and faster than he had ever changed before he landed on all fours in the mud and snow as a great black wolf. He lifted his head and howled to the sky above, a deep resonating call that urged replies from all that heard him. Answering cries came from Red Fern and Black Pine wolves in attendance and a few smattering responses out amongst the trees. He dropped his head and set his feet, eyes locked on his opponent.
Roan gave a slight tilt of his head and cracked a tiny smile. He was changing into his wilder form before he even left the ledge, transforming in the air to land opposite of Kane as a vibrant red wolf. His eyes glowed bright blue as if ice had been set on fire. His fur was longer than Kane’s but his teeth were just as white and his claws dug deep into the earth.
Kane dropped his head further and spread his front legs to give himself better balance, eyes tracking his opponent. Roan mirrored his actions. This alpha was accustomed to fighting. Most of them were— a greater alpha fought more than a lesser alpha or even a beta. The shamans didn’t fight at all except for self-defense or the defense of those they protected.
He watched Roan’s eyes waiting for the attack to come— and it came, but not as he was expecting. A swell of power rose from the red wolf, sweeping across the dozen or so feet between them and Kane had but a second to bolster his mental defenses when Roan’s gift crashed over him. He had never fought with the Voice before— but he had been a devoted student of Gray Shadow and knew his history. Greater alphas of the past had fought first with the Voice and then with fang if equally matched.
Kane grinned wolfishly and pushed back with his own gift. He unleashed it with a single target—Roan. Those watching could see nothing but two wolves snarling at each other, but they could surely sense the roiling power that crashed like two rivers joining. It was all mental though; his body felt the strain, muscles quivering as he held his ground, pushing outward against the invading mental presence that was attempting to stifle his free will. He had never felt such an overwhelming and oppressive sensation before, not even when he was a youngster and Caius was teaching him how to use the Voice.
He had never faced an equal.
He refused to buckle under the intense mental pressure. It came at him like a storm, powerful winds pulling at his willpower and trying to shred his determination. It was an assault he almost did not know how to counter— a weaponized version of the Voice. He used his gift to protect, to heal, to lead—no part of him ever wanted to use it to cause harm.
Yet he must.
Roan of Sorrowfields snarled with victory, thinking he had Kane outclassed. He took a small step forward to match the mental push at Kane’s defenses, and Kane took the cue and made a small matching step backwards. Gasps came from those watching in the seats above, and there was a deep satisfied laugh that came from the direction of the tribunal. Kane ignored all of it, and laid his trap.
Kane stopped pushing back with the Voice. He pulled it back in, letting it coil within his mind like a snake hidden in the grass, ready to strike. Roan took the bait, pushing forward with his mind even as he took several steps in Kane’s direction. Kane made himself small, hunkering down to the ground until his belly touch the mud and the underside of his chin grew wet from bloody snow. He withdrew himself mentally, until not even a hint of the Voice or his gift dwelled outside of his personal boundaries.
Ghost was concerned—he could feel intense worry along their bond. Yet he could not spare a moment to reassure his mate. He would not die nor yield in this pit.
Roan was now standing over him, premature victory and triumph cut in every line of his muscular form. The red wolf made the mistake of lifting his head, his ears pricked forward, and his throat exposed. Roan did not increase the weight of his gift but kept it steady, convinced he had already used it to the point of forcing Kane to capitulate.
Bait taken, and Kane struck.
He unleashed his gift at the same instant that he leapt upwards, his head tilted to the side with his jaws wide. The shock of their minds meeting, hitting like two boulders toiling in the white waters of a raging river, was enough to startle Roan. Kane’s jaws closed around the vulnerable underside of Roan’s neck, and Kane continued his leap all the way through. The pressure of Roan’s mental attack dissipated almost instantly as they flew together through the air, Roan landing on his back with Kane atop him. Kane dug his claws into the red wolf’s underbelly deeply enough to draw blood, even as he tightened his jaws on Roan’s throat.
Roan gave a choked gasp when Kane closed his jaws further. His teeth just broke the skin, warm blood pooling on his tongue, but he went no further. Roan tried to buck him off, but all it took was the tiniest shakes of his head for Roan to still. The red wolf froze, his head thrown back, face obscured by snow and mud.
*YIELD.* He shouted it mentally. His mental voice reached the minds of all those present and watching, a wave of surprise and nervous fear rippling across the crowd.
There was no response from Roan. The red wolf was in shock, both his mind and body confused. He went from eminent victory to utter loss so quickly that he couldn’t fathom what had happened.
Kane let his fangs dig in just a little bit more, determined to make Roan yield. Despite the red wolf’s rude taunting, he had no quarrel with Roan.
“Do you yield, Roan of Sorrowfields?” It was Caius who spoke at long last. Kane twitched an ear in the direction of his clan leader but kept his focus on the wolf beneath him. Roan tried to scramble away; Kane sliced in deeper with tooth and claw. Roan stilled, and finally went limp.
*I yield,* he whispered, though Kane had no doubt all could hear. He waited, but Roan said nothing more, submissive in his loss.
Kane dropped Roan’s neck and stepped away, leaving Roan where he lay. It was over in a matter of minutes.
“No! That’s it? A few snarls and then Roan gives in? I refuse to accept this!” Heromindes shouted, gesturing wildly from where he stood next to the tribunal. He was human again, covered in mud and blood.
“He yielded, Hero! Silence! It’s over!” Royrick chimed in, and Julian started laughing, enraging Heromindes even more.
“Utter bullshit! He must pay for his crimes. Kane must pay for what he did to me!”
Heromindes jumped into the pit, people were shouting. Caius and Mercuriel chased after him, but rage and frustration made Heromindes faster, and he took his wilder form with a thought, charging at Kane before he even finished transforming. Hero slammed into Kane, and they tumbled head over tail through the slush.
Their tumble halted when they crashed into the stone wall, and they broke apart for a second before Hero came at him with snapping, foaming jaws. All higher thoughts were gone from the clan leader—he was a frustrated animal ready to kill.
Heromindes’ claws raked down his shoulder, separating flesh. Kane roared and snapped at the offending limb, catching Hero’s paw in his teeth. Bone crunched as he crushed and yanked hard. Hero pulled away, causing even more damage to his paw. Kane charged Hero and slammed his uninjured shoulder into the other alpha, trying to knock him off his feet. Even down a paw, Hero was still deadly and withstood Kane’s momentum.
Kane didn’t want to kill Hero. If he could disable the other wolf enough, then even if Hero wanted to keep fighting, he would be incapable.
No matter how hard he tried Hero could not topple Kane. With one of his front paws useless, Hero’s ability to maneuver was reduced. Hero resorted to lunging as best he could, trying to rend and tear whatever he could reach. Kane danced out of range and avoided the worst of it.
Heromindes’ frustration grew to be too much and he suddenly broke away, leaping upon the nearby Roan, who yelped with surprise and pain. Kane chased after Hero just as Caius and Mercuriel joined the fray. The three of them converged on Hero as he tore at Roan, who was in no position to defend himself or fight back. Mercuriel was still in his human form. He reached down with clawed hands and grabbed Hero around his muzzle and twisted enough to make the Ashland clan leader release Roan.
Mercuriel might be shorter than any of the other clan leaders but he was by far the strongest in his human form. He wrestled Heromindes into submission, all but sitting on him and smashing his muzzle into the mud.
“Stop fussing, laddie. I’m not letting you make a fool of yourself anymore. Be quiet before I knock you out.” Mercuriel growled down to Hero, who wisely refrained from answering. Hero struggled for a moment but went limp when Mercuriel refused to let him up.
Kane quickly regained his human form and went to see how badly Roan was hurt. Caius had reversed his change as well and knelt as a human beside Roan, who in the few short seconds Hero had been attacking him, bore a multitude of deep lacerations along his side and belly. One gash in his stomach was deep enough to show internal organs. Kane was sickened, and he put a gentle hand on the red wolf’s ribs to keep him from moving.
The pit and the surrounding arena had devolved into chaos. Julian still sat in his seat, laughing like a madman. Royrick clocked him upside the head and Julian shut up with a yelp. Red Fern wolves were disappearing quickly while the Black Pine tactical team hovered at the edge of the pit, worried.
“Don’t move—we’ll get a shaman down here to help you.” As if Ghost read his mind, his little mate appeared like magic at his side, changing swiftly from wolf to young man in a rush of silver and white glittering smoke. Caius and Kane were gently nudged to the side while Ghost leaned over the injured alpha.
“Please hold still.” Ghost, without any hesitation, placed his glowing hands over the worst of the injuries, and as he had not even a couple weeks before, healed Roan like he healed Burke. The wolf glowed to match the young shaman’s hands, and Kane was forced to look away when the light grew too bright.