CHAPTER 6

"Look at your wolves, now look at mine." He declares while raising his fist. With a flick of his wrist, his warriors flood into my pack land, standing tall behind their Alpha. The number of warriors I have left is nothing compared to his. He came prepared; either way, the ball is in his court. He possesses the upper hand. I look towards my pack, females holding their newborn, sobbing and cuddling under the protective arms of their mates. Can I do this? Can I put those who survived in harm's way once more, knowing the result as an Alpha? The heat of his body kisses my flesh as he slowly leans towards my right ear. His agonizingly hot breath brushes against the shell of my ear, as I tremble and quiver against him. He knows what he is doing to me. "Do you wish to put their lives in danger once more?" Fervent rage clouds within me whilst he plays with my emotions. Our eyes collide with one another as he utters, "I am not a patient male. If you do not come willingly, I shall demand the entirety of your pack lands and lives for my tribute." Abominable male, he is dangerous. Too dangerous. Uncaring and vindictive, he is wretched. His eyes show it; he knows he shall win whatsoever. "Make a wise decision." Deimos's words echo within my ears, for I know this could end only in two ways. War or unfathomable chaos. The flutter of leaves reacting to the caress of the breeze was the only sound that could be heard. My wolves are waiting to hear my answer. His wolves await war. Memories of my childhood flood my mind. The pain and suffering I had to go through to acquire my kingdom, my fighting for survival, and all the prices I have paid for obtaining the throne. Putting my crown on the floor as their queen and submitting to him would be proving I am not worthy to be an Alpha. To knowingly endanger my pack members or go willingly. I am given no proper choice in this matter. But I choose selflessly, laying my pack before myself. "I shall go with you." My voice cracks with the overwhelming grief that consumes me as I lower my head and remove my crown of thorns that I wore proudly despite my constant bleeding. The flutter of leaves reacting to the caress of the soft breeze was the only sound that could be heard, my wolves ready for war. Make a wise decision, he said. As if it were truly easy. Memories of my childhood flood my mind, the pain and suffering I had to go through to acquire my kingdom, and my fight for survival. But now I had to fight for theirs, the survival of my pack. I have made plenty of choices before, but this is the hardest one I have made of all. Alphas always fought for their pack and position. But I will protect mine. Pack before feelings. He waits patiently, his eyes never once drifting from mine. He is aware of my choice, yet he wants me to say it loud for all present to hear clearly. "Say it." Deimos taunts me, a truly heartless male. "I withdraw my rights as Alpha and shall submit to you." I cannot breathe. My heart clenches, the spines around them pushing deeper to pierce through flesh. The females cry, holding their babies, not knowing the outcome of this, whilst the males snarl and growl at me, wanting my throat. I never once turn and look at my wolves, only to hear their responses to my decision. I am a coward. "I would rather forfeit my life on the battlefield than swallow down this intolerable humiliation," Elrim speaks, trying to encourage me to fight, ht for she understands I am offering myself for the safety of my pack. "Elrim, it is what it is." My eyes meet her concerned yet smouldering ones. I speak with my e,y, es, and she succumbs to what I deliver. "Go and aid the wounded, they need you. Help the females carry their pups." "Yes, Alpha." Elrim bows in respect, hiding her eyes brimming with tears, abiding by my command with no further comments or questions. Follow my lead to the ends of nature. Turning around, peering up at the daunti, ng male our eyes collide. The field is vacant of wolves except for both of us. No matter his ruthlessness, I find no hate in my heart for him and s,o does my wolf. Rather, we wish to acquire a taste of what lies in front of us. The pathway to his soul, his eyes are void of any emotion. I have never seen a wolf as such who can hide his feelings quite well. "Pack all that you possess. We leave right away. I had planned to speak with you decently at first, but you chose to disobey my command to stay at that meeting. Choices bring consequences, mate." Did this male just say we will leave right away? "Wait". I begin toprotestst yet he pays no heed to my surging anxiousness. "Ragon," He beckons the male by his side, muscular and visually striking with hair the colour of the dark sky. The title he holds radiates as an aura from h;m, this male is Deimo's beta. "Leave a team of our warriors for their protection. Help this pack prepare for the move." "Give us time, we need to bury our dead." I am quick to rush towards him, grabbing his forearms, halting his departure. Alarmingly vacant emeralds peer down at the meeting of our flesh, right where I hold him. "They shall remain upon this soil, and their souls shall be put to rest. There is no need to bury them." A tilt of his head to show his denial of my wishes. "It is my duty. You must allow me this." My voice falters, palms sweating as I feel the curse of my ancestors befall upon me. Our traditions collide, unable to fit together as one. He wants me to choose his way. His irritation with my pestering surges as he loses control to remain calm and collected. Gripping my chin harshly, he propels my face towards his. Forest greens shoot bestia, cold-blooded arrows straight to my heart. The way he looks at me hurts me. "This pack belongs to me now. My word is the law. Your wolves will not be buried." "You cannot do this. I will not allow my tradition to be tarnished by yours!" Low growls of disapproval of this male's ways are shown blatantly for him to see and feel. His voice drips with an icy coldness, leaving an awkward feeling. Feels he just changed his attitude in a snap. "I'm still an Alpha member; you must also respect my opinion." It freezes my heart, "I gave you a choice: be willing or go to war with me. I have been kind enough to offer you that choice. Do you rather wish I did like the rest?" Closing my eyes shut, my pain deepens with every minute. With every word, he spits at me. I am lost, I am helpless once more. "Look at me when I speak to you." A large warm hand reaches forward, thick, long fingers coil up the strands of my hair as he pulls my face to him. "You offered me no reasonable choices. You know this." I merely do as he asks, gazing into his eye, trying to decipher any emotions other than fury. The heat of his breath kisses my skin, and his eyes linger on my lips. Does our touch not evoke any overwhelming feelings within him? Like the path of heat trailing from my chest to my core. "You wolves shall be protected much better than under your rule." His eyes flash with his trust, he hours out with dominance, which leaves me speechless. "You must learn to obey me. I do not do well with disobedience." Eyes darken, fangs elongating, he shows me his true essence. Alpha.