Chapter 75
Challenge.
(Anna)
I’m in a clearing I know well, it’s surrounded by trees and off somewhere in the distance I can hear
running water. I raise my face up to the zing sun and I let Vitamin D soak into my skin. It’s been a
while since I’ve been here but I remember it like it was yesterday, in this clearing there is no Faye,
there is no broken mate bond, there is no leaving and there most certainly is no crying Fraction. I
thought I could handle most things thrown my way but if I could live a thousand years and not see
Fraction cry again it will be too soon. There was something so saddening about seeing my strong
Alpha break down like that, it was as if he had finally let himself feel everything he’s been blocking out
for weeks. I held him for hours, wrapped in my arms and legs until he finally slipped from my b*dy. I’m
not sure what kept him lodged in me for so long but I truly cherished every second he was inside of me,
it was painful but also beyond words in the pleasure department.
Casting my eyes around the clearing I see what I was hoping to see, there in the middle of the
sunbathed grass is a huge ck wolf. Nestled into his fur is a smaller white wolf with a dark stain on
her rump, they fit together like pieces of a ji g s aw. Every now and again the ck wolf uses his tongue
to clean the smaller wolf’s fur, he makes. sure it’s back into its ttened sleek position each time he
finishes. It’s not about grooming, it’s about affection and right now he’s showing her how much he
cares.
A bird overhead starts cawing loudly and it disturbs the wolves, both of them sit up at the same time to
look at the annoyance. It doesn’t go away no matter how much they stare at it, a silent conversation
seems to pass between the two wolves until the smaller wolf walks towards
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me.
‘It’s time.’ Winter tells me sadly.
My eyes fly open and my hand instantly goes to the space next to me. all I feel is cold rumpled fabric
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though. I sigh knowing that Fraction must have left hours ago, today is the challenge day, today is the
day my whole life will change. Climbing out of the bed I go through the motions of putting on some
leggings and a t-shirt. I figure I don’t need. to be in anything too fancy for today. I barely even register
going through my morning routine and it isn’t until I go to get my hairbrush that I realise some of my
things are missing. Turning on the spot I notice things are missing from the room. On the bedside table
there. was a picture of me. Fraction and Thomas and now it’s gone. My clothes that once hung in the
cupboard are no longer there, my bath products that were along the bath are gone. Someone has
packed up my things.
“He packed for me,” I say out loud, I think it’s right there that it really hits me. Once I leave this room I
won’t being back.
“Anna?” I hear Eliza say from the doorway.
“Today. “I say to her as tears pour from my eyes. “it’s really happening.” Eliza rushes into the room and
pulls me into a hug.
“It’s ok Anna, it’s not forever remember? Fraction will fix this, you just have to put your trust in him.”
She tells me while stroking my hair, “I m sorry sweetie but we have to go. It’s time.” I nod my head into
her chest and raise my face, I wipe at my runny nose and wet eyes with the back of my hands.
“Thomas?” I ask her between sniffles.
“I’ve got him. And no matter what I will not let that woman anywhere near him. Fraction knows I’m your
voice on this and he’s already told
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me he will listen.” I nod at her as she guides me from the room with at hand at my back.
“And Fraction?” I question her.
“I will ensure that she does not draw him in. Patrick and James will be there to help him as well. Anna
we have gone over all of this. We will watch out for your family until you cane home where you
belong.” I just nod at her confident all of our talks have gotten through to her and she will have my back
in this.
“Ok, let’s do this then.” I’m putting on some false bravado and if she knows it she’s not calling me on it.
(Fraction)
The clearing chosen for the challenge is deadly silent which is impressive considering the amount of
shifters packed into the space. An area has been marked off in white paint for the fight, only a few of us
know there will be no fight. If too many knew, Faye may have found out and found another way to make
Anna hurt or even die. I watch as the crowd at the south side of the clearing parts and Faye walks in
looking as confident as any wolf can in a situation like this. She’s nked by her father and brothers. I
haven’t had much to do with them. but I’ve heard whispers that they are weird people. No one says
anything to Faye as she stands and waits at the edge of the painted area. Normally a challenger would
have people at her back cheering her on. Faye will not find any cheers in this clearing for her.
I see the moment she realises she has no supporters, her shoulders sink
my and a frownes across her face. She keeps trying to catch
my eye but I’m purposefully avoiding her gaze, this female is about to tear apart my entire family, she
will get nothing from me.
“That’s her?” Darryl asks from next to me, I just nod at him as I cast my eyes over the crowd looking for
Anna. Heringte was part of the
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n so I’m not worried yet. “Can you smell her, from here?” I shake my head not just slightly,
“interesting. “I don’t get a chance to ask him what he means as a whisper starts at the north side of the
clearing.
Soon the whisper builds to aloud chatter as Anna and Eliza walk into the clearing. Anna is dressed in
simple leggings and a t-shirt, her face is red and blotchy which tells me the reality of the situation has
finally hit her and she broke down. My first instinct is to go to her but a hand on my shoulder stops me. I
look behind me to see Darryl holding met back. He’s giving me a look that tells me he understands but I
can’t do what I want right now. We have to follow the n, it’s the only way to keep my little wolf safe.
“Ladies and Gentleman,” Darryl shouts as he steps forward of the
group. as the most senior A group. as the most senior Alpha here, he will open the challenge. “Today
we are here as Faye has challenged Anna for her spot as Luna of the Swiftmane Pack. This fight will
be until the challenger’s end. result has been achieved. Fave what oue do you wish?” The whole
clearing goes deathly silent as they wait for Fave to dere Anna’s fate.
“Death.” I hear Anna gasp out loud as Faye deres she wants Anna dead, the clearing bes a
volcano of noise as angry voices shout out calling for Faye to be punished and worse things. Faye
doesn’t even flinch as the abuse is hurled her way, she actually hold her head. up higher.
“Then a fight to the death it is.” Darryl deres, he shows no emotion even though I know he has
strong feelings about the situation. He needs to be seen as impartial, he will vent his rageter. “Anna,
do you have any words for your Pack?” This part was pre-nned, even though I know what’sing I
still find myself hopeful the oue will be different.
“We both know I can’t win this fight,” Anna says clearly so everyone
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can hear her, the noise in the clearing has died down and people are avidly listening to their Luna. “It’s
been a privilege and an honor to serve you all as Luna thesest years. This Pack saved me in more
ways than some of you will ever know. I met the love of my life, brought a child into the world and made
lifelong friends here.” I feel a lump rise in my throat, I didn’t know exactly what she was going to say but
I know what’sing. “I can’t beat you Faye, you know it and I know it.” She tells Faye directly, she
turns to Darryl and speaks clearly and loudly, just a split second before she speaks she looks at me
and I nod just slightly. I watch as her lips quiver as she struggles to hold back her emotions. “I concede
the fight.”
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