Killian
No one knewwhat to expect now. A formal duel between pack leaders was exceedingly rare, especially one where a former pack leader’s corpse was still warm on the ground.
Stark and the rest of the guard looked on in shock as they realized Killian was dead serious. The powerful black-furred alpha strode forward and the pack parted to make way for him.
"You threatened my friends, and you hurt my family," Killian growled. "For that, I will never forgive you."
Every muscle in Killian's body was tense, like a taut rubber band ready to snap. His gaze locked onto Warren like he was prey.
"Hmph. Then you're as stupid as your father," Warren said.
The fur on the back of Killian's neck rose.
Thistle and the other Silvercreek wolves moved to Warren's side but he whirled and snarled at them. "Idiots! I don't need your help! I can kill this bastard on my own!"
His followers backed up. Warren's eyes were wild now. Killian suspected he was going mad with adrenaline. That gave Killian an advantage — he held his emotions in check, his rage and sorrow locked behind a wall of solid ice, and he would not be the one to make stupid mistakes.
"Before we begin," Killian said slowly. "At least let me remove my father's body from the fray."
Thistle moved to intercept, but Warren swatted him away with a massive paw. "Stay back! Let them have their final moment, before he joins his father in death," Warren growled.
Killian stepped forward and gently took the loose skin of his father's scruff in his jaws before pulling him back towards the rest of the guard. The Whitewood wolves huddled around the alpha.
A light cough drew Killian's attention. His father's eyes were just barely open, glazed and gazing far away. Killian couldn't ignore the pain piercing his heart. He had never wanted to see his father in this condition.
"Son," the king said, hoarsely. Killian bent his head. Scout rushed to his side, eyes brimming with tears. The old black wolf let out a shallow wheeze. "Do not feel sorry for me. I don't regret... what I did."
Killian's jaw tightened as emotion overwhelmed him.
"You are now the king," he continued in a voice so quiet it was almost a whisper. "You will be a good one. Better than I was. I know it."
"Father," Killian said softly.
The king's tired, fading eyes looked at Scout. "Take care of each other."
"We will," Scout murmured. He was trembling, leaning on Killian for support.
"Take care of my grandchild..."
His old body rattled. The light faded from the king's eyes.
Killian lifted his head and walked away. He Warrened himself. This was no time for him to be shackled by grief. He glanced at his mate and felt a fire light in his heart. He needed to fight — not just for revenge, but for the future, so that nothing like this would ever happen to his family again.
"He's gone," Killian said, his eyes burning into Warren's. "I am the new king and pack alpha."
"Let's get on with it, then."
That was the only warning Killian had before Warren flew at him, a massive white blur in the darkness. Instinctively, Killian dodged to the side, sliding underneath his shadow. Warren was massive and naturally strong, but at the cost of agility. By the time his feet hit the ground, Killian was already launching a counterattack. He jumped and latched on to Warren's back, digging in his claws and fangs. Warren snarled and kicked out, trying to dislodge the wolf from his back.
But Killian was locked in place. Blazing with fury and hatred, he sank his teeth into Warren's flesh until he tasted blood. He tore a chunk of fur off his hide and threw it into the air. Shrieking like a cornered dog now, Warren threw himself onto the ground and rolled on his back. Killian grunted as the wolf's entire weight crushed him.
At first, Warren did not move — Killian realized grimly that the other alpha was trying to suffocate him. Escape was useless. Warren was too big and heavy for Killian to move using brute strength alone. So he decided to pour salt on his wound — his fangs found the open gash in Warren's back, where blood was pouring freely out now. Killian bit and tore off pieces of flesh. His entire face was wet with blood and he was running out of air, but he didn't stop.
Warren couldn't take it. He scrambled off the other wolf and staggered to his feet. Killian gasped for air as he did the same, backing up to create distance between them. Warren's pelt had been ruined. Killian's fangs had opened a great angry red wound in Warren's flesh, and blood was smeared all over his white fur.
The Silvercreek alpha's eyes went wide. He was crazed now. He leapt wildly at Killian, who had just enough time to fill his lungs and dash out of the way. He ran a wide circle around Warren and waited for an opening.
On the sidelines, the Silvercreek wolves were too shocked to even cheer their leader on. They shuffled backwards as Killian arced near them. Blood dripped from his muzzle. The only part of his face that wasn’t soaked crimson was his fierce golden eyes.
