Page 73 of Malcolm

He’d been getting updates from his Lykan connections in Veil City; so far, they’d continued in their messages of no disturbances.

He glanced at the sky; the moon was clear even in daylight. Tonight, it would change to blue. The beast within would run wild, and single males and females would flaunt their wolfen figures, searching out their mates in the night and hoping for the blessing of finding their other half.

Those who were already mated would leave their children with the elder females and attempt to create another life to add to their family. The world would sing on the back of their goddess.

“Alpha?” He turned away from the sight of the moon to face the Speaker.

“Yes, Agun.”

The male motioned to the tent with smoke coming from the center. “The Aldermen say they are ready to speak about the challenge.”

He looked down at his clothes. He wore only a linen shirt and jeans. Like the others, he wore normal clothes, but if he were to meet with the Alderman, they would demand that he wear traditional clothing. Looking back at Agun, he said, “I’ll change before I meet them. Tell them it’ll only be a few minutes.”

Agun gave a short nod before running off to do as he ordered

Facing his lodge, he felt slightly reluctant to return, but he pushed away that hesitation and returned to the cabin. When he entered, he immediately smelled the salt and looked at the woman who hadn’t moved from the bed. Her eyes were closed, and her breathing was shaky. He walked over to her, immediately spotting the tear tracks on her face.

He walked over to her side and touched her clenched fist. The trey was gone, she’d set it on the other side of the bed.

He took in her soft lips and slightly tipped-up nose. Freckles scattered across it, and thick lashes graced her cheeks. This was the face that he could never compare to another’s.

The intensity of desire varied from one mate to another, but for him, she was the beginning and end of his life; she was the essence of his soul personified. Everything about her was the ‘good’ in him that he’d lost at some point in his life.

The world was a dark place, and in the cracks of the beautiful picture of Veil City, he had seen true evil. The dirty filth that tainted his sight had stained his fur, and he'd found her when he’d felt himself falling deeper into its grasp.

The road to keeping her was long, and he’d have to go toe-to-toe with the men he’d built friendships with. Raijin and the others worked for Tiller, and he knew that greedy fox wouldn’t allow him to remain here with his people and the only live sample from the lab.

He’d betrayed his vow and could feel the time running out. Soon, they’d be at his door demanding answers.

Still, he wouldn’t turn his back on her. He’d forsake his people and his vow once more to protect her and keep her safe.

Removing his hand, he focused on preparing for this meeting with the Dougles Alpha. The man he’d sent had returned with disturbing news, and he wasn’t sure how he’d share it, but it would assist him in his talks with the Aldermen.

It proved just how far his soul had fallen that the murder of an entire clan wasn’t something to panic about. No, it was a good thing to use in order to see his own people left alone and protected, and he didn’t feel guilty using it to his advantage.

“Your demand for a ‘Blood price’is a bit much, don’t you think? Especially when Alpha Malcolm claims not to know you,” Herald groused. He was an Alderman who’d reached the age of 95 with a healthy body and grim features. The wrinkles around his eyes were the only elderly thing about him. He placed a hand on his knees, eyeing the red-headed male who’d shared his name. “Do you truly intend to continue with this?”

Malcolm watched Beliel, who’d entered with two others. The two behind him barely spoke, keeping to the corner. He could see they were werewolves by the blue tattoos on their bodies, but their scent was off-putting. Their faces held little to no emotion.

“Ha, I’ve been thinking long and hard over this issue,” Beliel said as he sat with his legs outstretched and arms crossed. He wore an arrogant smile. “Whether Alpha Malcolm remembers his offense or not, I still demand the blood price,” he said, almost mockingly shooting Malcolm a sly look from beneath his lashes.“After he is beaten till he can barely breathe, I will tell him why he owes me a blood price.”

Malcolm gave him no attention; instead, he was occupied with stirring the burning firewood. He didn’t respond right away.

“And Alpha Malcolm, what is it you wish to do?”

This question didn’t come from Herald but Fingal, who sat closest to the right. His hands curled inside leather gloves, and his cloak was heavy and white.

As the oldest, he’d just celebrated his 103rd birthday. Grizzled brows lowered over dark brown eyes. “You have denied any knowledge of committing acts that would deserve such a challenge.”

“That’s true; I don’t recall crossing him, but-.” Malcolm finally spoke up, placing the iron rod down next to him. “If he insists on fighting, I will not object. Only a blood price always comes with another prize. What else do you wish for?”

The atmosphere grew tense after he spoke.

Beliel grinned. “Well, I can only think of one thing, and that’s after your death, your mate would be awfully lonely.”

Malcolm didn’t move, not a muscle, but he could smell the blood lust spilling from him.

The men didn’t seem phased compared to the Aldermen who’d lost color at Beliel’s dishonorable demand.

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