eemed darker now, the shadows deeper and the air colder. Every sound made Emma jump, her

this," she said finall

look at her.

to provoke you. Why not just

adership in a pack isn't about words or explanations. It's about strength. If I do

t you're stronger

g for this. He's already convinced some of the others to side with him. If he wins,

vity of the situation sinkin

Kael said firmly. "T

yes stopped her. There was a hardness there, but also

of the pack were already gathered, their faces tense as they murmured amongst themselves. Emma re

there w

and a smug smile on his face. His golden eyes gleamed i

dripping with mockery. "I was

igid. "You want to challenge me, Lu

ager to lose. I almo

m. He turned to one of the older wolves, a grizzled

said. "You'l

d solemnly.

replied. "No interfe

irked.

circle around the stream. Emma found herself being ushered to the edge of t

tion was almos

gs. His face elongated into a sharp snout, his silver eyes glowing with intensity. L

wls low and menacing. The tension was electr

dged, his claws raking across Luka's side as he moved. Luka snarl

t the air thick with the scent of blood. Kael was strong

e urge to intervene. She didn't understand the rules of this world, but o

she whispered, he

hroat. With a powerful swipe, Kael sent Luka sprawl

golden eyes burning with rage.

ments a blur as he tackled Luka to the ground. The two wo

gainst Luka's throat. Luka struggled, his breaths comin

ed, his voice guttu

eyes glaring up at Kael with defiance. Then,

a mix of approval and ackno

ing as he stood over Luka. "You've had your challenge

shifted back into his human form and stalked off into

ands trembling as she reached out

his silver eyes softe

grim. "You've won for now, but Lu

voice tired. "But for t

th a mixture of relief and unease. She realized then just how much responsibil

of the forest, Emma couldn't shake the f

h determination. "I'm staying. I don't care h

ession unreadable. "You don't know what you'r

ng his gaze. "But I'm wi

en, with a reluctant nod, he said, "Then