Page 41 of Wolf Sacrificed

“There is no alliance. We can’t be sure if Alpha Charles sold us out or not.”

Thomas looked back at the pack and then at me. “We lost a man, and there’s no alliance. I want to give you the benefit of the doubt, but I just don’t think you have the experience that we need to go up against our enemy. You need to step down.”

“No.” I’d never been surer of anything in my life as I was at this moment.

I would lead our pack to victory. I knew Alpha Dane, and with Lincoln and Sawyer by my side, we could stay a step ahead of him.

Thomas drew in a deep breath and then let it out. “Then I have no choice but to challenge you for your position.”

Fourteen

Sloane

I knew it was coming, but hearing the words uttered from his lips was like a stab to the heart. They didn’t think I was worthy.

Why should they? Look at me. I was bloodied and broken and looked like I’d had my ass handed to me.

They hadn’t seen me take out Alpha Dane’s men earlier, though. The jerks had never even touched me.

Lincoln put his hand on the small of my back. His voice filled my head. I’ll fight for you.

No, I answered immediately. I have to do this myself, Lincoln. Having you do it for me proves nothing. Someone else will just challenge me again. I have to prove myself. Then maybe this will stop.

Lincoln sighed, but I could tell that he knew I was right by the fear swirling around him. Fine. I can still help you, and you should ask to be allowed to shift first. It won’t be a fair fight.

No. I turned to look at him and gave him a small smile. I’ll fight like this, and I’ll do it without your help.

Lincoln’s brows knitted into a deep frown. Sloane, you’re hurt.

I brushed past him and went toe-to-toe with Thomas. “I accept your challenge.”

The corners of his lips tugged up into a harsh smile. The jerk thought he’d already won. He didn’t know me. I might not be a fighter, but I was stronger than he knew.

I was going to show him I’d been to hell and back again, and I’d be damned if I was going to give up my spot now to some idiot who thought he knew better than me.

Movement caught my gaze. It was Willa. She stood on the porch, hugging one post that supported the awning. One hand covered her mouth, and her eyes grew wider with fear.

I held her gaze, and she gave me a nod. We’d made a pact to take down Alpha Dane together, and I wasn’t going to let anyone get in the way of it.

I crossed my arms over my chest and glared at Thomas. “Are we fighting as wolves or as humans?”

He leaned in and dropped his voice to a whisper. “You don’t have to do this. I don’t want to hurt you. I just don’t think you can lead. There will be a spot for you in my pack. I promise.”

I narrowed my eyes and made a pfft sound. “How can you be so sure that I won’t be the one hurting you?”

His brows shot up, and then he laughed out loud, tilting his head back with one hand on his chest.

I gritted my teeth. We’d see who was laughing when the fight was over. I wasn’t going to lose. I couldn’t. I pumped my fists at my sides.

He stepped back and balled his fists, falling into a fighting stance. “We fight as humans.”

My heart stuttered and then raced. Coward. Of course he’d choose human. If we fought as wolves, I could heal most of my injuries. My leg throbbed, and my head pounded, the beginnings of a migraine blooming behind my eyes.

I took a few steps back and sank into a fighting stance, too. Or at least I tried to. My knee almost buckled, and I stumbled.

Thomas laughed again like this was a joke.

I wanted nothing more than to wipe that smile off his face.

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