Tak held his large knife against the man’s throat.“If you eventhinkabout going after my packmate, I’ll slice your throat and see how long it takes for you to bleed out.”
Lakota stood behind the man, close enough to intimidate.
Then Tak gave Henry a sharp look.“Lucian has my approval to make this challenge.Should we take it to the Council?”
“That won’t be necessary,” a woman’s voice called out.Eden’s heels clicked against the wood floor as she crossed the silent room.
Heads turned, and this confrontation escalated to a new level.
Chapter25
My plan was to swing by the Rabbit Lounge, grab dinner for my father and me, and head home to break the news that I was getting hitched.But when I entered the bar and overheard Lucian making a public claim that he wanted to challenge Henry, I could have seriously swooned.
Instead, I kept my cool and listened by the door.
Tak and his beta exploded out of their seats to stop Henry’s friend from going after Lucian.Then the knife came out.It wasn’t my job to intervene in personal affairs unless I was called on, but Henry’s volatile expression was a look I’d seen enough times to realize this scene was about to escalate.
“Lucian has my approval to make this challenge,” Tak said.“Should we take it to the Council?”
“That won’t be necessary.”I strutted across the bar, commanding everyone’s attention in my red blouse and tight black skirt.“Tak, put the knife away.If this man tries anything, he’ll go straight to jail.”
Henry yanked the alpha’s long braid, causing him to step back but not falter.“Shesaidput the knife away.”
Tak swung around and sliced his knife over Henry’s head.“Touch my hair again.”
Henry brushed his hand over his head, and locks of his wavy blond hair fell to the floor.
“I need everyone to stop,” I commanded when I reached them.
Tak sheathed his weapon but not before he and Lakota shoved Henry’s companion into the recessed area.
Lucian jumped off the table and moved between Henry and me like a shield.
Anger flickered in Henry’s eyes as he lowered his arm.“This whole charade is ridiculous.Tell him you’re mine.”
I crossed my arms.“Henry, I’ve accepted your proposal, but as Councilwoman, I’m not above the law.”
“He’s a Chitah!”
“And you’re a Mage.That puts us in quite the threesome, doesn’t it?”
A few chuckles overlapped from the onlookers.
“Not only does Chitah law support his challenge, but so does Shifter law.If a suitor is willing to risk his life in a challenge, it’s not a request we take lightly.”
“And if I refuse?”he said with a glare
Lucian tilted his head to the side.“What makes you think she’ll choose a mate who won’t die for her?”
“Shut the hell up!”Henry snapped.
Lucian drew closer and lowered his voice so no one could hear.“You and I can settle this, or I’ll take my evidence to the Mageri.”
A chill snaked down my spine when Henry sharpened his gaze.Uncertain whether I should pretend I hadn’t heard Lucian’s quiet accusation, I didn’t react.
Even without the murder or coercion, I wanted to know if this man was willing to risk his life for me.Deacon hadn’t so much as put up an argument when I rejected him.And here Lucian was, a man who had lost his opportunity, fighting just to set me free.No promises, no expectations.He knew what he stood to lose.
If Henry wanted to pursue me, he had no choice but to accept the challenge.
