SWNOVELS Chapter 40: Alpha Challenge
Angel’s POV
Silence. Nothing but deafening silence. Everyone waited for the alpha to speak first. Alpha Logan broke his glare into one of surprise, then continuous head shaking. “My brother would not drag his jaw through such gutter.” The words were harsh, but his tone was weak.
“Not possible!”
“A hybrid?!”
“He wouldn’t!”
“How?!”
Angel dared a step closer to, oh my God, her uncle? “Alpha H- Hurricane asked a demon to grant him a child with his neko mate, Kirinn. I’m the result of demon magic and love between wolf and neko.”
“Lies!”
“Wolves can’t have a mate bond with cats!”
“NEVER!” This came from Falkner who was vibrating with rage.
Alpha lifted a splayed hand quick and roared “ENOUGH!” Angel wasn’t sure if it was for her or the chatter, but every head dipped with chin to chest in submission. The gray-haired wolf started to pace, shaking his head. Angel held her breath.
He stopped dead and took another step closer to Angel, many other feet stepping forward too. “Why?! Why make a mongrel?”
Angel bit her bottom lip. “He wanted peace. I believe he saw a way to unite against the real enemies, out there. The ones that would have all in this city killed. He wanted what I want, a safe haven for all our kinds.”
The angry voices around her spit racism and hatred. She dropped her chin in respect, but kept eye contact with the Alpha. “On behalf of my father.. and.. as.. my family… I ask you to call off the war.”
The mass bellowed, howls and growls reverberating off the buildings. The whole city would hear! She winced and clenched her fists but did not dare move. Feet stomped and pushed against her weak protection bubble. Slurs of hate on the factions were hollered over each other.
She shook her head hard. The stand is NOW. “We are stronger TOGETHER! Imagine, a city united against anything that tries to ruin it! Protected by the damned and the etherial! Impenetrable with claw, teeth and fangs at the ready!” She dropped chin to chest again as the Alpha’s shoulders dropped a little in seeming understanding. “No more death, sir. No more fear. That’s what I want.”
Her speech had closed Alpha Logan’s stance and he no longer looked like he was about to leap at her. He stood the closest to her in an otherwise empty circle. The same could not be said for Falkner. Falkner growled. “The Pack is stronger than any FUCKING group in the city you stupid freak.”
“THE PACK!”
In this rebuttal she was confident. Proud even. “But not together. Not combined as one. The 5 factions are prepared to prevent any death of their own as a single force. Shoulder to shoulder. We will not attack, but we will defend the future we want for the city if YOU do. I came here as peacekeeper to prevent death on both sides, as my father hoped my birth would do.”
“Yet you will fight on their side, against your family?” The Alpha’s voice was unnervingly calm.
“I will stand with the last of the Blackfang Pack. I will stand with those I love against those who feel only unfounded hate.”
Alpha Logan looked momentarily amused. “Do you claim legacy to the Blackfang Pack then, and that hellhound traitor?”
She shifted but spoke loudly. “I do.” At least she hoped she did.
The Pack had gone silent again, looking to Alpha’s next words to determine their energy. He crossed his arms over a silver-haired chest and lifted his chin high. “Then I now address Alpha Angel Blackfang with a simple challenge.” Who? A what? Shit. “Prove that you have made the city alliance you so declare. Prove my brother did not father a liar.” He paused to give effect, then added “I am an old wolf, but not a dumb one girl. If the city is agreed on the same future you see with Alpha Hurricane’s eyes, I will not send my pups to slaughter needlessly.”
Angel knew she smiled too wide, but it was all she could do to contain her excitement. “Yes sir. I heartily accept. I will meet you outside the bar in two hours.” He nodded once.
Angel turned and waited for the sea of glaring eyes to move to the sides. It felt like an eternity with her back turned on the fierce leader and angry Falkner, but once the street was no longer blocked she nearly jogged her tail out of there.