Sammy

To say that Sammy was livid to see his so-called Alpha was an understatement. Enraged didn’t even begin to cover the inferno blazing in his chest as he watched James step out of his car. He saw the way James’s eyes landed on Trishelle, saw the possessive, hungry look that made his skin crawl. It was the look of a predator admiring its prey, a look of ownership that turned Sammy’s stomach to acid. He wouldn’t let him look at her like that. Not anymore. He couldn’t hold back his fist for another second.

Using the skills he’d honed in the human world, he moved through the crowd like smoke, his movements fluid and unseen. The scent of expensive cologne and nervous sweat filled his nostrils. With a slight, powerful leap, he used the momentum to deliver the first unsuspecting blow to the bastard’s cheek. The sharp crack of bone on bone was deeply satisfying. Before James could even register the attack, Sammy followed up with two more, a sharp jab to the other side of his face that split his lip and a brutal hook to the ribs that made him gasp. It happened so fast that it took a moment for even James’s personal escorts to react. James’s pained grunt of shock finally broke them from their stupor, and they sprang into action, their faces twisted with fury.

Sammy anticipated it. He spun, ducking under a clumsy grab from one guard and driving his elbow into the solar plexus of another, who crumpled with a whoosh of expelled air. Those fools always underestimated his strength, assuming his omega status made him weak. He made quick work of them, disabling them with precise, painful strikes that wouldn’t kill them but would definitely make them think twice. He then turned back to his target, his chest heaving, his knuckles raw.

By this time, James had shaken off the initial shock and was mostly back on his feet. He wasn’t surprised to see it was Trishelle’s friend. He figured Sammy must have heard her version of what happened, even though she had it all wrong, right? This was just misplaced loyalty, a misguided attempt at revenge. In spite of the blatant attack on his person, James felt a twisted flicker of pride. His Luna had a friend who would fight an Alpha for her. Defending himself, James fought back, but he held back. There was no reason to make Trishelle hate him more than she already did, and he was certain hurting her only friend would accomplish just that.

The crowd gathered in a loose, jeering circle around the two scrapping men, their shouts and cheers a cacophony in the clearing. Even in the midst of the fight, James’s thoughts were on Trishelle. He didn’t want her to see this. He took a precious second to mind-link a warrior by the kitchen door. "Keep her inside. Do not let her out until I give the all-clear."

Trishelle

Trishelle was sick with worry. She had seen Sammy launch himself at the Alpha through the kitchen window, and her heart had leaped into her throat. She could not help but fear the consequences of his decision. Even though she knew why he did it—every furious punch was for her—she would never have asked for it. She did not think she was worth Sammy risking his life, his place in the pack, his everything. The thought of him being punished, or worse, because of her was a fresh agony.

She tried to rush out, but a massive warrior blocked her path, his expression stone. "Alpha’s orders, Trishelle. You stay here."

All she could do was press her ear to the cool wood of the door, listening to the sickening sounds of blows being traded, the grunts of effort, and the roar of the crowd. Each thud and pained cry made her flinch. Yet, even in the midst of this chaos, there was another sound, the low rumble of an approaching engine that seemed to get louder, cutting through the noise and heralding a new, more complicated kind of dread.

Alexa

The delegation from the Goldmoon Pack was just five minutes behind schedule. The first sleek black car carried the Alpha, Bradley Gold, his Beta, Sam Smith, who was driving, and their two distinguished guests. The second car, a sturdy SUV, carried four of their top warriors to act as bodyguards. After all, you never knew if you were going to meet a friend or a foe in these territories.

Alexa did not find her mate amongst the wolves in her own pack, and they were hoping the Bloodmoon Pack might be the answer to her prayers. It was strange that they were running late; it was entirely Councilwoman Seers’ fault. She had taken ten minutes to find her glasses, which were sitting in her purse the whole time, an uncharacteristic lapse that had made them all smile.

They drove through the ornate entrance of the Bloodmoon Pack and up the long, tree-lined driveway. When they reached the clearing in front of the large Packhouse, a crowd was gathered, their attention focused on the center of a circle. They stopped the cars, and everyone exited. Whatever was happening in the midst of the crowd was so intense that only a few people glanced their way, their expressions distracted and uneasy.

Beta Sam pushed his way through the throng of bodies, the others following close behind. He used his broad shoulders to part the sea of wolves, murmuring apologies. They broke through to the center and were met with the sight of two men fighting, their knuckles bloody, their breath coming in ragged gasps. They could tell from the raw power rolling off one that he was the Alpha, yet he was holding back, while the other, smaller in stature, was a whirlwind of controlled fury.

"I can’t believe that omega who worked for the Gamma attacked the Alpha," a she-wolf whispered nearby, her voice a mix of shock and glee.

"Yeah, I hope Alpha James gives him a good beating for it. Hmph, always acting so cocky just because he works outside of the pack."

Bradley Gold couldn’t believe what he was hearing. An Alpha and an omega, brawling in the dirt like common dogs? It was a disgrace. He paid closer attention to the omega and was impressed despite himself. The man was a strategic fighter. He wasn’t wasting time with trash talk; he had a solid defense, and while he was quick, he wasn’t just dodging. He was analyzing, looking for any opening and exploiting it with brutal efficiency. This omega knew his body couldn’t withstand a direct power battle, so he fought smart. Then Bradley looked at the Alpha he had come to meet. Although stronger, he was sloppy. He was clearly holding back, but even so, Bradley could see the mistakes and openings that not even the pups in his pack’s training program would make. It was pathetic.

Councilwoman Seers had seen enough. With an air of absolute authority, she stepped into the makeshift ring, her simple dress and stern demeanor a stark contrast to the chaos around her. Raising her voice, she didn’t shout, but her words cut through the noise like a whip. "This fight will cease. Now."

Both fighters stopped, fists raised, and turned to look at the older woman. She radiated an enormous sense of power, a pressure that made the air thick and heavy and silenced the crowd instantly.

"It seems this pack is in dire need of some serious training," she said, her voice dripping with disappointment. "Not only is an omega attacking his Alpha, but they are both making a spectacle, and no one seemed interested in stopping it." She stepped forward, her sharp eyes pinning James in place. "Alpha James, were you not informed that you would be receiving visitors today?"

James slowly lowered his hands, letting go of Sammy’s ripped shirt. "Well, yes, ma’am. I was..."

"You will address me as Councilwoman Seers. Thank you," she corrected him coolly.

James swallowed, his throat suddenly dry. "Councilwoman Seers?" he repeated, his voice barely a whisper. If this was the Councilwoman Seers, a member of the High Council that governed all packs, he was in a world of trouble.

"Yes. I had some business in this region and decided to accompany Alpha Bradley Gold. I did not expect to be greeted by an Alpha having a squabble with one of his members in such an undignified manner." Turning, she gestured to the man beside her. "This is your guest, Alpha Bradley Gold, and his Beta."

James nodded his head, his face burning with humiliation. He was embarrassed to be seen this way by a member of the Council and another Alpha. Wiping his sweaty hands on his pants again, he sent a sharp command through the mind-link to his pack. The crowd scattered, and two warriors grabbed Sammy by the arms, dragging him away toward the pack house.

"My apologies to you both," James said, forcing his voice to remain steady. "This was an internal matter that could not be addressed before, as I myself just returned from business outside the Pack. If you still wish to stay, please allow me to escort you inside. Preparations have already been made for your visit. If you will excuse me, I will join you shortly after I have cleaned up a bit."

Councilwoman Seers gave a curt nod and turned to her granddaughter, only to find the girl looking off in the distance with a strange, sad look on her face, her gaze fixed on the spot where the omega had been dragged away. Grabbing Alexa’s hand, the group followed James into the house.