Using the deep timbre of his alpha voice, Newell said, “Mark Appleton, I offer you the honour of beta position in the Primrose Hill pack. Do you accept?”
Out of the corner of his eye, Mark saw Alec step towards him, but Cam moved quickly to stop him. There was nothing he could do anyway. Mark had no choice but to reply, “Yes, Alpha.”
“Do you promise to act in the interest of the pack at all times?”
“Yes, Alpha?”
“And do you promise to obey your alpha’s commands?” He’d left off the optional bit that said, “as long as they are in the pack’s best interest.” How typical.
“Yes, Alpha.”
Newell stepped forward and put his hand at the base of Mark’s throat, and Mark closed his eyes.I will not give you the satisfaction of seeing how much I hate this.
The rush of power was immediate. Mark felt it like a wave of heat flooding his body and setting every nerve ending alight. He swayed on his feet.
Even given the circumstances, he couldn’t deny the thrill that swept through him.
Newell’s warm breath tickled his neck as he scented him and then whispered, oh so quietly in his ear, “You will fight to the death. Knight will not. Harley is weak as fuck, and so is Knight when it comes to you. Well done. You have the advantage.Use it. Either Knight dies or you do. Along with your cousin and Will’s sister.”
Mark could do nothing but nod and turn to face the centre of the clearing.
And Alec.
CHAPTER SIXTEEN
No. No, no, no.
Alec watched, his wolf straining to get out as Mark turned and walked towards him. This wasn’t supposed to happen. He should be fighting Wes, not… not…Mark.
What the fuck was Newell playing at? Alec had five inches on Mark and years of experience at both being a beta and fighting. They were nowhere near a good match. Not that he knew how good Mark was at fighting, but Alec was fairly certain he could kill— The thought stopped him dead. He couldn’t kill Mark, and Cam would never ask him to.
Is that what Newell’s counting on?
He tried to catch Mark’s eye, but he had his gaze focused on the ground.
The rest of their respective packs moved to the outside edges, and Alpha Wallace stepped between them. “There are no rules on how you fight. You may shift, half shift, or stay human. Your alpha still decides whether leniency is to be offered, and I reiterate, no physical interference will be tolerated. Is that clear?”
“Yes, Alpha.”
“Yes, Alpha.”
“Very well.” She walked backwards to join the rest of the council, then roared, “Fight!”
Alec shot forward, using all his strength to tumble Mark to the ground and pin him there. “I know about your cousin,” he hissed directly into Mark’s ear.
Mark struggled against him. “How?”
Newell’s enraged growl spurred Mark into action. He half shifted, and Alec found himself propelled backwards, surprised by Mark’s strength.
He landed on his back, the air leaving him in a whoosh, barely having time to grab Mark’s shoulders when he lunged at him. Claws raked over ribs, followed by a whispered, “Fuck, sorry. Have to.” Pushing Mark to the side, Alec rolled with him, managing to get out, “We found Jason,” before, Mark growled, “He’s dead,” and snapped at him, teeth grazing Alec’s jaw.
Fuck, he didn’t want to do this, but he had no choice. He half shifted to match Mark, jaw lengthening, claws sliding out, and the muscles across his back rippling with the extra shot of strength it afforded him. He back-handed Mark across the cheek, his head whipping to one side. “He’s alive,” Alec hissed back, dodging out of the way as Mark lashed out with his claws.
Alec jumped to his feet, Mark following suit, and they circled each other, oblivious to those around them. Mark looked so conflicted, Alec wanted nothing more than to pull him close and wrap his arms around him. But he couldn’t. They were in this fucking fight, and he needed to put a stop to it before they were forced to hurt each other.
“I have to do this,” Mark whispered, the words mangled by his fangs. “Alpha’s orders.”
“Lose,” Alec implored. “Submit. You know I won’t kill you.”
