The Second Condition

Achilles POV

A crowd had gathered at the training grounds. While the competitive urgency was well alive, I frowned at the state of their training grounds. It was obvious that they had been ignored for far too long. I couldn’t help but watch as some of the Omega’s tried to clear a path. The Warriors that remained under the Pack cleared the rest of the bystanders so that there Was enough space.

“We don’t have to do this,” Alpha Cas said to his son.

In turn younger one shook his head, “but we do, father. I have followed every single one of your rules growing up. However you’ve never treated me as though I would take over. I doubt that when the time actually would’ve come you would’ve handed over the reins. Alpha Achilles is forcing you to do that. Now we have to honor it. Just like you would’ve said this morning. I am doing what I must to protect our pack. For my mate. For my son. For my brothers and sisters that fall under our care.”

“In the moving up ceremony,” the shaman began, “an Alpha may be challenged by an heir when he no longer is able to care for what is in the best interest of his pack, but is refusing to turn it over. Alpha Cas, do you understand that your son, Raphael is calling for the change?”

“He did not call for it,” the elder man spat. He removed his shirt and allowed the shaman to do the ceremonial paint on his face and over his chest,” but I will accept it. I refuse to give up the pack under any other circumstance.”

“The challenger,” the shaman said, gesturing to the younger, “ while next in line you are claiming that the Alpha is unfit and you are able to resume proper protection for this pack.”

Younger of the two had yet to turn around. He was facing his wife and mate, Convincing her that everything would be fine. His mate Held him as if she was worried. This was not something traditionally seen in my own pack. Somehow I couldn’t help but think of the woman I saw and had run into. Would she do this for me if Atlas where to challenge me?

‘Of course not you i***t,’ Shadow growled, ‘she’s only aware of your existence because you insulted her. She is too young to have even shifted. She wouldn’t know those feelings.’

“As witnesses, you all gather to view the fate of the Howling Night pack. Does anyone of standing disapprove of this ceremony?” The shaman asked. He looked towards the alphas that were here with me. All of us were silent. It was not our affair, and I didn’t care to claim such a small pack. The shaman turned back to the father and son, “your contest has been approved by your own pack and allies within that are in your presence. Nach Oben Bewegen starts and shall only stop when one of you can no longer fight. Whether it is to the death or until incapacitation. May the fates bless this and care for your souls.”

With that he walked from the center of the training grounds. The father and son stare at one another down and I felt an intense amount of joy. The soft clan was going to have a root awakening.

Then without warning alpha Cas lunged at his son. His claws were fully extended and it had obviously caught the younger off guard. He caught him in the arm and while he immediately started healing the younger was shaken by the fact that his father was obviously still swift enough to catch him.

The younger, however played it smart. He stayed in a defensive position and allowed his father to work through the rage, wearing himself down. Every once in a while Raphael would get in a good hit, but it was nothing serious.

That was, until Cas went in and Raphael caught his father’s leg. It was enough that he instantly fell to his knees and howled in pain. Then the younger went in for the kill.

When the father backed away, using his good leg to push him to the edge of the training ground I saw a large gash across his chest. Raphael was covered in his father‘s blood and his rage was clear at this point. He was fed up with playing second fiddle to his father. He was someone to watch, and with my help his clan could grow. I saw the true killer instinct. Something even my father would be proud of.

A lone howl stopped everything. It was a powerful, yet pained one, coming from nowhere in particular. A cool breeze sent shivers down my spine and she stood between her father and brother, holding his paw. It made her already petite frame look even smaller.

That’s when I noticed her eyes. She stared me down and I felt a chill to my very core. I felt guilty. It was almost as if she was saying all of this was my fault.

‘You pissed off our mate’.

Shut up Shadow.

“What are you doing,” the father shouted amidst the silence. He looked to his warriors, “capture him. Raphael is a traitor. This is treason!”

Mira dropped her brother’s paw. Not a soul moved as she turned to face her father. Raphael backed away with a whimper, as the cool breeze turned into something more. It felt like I was being dunked into a frozen lake. Every part of my bones cried out for warmth.

I watched in amazement and horror as I felt her power extend to not only me, but the other Alphas. Some shivered, others whimpered, just as her brother had, and they tried to back away as if creating distance would make it any better.

She said a few words to her father and placed a hand over him. He howled in pain and shifted, then ran off. Then she turned once more and went to her brother. Her eyes started going back to their normal shade of blue, and the cold faded away.

“Raphael of the mountain Kai has completed Nach Oben Bewegen,” she said in a calm, but authoritative tone, “presenting your newest Alpha of the Howling Night pack, Alpha Raphael.”

The pack began to cheer. While it definitely wasn’t the ending I was expecting, I felt pride in my chest, knowing what was going to happen next. Following the lead of the other alphas I walked up to shake hands and congratulate Raphael.

“You deserve to be the Alpha of Howling Night,” I smiled, taking his hand, “You are worthy of the title and I’m confident your pack will become plentiful once more. I’m proud to ally myself with you.”

“Thank you,” he smiled, “I have to admit I was not a fan of you before, but it seems as though are views are similar. I do however, owe you one more condition before we are on level ground.”

“I believe I have found my mate through your pack and I wish to take her home to my clan,” I admitted.

“If she agrees to go with you,” he said briskly, “I was raised by my mother to respect all, regardless of gender. I know the old ways believe that she-wolves are for mating, but the women in my life have always made me a better, stronger man.”

“Then I would like to ask permission to approach the female within your pack.”

“As you wish, Alpha Achilles.”

I nodded and we hated another moment of mutual respect. Then I took my leave and begun to head in the direction I saw her heading in. A few minutes later I saw her sitting on a bench, staring into the woods.

“I know that was your doing.”

I froze in my tracks.

How did she know I was here.

“You smell like a campfire,” she sighed. I could hear her inhaling a little deeper and I smiled.

‘She likes the way we smell,’ Shadow yipped.