Page 84 of Forced Alpha Bride
“You were careful, Regina,” Kit says, taking a slow step towards her. “But not careful enough.”
She stares at him, then looks at Galen, all the color draining from her face. She looks over her shoulder at Mitchell, only for him to shove her away and take several steps back as if he is revolted by her.
“We only found one paw print and one shred of fur,” Galen says. “But it was yours, Regina. Would you like to explain what you were doing out in the hills at almost the exact time your personal guards and other warriors of the Eyrie were killed?”
“No,” she bites out, shaking her head as she steps back. “You can’t prove a damn thing… You can’t! How dare you come here and accuse me of this nonsense! Damon is our enemy! He—”
“Regina,” Cora stands up, a tear trickling down her face as she glares at her friend. “Tell me it wasn’t you. My nephew was one of the wolves we just buried. Tell me you didn’t do this!”
Regina’s face falls, and she looks at the ground to escape Cora’s gaze.
The elders all start shouting at once, and the warriors of Gryphon Eyrie tighten their ranks around the circle, forming a solid ring.
“It’s still not complete proof,” Regina hisses. “How do you know I had anything to do with the attack? And if you found a fire flower in a handkerchief of mine, Rafe could have stolen it. Maybehebombed the town!”
Mitchell sighs, shaking his head. “She’s right,” he mutters, looking up at Galen and Kit. “The evidence is almost, but not quite, perfect. If we execute Regina based on this, her supporters can rightfully ask for a challenge.”
I give Damon’s hand another squeeze, knowing what’s coming.
Mitchell’s smarter than he looks.
Regina gives him a grateful look, but it swiftly turns to confusion when she sees the savagery on his face.
“I understand you perfectly, Mitchell,” Galen says, smiling. “There is only one way to resolve the matter right here and now.”
Regina gasps, finally understanding.
“A leadership challenge,” she mutters.
The other alphas nod. “That is, if you agree to the terms, Regina,” Galen says. “The evidence against you is strong. We could execute you where you stand, and most of the pack would cheer us on. However, you have held a position of power in the Eyrie for a very long time. No doubt, some pack members would always protest in your name, leading to conflicts later down the line. If you truly believe Damon is guilty and wish to prove yourinnocence, you can fight in the leadership challenge right now, before all of us as witnesses.”
“And you’ll win the right to rule, whatever that means to you,” Kit adds. “If Damon is killed in the challenge, Gryphon Eyrie is yours.”
She looks between the two of them, finally turning and glaring at me.
I know what she’s thinking. Even if she wins, it won’t be over. She’ll still have to deal with me, and if I get hurt, she makes an enemy of Galen.
“I’ll take the challenge!” she says defiantly. “I’ll beat this traitor in fair combat and take my rightful place! Then both of you will be forced to pay me respect, and allow me the freedom to defend my pack in any fashion I choose!”
“As you wish,” Galen says, stepping out of the way and gesturing towards the center of the ring.
I don’t want to let go of Damon, even when he shoves me off him.
“Go, Winnie!” he hisses. “Get out of here—this is the best thing that could have happened. No one can contest my leadership after this, and I’ll finally get rid of that bitch.”
“Damon, be careful—” I don’t get to finish as Galen grabs my arm and forces me out of the circle.
“Stop it!” I yell, yanking my arm away. “Let me go.”
“That’s a strange way to say thank you,” my brother mutters.
“I don’t know if I am thankful yet. Damon’s about to go up against one of the most powerful elders in Wolfshade.”
“Better than being executed.”
“Just barely!”
Damon and Regina begin to circle each other, and Regina takes long, slow steps, keeping her eyes on Damon’s face. A small smile curves her lips, and in that moment, I know she really did murder her own guard.
