Page 31 of Outcast
Fuck. I had hoped there would be at least one other pairing to help shift the spotlight off of us.
They continued to hold their heads high until stopping directly in front of the alpha, looking just below his head at his chest, as was customary to show respect. I took a spot on Seth's left.
I felt the weight of my father's gaze as he let us stand there in discomfort for a few minutes before speaking. "So, you all claim to be fated to Kira, who as of yesterday was a mere human?"
"With all due respect—" Kira started but was quickly silenced as he roared, "You do not get to speak."
I raised my chin and answered his original question, "It is true. The three of us have felt the pull to Kira as our wolves’ mate. However, I would like to state that I am rejecting this bond," the crowd gasped collectively and began whispering amongst themselves.
A gleam of approval flashed in his eyes as he surveyed me and then moved onto Milo and Seth. "And what of you two?"
They spoke in unison, "We seek your blessing, Alpha."
He wasted no time in responding, "Your request is denied," and brushed past the subject, quickly moving on. "Alright, everyone head to the combat yard, and we will begin the fights."
Could he really deny a bond? Did he hold that power as we had been led to believe?
Glancing out of the corner of my eye, I took in Kira's tensed posture and clenched jaw. Milo and Seth looked like they were seconds away from challenging the alpha.
"Thank you, Alpha. We respect your decision. Let's go," I called to them, praying that they didn't challenge him. I couldn't watch anyone else die.
With much reluctance, they turned as I started to leave the room, following the rest of the pack out the doors.
His voice turned my blood to ice as he called out, "Oh, and Kira? You'll be our first fighter and will fight through the entire pack starting at the lowest member."
Fuck.
Chapter Fourteen
Kira
How fucking dare he?
Blindly following Seth towards the combat yard, I couldn't halt the surge of disgust and anger at the alpha's words and actions. It simmered in my chest like a ticking time bomb.
The goddess herself had chosen us to be fated mates and had blessed our unity. After meeting her and discovering the truth of my heritage and powers, any type of submission I had considered offering to the alpha disappeared. For him to think himself above Selene? Pure blasphemy.
I didn't even have a chance to bring up my connection to Selene or the upcoming battle we were destined to face because of his dismissal. I figured I needed to tackle one obstacle at a time, anyways.
A hand settling on my shoulder startled me from my thoughts, and I let out a small snarl, having zoned out and forgotten who was around me. The pounding of my heart calmed once my gaze met Milo's, my wolf recognizing our mate.
At this point, I couldn't tell who was more upset, my wolf or me. She tore at the walls of my mind, desperate for release so she could take down anyone who dared stand in the way of her and her mates. But I wasn't faring any better; I wanted to let her loose to seek justice.
They'd never respect me until they realized I was a force to be reckoned with, and putting me in the combat yard was the perfect way for my wolf to make one hell of an entrance into the pack.
They expected me to fail and lose the first fight, I could feel it. For some reason, that sent a crazed thrill through me. This was my chance to vent my frustration at their treatment of me for the past sixteen years. To get even.
I wasn't going to waste it. Never again would I get on my knees and bow down to them.
It ended now. This would be the end of the road for their demeaning comments, harassment, and bullying.
My smile probably reflected my bloodthirsty thoughts, if Milo's concerned and slightly scared look was any indicator. One of his brows rose, as if to ask me if I was good, accompanied by a once over of me.
My smile only tripled, a dark chuckle bubbling up out of me while I motioned out with my hands. "This is the moment I've waited for my entire life, Milo. A chance for my status within the pack to change. To finally demand more for myself, like you always encouraged me to do.”
Seth glanced back to make sure we were keeping up, and I blew him an air kiss.
Milo exhaled an audible breath, and I glanced at him, "What?"
