Page 66 of The Alpha's Chosen Fate

The aroma of sweet vanilla and cinnamon tickled my nose.“Bourbon, Colten?”

“Trust me, we’ll need it.”

Briggs entered the kitchen with the envelope in his hand.Dread pooled in my stomach.

We each picked up our glasses and took a drink.Or, I took a drink and the big bad wolves drained theirs.

Briggs slammed down his glass and tore open the envelope.Quickly, he scanned the contents, shot me a look, then scanned them again.

He threw the letter on the table."The Blood Fang Alpha asked for you yesterday.That's what I was going to tell you before Baylor interrupted."

“They’ve come to demand me twice?”

“Yes.”

Colten cleared his throat."What's in the letter?"

Briggs's lip curled."It’s a formal challenge.Turner claims I stole and then killed his true mate.He'll dissolve the challenge if I give him Ivy in recompense."

"No." The word left my lips soft but vehement.

Briggs stilled."You think I would actually agree?"

I shook my head."No, but you can't accept his challenge, Briggs.He’s already proven to be an underhanded bastard."

"You don’t think I can beat him?"

Alphas didn't turn down formal challenges.It was an unforgivable show of weakness.But this was completely different than a typical challenge.

"Briggs, I don't want you risking your life in a duel with a deceitful wolf like him.He won't fight fair.He’ll do something dirty and I … I fear he'll win.He’ll make sure of it."

Dominance and anger furled around him.A low growl vibrated from his chest.

Damn his Alpha pride!"That isnotwhat I meant and if you’d stop being so arrogant for a damned second you’d agree with me!"

Briggs's nostrils flared.He turned to Colten."The challenge will happen at the next full moon.I’ll let you handle the details."

My anxiety grew."Briggs, please don’t."

He cut me a look."Don’t leave this cabin without my permission."

Then he was gone.

“He’s going to get himself killed,” I whispered.

Colten put his hand on mine.“Ivy, Briggs is an Alpha desperate to keep his mate safe.You’ve been in far more danger than you’ve realized and he’s doing the best he can.He’s an asshole, for sure, but insulting his ability to handle a challenge, to protect you, might be more than he can handle right now.”

My elbows went to the table, my face resting in my hands.

“Can I do anything?”

“No.I think I’m just going to go back upstairs.”

Dejectedly, I trudged up to my prison.Sleep proved impossible.

I knew Briggs was a powerful fighter.I'd seen him in action, all deadly grace and raw strength.

But Turner would use every devious trick to win.I was sure of it.

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