The pack distanced themselves from the two she-wolves, everyone except Asher and Grayson. Both men were going to stay as close to the fight as possible. The two wolves circled each other, beginning the choreographed dance that preceded a fight.
Two sets of unreadable eyes locked onto each other, and each set flickered at the other. There was no fear to be found in Mira’s eyes, only power and determination. The small brown wolf stared intensely at the large black wolf, searching for an opportunity to strike.
Tension filled the air. The only sounds they heard were the breaths of the two wolves and their soft paw steps as they squared off against each other. It’s in that frozen, split second in time that the tension is at its highest, both waiting for the other to strike. These two were not friends. This fight between the two she-wolves was about more than rank and mate. It was about acceptance, something that both wolves wanted and needed. It was about proof of power, and it was about revenge.
Mira set her claws into the ground, securing her position as she waited for the brown wolf to strike. The brown wolf lunged at Mira, who lunged back in retaliation, successfully taking the bait. The brown wolf was smaller and nimbler, and she quickly spun and clawed into Mira’s backside, landing a bite on her back before pouncing away again.
Mira didn’t yelp but growled lowly at the cheap maneuver. Lita could hear the internal scoffing laugh Mira made. This little brown wolf stood no chance.
Felicia changed tactics, trying to outwit what she couldn’t outrun. She moved again, feinting left then right, snapping her teeth at Mira’s heels. She looked frantic, almost panicked, as she sought an opening that didn’t exist. Mira let her think she was succeeding, playing along with the chase. Then she whippedaround, impossibly fast, delivering a brutal swipe that sent Felicia skidding.
Asher stood back, arms folded with calm assurance. He knew this would happen. Knew it the moment Lita accepted the challenge. Grayson watched, eyes glinting, an approving smirk tugging at the corner of his mouth. Felicia grew wild with desperation, but even from here, they could see it was over.
Mira lets out a short, mocking bark, as she easily dodged another wild attack. It was time to end this game. With a flash of speed, she attacked. There was no escape as she went straight for the brown wolf. Felicia’s wolf tried to stand up on her hind legs and claw at Mira, landing a few scratches on her shoulder as Mira sunk her teeth into her leg. She shook her head, throwing her effortlessly. Before the brown wolf could recover, Mira leaped onto her, pinning her to the ground. Her teeth were bared as she leaned her head down to her neck. The little wolf couldn’t move under the pressure of Mira’s strength.You are going to leave Black Ice Pack and get your head right. When you return, you will accept me as your luna and forget about Asher. If you can’t do that, then don’t return at all.
Mira took a few steps away, allowing Felicia to scramble to her feet. If she attacked again, Mira would kill her. Instead, Felicia shifted back, showing her submission, naked and shaking, angry tears trailing down her humiliated, flushed cheeks.
Lita shifted back too, and Asher rushed toward her with a blanket to cover her. His eyes held nothing but pride and admiration.
“The challenge is over,” Asher declared, his voice carrying through the silence like a bright, clear bell. “Lita remains your luna.”
The words rang with finality, leaving no room for doubt. The pack's reaction was swift and certain. Everyone cheered in excitement for the new future of Black Ice Pack.
“This isn’t over.” Felicia sniffled. “You might have won, but this was my pack first. I was born here and belong here, unlike you.”
Lita’s gaze met Felicia’s as she spoke out loud to let the pack know of her decision. “I could banish you right now for challenging me, but I won’t. Instead, you will leave the pack and get your head on straight. If you decide to return, it will be because you accept that Asher is my mate and I am your luna.”
Caden stepped forward, throwing a blanket over Felicia’s body. “Leave the territory like your luna has commanded.” As the beta, he was ready to enforce his luna’s orders.
Felicia stared at Lita, disbelief and fury warring on her tear-streaked face. Her eyes flicked to Asher, desperate for any hint of compassion.
She found none.
His expression was firm, unyielding, the silent echo of Lita's words. She may have been given a second chance, but she would not be given a third. The lack of pity from him—the man she once thought was hers—hit her like a physical blow. There was just no way it was real. How could he not love her anymore? Lita had bewitched him, and she had to save him from her. But not today. She would need a plan.
Felicia took in a shaky breath, her lip quivering as she gathered the last shred of her pride. Without another word, she turned and stormed away, her retreat as dramatic as her challenge had been.
Asher turned Lita to face him, placing a kiss rough with hunger and joy on her lips. “Tonight, we celebrate,” he murmured, his breath hot as his tongue lightly licked her lips. With a wide grin, he looked back at the pack. “Our luna has proven herself worthy, and we are stronger for it.” The pack erupted, the crackling tension shifting to wild excitement.
Kristen bounced next to Lita, squeezing her with bright, giddy admiration. “Your wolf is incredible!” she gushed, eyes wide with delight. Lita’s smile was dazzling as she took in the happiness around her.
Grayson approached, a solid line of approval on his face. “Well done, princess,” he said, his voice knowing. “But you know what this means.” His eyes met hers, clear with warning.
Lita nodded, understanding exactly what he was implying. Her display of power will bring attention—some of it dangerous, most of it unwanted. But she couldn't think of that now, not with the joy still singing in her veins.
“Now you see how invincible we are,” Asher amped up the pack, more determined than ever. “I hope you all know it, too.”
Grayson’s mouth quirked into a reluctant smile. “Arrogant wolves.” He chuckled as he patted Lita’s head.
She laughed, feeling lighter, more at ease. The challenge was behind her, and now it was time to enjoy what she'd won.
Caden's voice cut through the celebratory hum. “Alright, everyone!” he commanded, but with a playful edge to it. “We’ve got an alpha and luna to keep happy, so let’s get to it.” He sent the pack back to their duties, but the buzz of excitement didn’t fade.
Asher walked with Lita, his arm firm around her waist. He looked down, his expression growing serious despite the victory. “Are you alright?” he asked, his concern breaking through the festive air.
Lita leaned into his warmth, feeling the strength and safety he offered. “I’m fine,” she reassured him, though there was a shadow behind her eyes. “Felicia …”
Asher's jaw set, the mention of her name dragging his thoughts to darker places. “She made her choice,” he said, a touch of bitterness in his voice. “Now we need to be vigilant. I don’t trust her not to cause more trouble.”