Page 27 of Wilde Beta

He and Emilio entered the circle and stood facing Damon as he explained the rules and the reason for an alpha challenge. He went into detail to ensure both fighters understood what would happen and what might happen. They were also allowed to change their minds and exit the circle. Neither of them chose to do so. Adam was surprised to note that Emilio was shaking with fear even though he decided to continue. It made no sense.

Adam felt calm and ready to fight. He was doing the right thing despite risking his life and future with his mate. It was the way of the wolf and would probably always be their way. It was his first opportunity to truly follow the path of his kind.

Damon’s fist hit his palm, and the fight started. Adam turned to Emilio and punched him in the nose. It erupted like a blood fountain. It was no surprise that Emilio shifted. So, Adam did as well.

Emilio’s wolf was reluctant to attack, so Adam took the time to observe the wolf in front of him. He didn't look good. His fur was matted and dull.

Maybe his wolf was unhappy with the alpha he was attached to. Most wolves wanted their pack happy, but their human side did not always care. Adam bet that was the case.

When he did not attack immediately either, Emilio thought he sensed weakness. Finally, he got his wolf to attack, but Adam was ready.

When the other alpha went for his throat, Adam moved slightly and got a hold of Emilio’s throat. Could it be so easy?

No, Emilio struggled and managed to pull loose, but some damage was done, and blood dripped from his neck. It might slow Emilio down, but the fight was far from over.

They circled each other. When one moved, the other made sure their back was protected. Emilio tried to fake Adam out and even growled and tried to scare him. Adam only found it funny.

His wolf tried to grin, but that wasn't easy. Compared to Adam's wolf, Emilio's looked pathetic and sick. There was no way he would fear a wolf that looked like that.

They circled each other again, and Adam tried to think of what to do next. About that time, Emilio tried to slip in under his neck to grab it.

Naughty, naughty, naughty, that wasn't going to work. While Emilio was going low, Adam jumped on his back and took a ride.

His claws sank into the other wolf's back. As Emilio bucked to remove him, Adam's wolf's claws slid down his back, leaving long gouge marks that bled profusely. It was not a win, but it was definitely a hard hit to the other wolf.

Adam only wanted to end the challenge. He knew he needed to be careful because getting impatient wouldn't pay. His opponent was moving slower. Maybe it was a good time to go for the throat.

Adam pretended he was going to jump on Emilio again but instead went in under his jaw and grabbed his throat. He shook the smaller wolf as his jaws dug in hard.

Somehow, his captive managed to escape even though it cost him dearly. Blood gushed everywhere.

The fight would continue as long as he was still on his paws. Bloodthirsty watchers called for an end to the fight. "Kill him!" They demanded.

That was not what Adam intended to do. The council wanted him alive, and he really didn't want to kill anyone. He would, if necessary, but it didn't seem necessary at this point. He circled around Emilio, who was moving slowly and looking distressed. Why didn't the damn wolf just tap out?

It lasted longer than Adam expected. One way or the other, he thought it would be over by now, and the winner would be declared. Had he been the well-trained fighter he should have been, this would have been over quicker.

The other alpha was not in good shape but unwilling to give up. Was Emilio aware the council wanted him and did not want him killed? Adam didn't think he knew, only that Emilio knew he was facing death. Was that why he was fighting so hard, or did he still have a small kernel of hope he could win?

It was time to take more aggressive action. The fight needed to end, and it needed to end soon.

Adam took a run at Emilio.

He jumped on his back and dug in again. His tired opponent was having trouble taking any action to remove him.

Finally, Emilio sank onto the ground and covered his eyes with his paws. What the hell did that mean? If he was trying to surrender, he was not doing it the right way.

Adam jumped off, circling around the other wolf, not understanding exactly what to do. The challenge needed to end, and the only way to do that would be to get his jaws wrapped around his throat and make him tap out or let him die.

Adam nipped at Emilio’s nose, and he lifted it to snap back. That gave Adam the opening he needed to slip under his snout and grab onto his neck. His jaw began to tighten. He knew it would be the final move he made.

His teeth sank deep, and blood began to run. Would his opponent tap out, or would he choose to die?

There was no other choice. It was one or the other. The crowd around them once again began to call for death. Adam was sure they had been through a lot and felt their old alpha deserved to die.

There was only one way out. Would he take it? His paw reached out and tapped. It was over. At least the challenge was.

Adam stepped back, waiting for the other wolf to morph into human form. Damon instructed him to do so. If he changed to human form and his opponent didn't, the other wolf could rip his throat out in seconds. Apparently, it happened in the past.

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