“If I’m correct in my understanding of this particular law, it also states that the alpha’s chosen beta may stand in for him.”
Karin eyed him, judgement apparent in her expression. “You are correct, although it is an option rarely executed.”
In other words, she thinks you’re a coward.
Newell waved a hand around, encompassing everyone there. “This whole experience has affected me greatly. I fear I’m not in the right state of mind to properly represent my pack. So I’d like to take the option of using my beta.”
The council members’ murmured words were unintelligible, but the Mark got the gist.
Either Newell was oblivious to their disapproving looks, or he didn’t give a fuck.
Mark was inclined to believe the latter.
Karin heaved a great sigh. “As is your right, Alpha Newell.” She turned to Alpha Harley. “The law also states that the combatants must be of equal standing. Alpha Harley, you must also choose a beta to represent you.”
Mark had to look over, then. Nothing could have stopped him.
He knew what was coming.
Alec spared a quick glance at Wes, then met his alpha’s gaze and nodded.
Cam’s expression was grave, but he gave a slight nod back. “I’ve made my choice.” Alec stepped forward to the centre of the clearing.
Fucking hell. Mark’s heart beat so hard it felt like it might burst out of his chest any second.I can’t watch this. I can’t stand here and watch Alec and Wes fight to the death.Wes would never offer leniency, and he wouldn’t submit either. Mark’s wolf pined with the need to be near Alec. He didn’t care how it would look or that Alec probably hated him, he had to tell him how he felt in case—
Mark was walking forward before he realised it.
A hand on his arm yanked him back so hard he stumbled. Wes’s smug face filled his vision as he pulled Mark to his side. “Wait.”
Newell cleared his throat. “I have made my decision.” Wes let go of Mark’s arm, and Mark waited for him to step forward. “I choose my newest beta, Mark Appleton.”
Wes laughed beside him, and Mark’s head snapped around to face his alpha.
What the fuck?
He opened his mouth to protest, but Newell’s steely glare warned him what would happen if he did.
Harry.
But there’d been no ceremony; Mark didn’t have the added strength that came from being a beta. Surely no one would believe Newell? He glanced around the clearing at the others and met Alec’s gaze for the first time in what seemed like forever.
Brown eyes stared back at him, full of worry and no sign of the hate Mark had expected to see. His heart stopped, and for a second they were the only two in the clearing.
“I don’t sense beta strength in him.” Alpha Wallace’s words snapped him back to reality and Mark faced her, hope building in his chest.
Newell merely nodded. “That’s true, I only extended the offer this morning, we have yet to perform the ceremony.”
“He cannot fight while so unequally matched.”
“Of course. If I rectify that now, then can we proceed?”
Her lip curled, but she nodded. “As long as the offer has already been extended and accepted, the law will allow it. But I would advise against it. You have a very capable-looking beta already, do you not?”
“I do, but I believe Mark has a special quality that will prove extremely useful in this fight.”
“Very well. You may proceed.”
Newell turned to face Mark and beckoned him closer. Mark went toward him.
