Chapter 21: The Challenge

"My father told me three weeks before the ceremony," Gavin said.

His voice carried across the whole slope.

"He told me Seren would not shift, because she was human."

He swallowed.

"He told me to drop her in front of the pack and take Camryn instead."

"Gavin," Ronan said. "Stop."

"He said the Lord's payment would keep our land for another generation."

"Sit down!"

"And I did it." Gavin's voice cracked. "I kissed Camryn while Seren watched, and I've never been so ashamed."

He pointed at his own head.

"Look at my ears."

Some of the wolves did.

They were scarlet.

A thousand wolves looked at the Alpha's son, and then they looked at the Alpha.

Ronan's warm face went flat and cold.

He moved faster than I thought a man his age could move.

A long silver knife came out of his coat, and he went for his son's throat.

Evander was already there.

He caught the blade with his bare hand, and it hissed against his palm.

He did not let go.

"Alpha Calderwood," the elder shouted. "Drop the knife. You are in front of the Council!"

"My son is a traitor!"

"Your son is a witness."

Ronan tore the knife free, and blood sprayed from Evander's hand.

Then Ronan laughed.

"Then let the Blood Moon decide it," Ronan said. "Blood has been spilled on this platform. Under the old law, I may be challenged for it."

He raised the knife and smiled at his son.

"Or I may challenge. Let this boy answer for the Lord's house."

The elder hesitated.

"I accept," Evander said quietly.

"Evander."

"I'd like to hit him anyway."

The Council cleared the circle.

Ronan took off his good coat and folded it over a bench, which was what finally made me hate him completely.

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