His nose wrinkles. “No one cages Mine.”
I spread my hands. “But I’ve learned my lesson, and I’m growing. Just like Zack’s learning about laws, I’m learning how to treasure people.”
He cocks his head, eyes narrowing. Maybe I used words he doesn’t understand.
Pressing one hand to my chest, I add, “Treasure is treating people as the most important thing. Putting the pack first.”
Tremors run through my hands, nerves mixed with an instinctual alpha response to his dominating aura. Adrenaline crackles through me, straining my muscles with readiness. Even the acting feral at the rehabilitation training didn’t set my instincts on alert like this.
Zack’s lips roll back, revealing his teeth. “Zack not know treasure. Only know strength of heart.” He juts his chin toward the spectators. “Ohm-ee-ga strong—survive Ray. Ri-ckon strong, use powerful magic. Zack strong, survive many challenges.” He shoves his chest forward and lifts his finger in my direction. “Cal-ee strong in laws, but Zack not know laws. So, prove heart to Zack.”
He strips off his shirt and kicks his shoes free before slapping his chest. The growl that rolls from him sounds unmistakably primal.
The old Callisto would’ve hesitated; would have worried about what injury might do to his career. Not me. I don’t want to be alone anymore.
I kick my shoes off and loosen my tie.
“Callisto!” Red shouts as she runs forward. “No, you don’t have to do this! Give it few months and he’ll learn another way—”
I press my finger to her lips without taking my eyes off Zack. “Red, I never did right by you, but if Zack gives me a second chance, are you willing to take me as your alpha?”
I risk a glance. The omega’s eyes brighten with emotion, tears close to the surface. “Yes. You’re my alpha, and I already forgave you.”
My heart swells. Gently I lean down and kiss her forehead. “Then listen to Zack and step back. This is something we need to do to make things right.”
“I know.” She whines softly. “I know, but that doesn’t mean I like it!”
Her concern washes over me, and I smile. “Like you said, sweetheart, you’re not the only person in your pack now.”
I glance over her head. Rickon wears an expression of such tortured longing that I feel like crying. I flick my fingers for him to come and collect Red.
Red’s grip tightens on my arm as Rickon gently takes her shoulders. Her jaw sets stiffly, and then she reaches up and undoes my tie. I grin and take the ends from her hands, draping the silk length around her neck. “I’ll be back for this,” I whisper before pulling away.
Despite my words, I don’t feel the same certainty as I follow Zack onto the lawn. He’s bigger, stronger, more ruthless andexperienced than I am. Every alpha gains a certain sense of other alphas around them, through subtle cues of scent and willpower, and that ingrained sense says Zack trumps me in every way. And, he’s an alpha who fights to kill.
But he told me to show him my determination, not my skill. If he’s really giving me a second chance, then I’ll give everything I have, down to my last breath.
I strip off my vest and toss my phone and keys on top and then roll up my sleeves.
Zack lifts his fists.
I’ve spent my adult life using my words, but I was scrappy enough to fight in high school. And I’ve got years of Judo lessons going for me, and a couple of alpha rehabilitation classes. Maybe I can survive this beast’s onslaught.
I widen my legs and breathe in, moving my hands up to chest height and then down to my belt, centering myself. After two more deep breaths, I shift one leg forward and lift my hands into the guard position.
Zack rushes forward, growling and throwing a heavy right hand. I fend it off on my arm with a grunt and counter, surging in. Zack lifts a knee, driving into my belly. I skip back, catching just the edge. Even stripped of full force, the blow’s intense.
I straighten, a growl slipping through my throat.
Zack comes in again, driving with powerful jabs. I guard, but his unpredictable movements keep me on the back foot, retreating more than attacking. He’s fast and slippery without a shirt, and I can’t seem to get a hold on any part of him to throw.
How can I prove myself when I can’t even catch him?
Zack grins, and since he’s still rumbling with alpha challenge, the duality sends shivers down my spine. Taking me down is child’s play for an alpha who cut his teeth on death matches.
I step back, arms aching from defending his ruthless blows. Forcing myself to breathe evenly, I recall the principles I learnedin the dojo; efficiency, off-balancing the opponent, and posture. I need to turn this match to my favor, and a straight-up fight will get me nowhere.
I circle Zack on the grass, bouncing on my toes. There might be only one place in this entire mountain that wouldn’t be in Zack’s favor.
