Goal: A Mate (Bachelor Auction #2) (14 page)

“Moving on, Dalton has come forward to challenge Alberto for alpha status.” Martin nodded behind him. Kelly stared past her father to the tall, silent man with the deeply bronzed skin and rugged features. Dalton nodded toward Kelly.

“Well, fuck. Fine. I challenge Alberto for mating rights to Kelly.” Brandon stepped forward and stood toe-to-toe with Alberto. Anger etched on his face. “And I choose Reenie as my second.”

Reenie screeched. “For fuck’s sake, do I look dressed to beat his smug ass? I’m not ruining my heels just to stomp a mud hole in his conceited mug.” She huffed out a breath that clouded her features.

“I’ll second Brandon,” a deep voice called out.

Kelly glanced around until she spotted the source of the sound. It was a new member who had joined them from another pack within the last year. He was a hockey player, whose name escaped her at the moment.

“Cash. Nice to see you here, and thank you.” Brandon unzipped his coat and peeled off his sweater, handing both articles of clothing to Kelly without looking away from Alberto.

Kelly accepted the garments and watched with interest as he bent down and pulled off his boots. He toed them over to her, then reached for his fly.

A flush of heat burst in Kelly’s gut.

Reenie pinched her butt again. “Down girl.”

“Stop that!” Kelly hissed. “What will our new friend think of us?”

“That we’re weirdoes who like to pinch each other’s asses?” Reenie crouched down and picked up Brandon’s boots.

“I can’t believe you two are talking about ass pinching when Brandon is about to fight my brother.” Mabel moved toward them, but she didn’t do or say anything to stop the impending face-off.

“Are we supposed to sob and throw ourselves on the bonfire to stop it? Because personally I’d like to see this fight. Not that I want to see my brother naked, mind you. Been there, done that. I have the bathtub pictures to prove it. But it’s been awhile since I’ve seen a good werewolf ass whooping.” Reenie accepted her brother’s belt.

Kelly tried not to direct her gaze toward her mate’s groin, but she couldn’t stop zeroing in on the flaccid appendage. Disappointment filled her. A part of her wanted him to be hard and proud, even out here in the cold in front of the whole pack.

Brandon winked at her, as if reading her mind. “No worries, honey. Later you’ll get the response you want.”

“Oh my Goddess, you perv. You wanted him aroused before a fight? And Mabel thinks I’m a sicko?” Reenie snorted.

“Shut up, both of you,” Alberto barked. He was still fully clothed and looking perturbed.

“Well, I never!” Reenie placed a hand on her chest and rolled her eyes.

“Yeah, I never!” Mabel followed Reenie’s lead.

Alberto took a step forward, only to have his path blocked by Brandon. “I’m your opponent. You gonna strip here and now, or am I gonna have to tear your clothes off?”

“Wow, bro. That really sounds like the start of a gay porno.” Reenie smoothed down her jeans. “Not that I watch those things.”

“Reenie,” Brandon growled.

“Sorry, sorry. You know I make jokes when I’m nervous.” Reenie took a step back.

Kelly rushed up to Brandon and kissed him on his shoulder. Her mate mark was exposed for everyone to see. “Come back to me.”

“Don’t I always, honey?” Brandon didn’t turn and kiss her, but he didn’t have to. She could feel his love. Kelly rushed back to Reenie and Mabel, both of whom looked green around the gills. Reenie wrapped an arm around Mabel and dragged Kelly in for a half hug.

Alberto yanked off his clothes in jerks and grabs, until he was nude as well. Kelly’s heart hammered in her chest. Fear clutched her. She felt all the weight that had been hanging over her for the past month come crashing down. She almost stumbled.

She swallowed and clutched Brandon’s clothes to her chest. His scent floated up to her nose, allowing her some semblance of calm and closeness.

Please, Goddess, let him come back to me in once piece.

This had been the prayer she’d uttered every time he’d left town for a game or before he took to the ice. This time, she knew there was a chance he may not return to her alive. Not if the look of hatred on Alberto’s face was any indication.

Chapter Eleven

Brandon studied his opponent. He’d never seen Alberto so angry before. Was this all because of Kelly? Did he really care that much about being mated to her, or was it because he was being challenged on two fronts? Nothing in Alberto’s posture gave Brandon the answer.

Martin gave two short, loud whistles. “We have two challenges this night. So, to honor this and raise the stakes, Dalton shall join the fight. Whoever wins will be able to determine the rewards and punishments of the losers.”

Brandon didn’t take his eyes off of Alberto, but he felt Dalton’s energy pulsing beside him. It didn’t feel like a threat.

“Do you understand?” Martin demanded.

All participants in the challenge nodded, without looking at their leader.

“The rules of the challenge are as I choose. The trial is for third blood. The first wolf to inflict three marks on both of his opponents will be declared the victor. As alpha, by the light of the blessing of the goddess, by the light of the moon, I demand you
shift
!”

The command reverberated through Brandon’s bones. Only a true alpha could call forth the shift upon his pack members. Even Alberto was affected, and he was an alpha, albeit a young one, in his own right. This just showed the depth of Martin’s true power as head of the Scythe Moon pack.

Brandon’s lycan pushed up and through his body, shoving his more human instincts aside as if it were made of feathers. His surroundings grew brighter as a soft breeze brought with it the scent of deer musk and the lingering odor of bears. His ears picked up at the distant hoot of an owl. Prickles tickled his skin as thick tufts of fur rippled over his superheated flesh. Lava poured into him in a constant torrent, making him feel like a furnace set on high. His jaw, brain, and fingertips throbbed as he dropped to the ground on all fours. Limbs shrunk, tendons and muscles stretched, organs shifted, bones cracked, broke, and reformed.

Throughout it all, he could scent Kelly above all others. The combination of his own aroma and hers created an anchor for him to focus on as the wolf took over. As the haze of the change lifted, he saw Alberto, a large, dark-brown wolf with patches of tan and gray fur over his body and amber eyes. To his right stood Dalton, a medium-size white wolf with black-brown eyes.

Brandon’s body burned. His muscles and tendons popped and pulsed and his heartbeat pounded a rapid tattoo on his tender, reforming rib cage. The challenge resurfaced at the forefront of his brain just as Alberto lowered his head and rushed forward, crashing into Brandon with jaws snapping and spittle flying. Brandon jumped to the side and snapped his jaws shut, catching a tuft of Alberto’s fur between his teeth. With a pull, the thick tuft ripped off, showing bright pink flesh underneath but no blood.

Alberto adjusted his attack and came at Brandon once more. This time sharp teeth sunk into Brandon’s injured shoulder. With a yelp, Brandon tried to pull away but Alberto had a solid hold.

“First draw goes to Alberto,” Martin announced.

Boos could be heard from the crowd around them, the loudest coming from Kelly and Reenie.

Brandon could take little comfort from the support as pain stalled him. Alberto shook his head, tearing up the wound. With a growl, Brandon jerked his head and chomped down on the closest thing he could grab. His canines sunk into Alberto’s neck.

Alberto released his hold on Brandon and tried to pull away, but Brandon pressed down harder. Fire-hot blood seeped into his mouth. The sanguine liquid poured over his lips and dripped down his chin, staining his fur.

“Brandon has drawn!” bellowed Martin.

The crowd wooted. Alberto let out several pitiful yelps and struggled in Brandon’s hold. At that moment, Dalton crashed into Alberto.

“Dalton has drawn!”

The pack around them hooted and hollered. Bear musk permeated the area and awareness that they were not the only shifters out tonight slammed into Brandon. Shit! They needed to finish this, and quick. He released Alberto and moved back. Like a dance, Dalton did the same, and they came at Alberto at the same time. Both of them slashed at their nemesis with sharpened claws.

“Dalton and Brandon have both scored their second blood!” Martin let out a whistle.

Again they both went in, this time with their teeth, until Alberto collapsed under the onslaught. Elation buoyed Brandon, and he was momentarily distracted by the victory over his rival for Kelly’s hand.

A low growl caught his attention. There was no time to celebrate, as Dalton head butted him in his injured shoulder. Pain reverberated from that point, causing his legs to shake and the ground to become unsteady. He dug his claws in and tried to stand his ground, turned and lowered his head, steeling himself for the hit. Dalton’s eyes flashed and an understanding passed between them. As soon as Dalton was within striking distance, Brandon released, lurched forward, and snapped his jaws, clipping Dalton’s nose. Dalton whimpered and dodged to the side, adjusted his course and came at him, biting down on his side.

“Halt!” Martin called out.

Both wolves stilled, panting and shaking on their feet. They glanced at their alpha.

“Stay!” Martin ordered.

Both wolves sat down. Brandon’s limbs protested the movement. He wanted to lie down and sleep, even as adrenaline pumped through his veins. He huffed and puffed clouds of steam, as he waited for his alpha’s ruling. He couldn’t see if the attempt on Dalton’s nose had been successful, but he was sure that there was a wound on his own back left leg. He could feel the sticky fluid leaking onto the fur and dripping down the leg. All told, he was bitten and marked on his side and shoulder.

It could have been worse. Much worse. He’d heard of fights where the alpha didn’t stop the carnage until only one opponent was alive.

“A good effort all round, but the winner and new alpha is Dalton!
Shift!
” Martin’s command reached deep into Brandon’s mind and pulled forth the human part of him. He didn’t fight it. Disappointment left a bitter tang in his mouth, as he allowed the wolf to recede. Like a tide pulling away from the shore, his animal fell back into the deep, dark well of its flesh cage. He had lost. What that meant he wasn’t sure, but if he had to he’d fight for Kelly once again. She was his soul and heart. To lose her would leave life a colorless monotony that made death look better than going on without her.

The switch back to human was easier than shifting into wolf form. Pain eased as the animal withdrew into him and melded with his natural form. Once on his feet, he swayed. Darkness edged his vision as his focus blurred and cleared. Light and sound made his brain throb. He fell before he could stop himself. Blood slipped down his side and traced the contours of his back.

“Brandon!” Kelly’s familiar, soothing perfume surrounded him. Her warmth seeped into his cold skin and was absorbed by his body.

“Hey…” his throat felt raw, and an odd, dry, metallic taste coated his tongue. His Adam’s apple worked, but he couldn’t get enough saliva together to wet his lips.

“Fuck.” The word came out low and rough.

“Dad?” Kelly’s voice came from a distance. Panic filled her words, souring their sweet sound.

Just the sound of her voice made Brandon feel light. Or was his head messing with him? He wasn’t sure. He began to shake with increasing violence until his teeth chattered. Everything was so cold, and Kelly’s body heat wasn’t helping him.

Brandon couldn’t lift his head. It was like a hundred-pound weight on his neck that only fell back every time he tried to raise it.

“Please…no…I…can…handle…” His words were lost as the world blackened.

Chapter Twelve

Kelly’s heart dropped as she watched Brandon fall to the ground. A roar sounded in her ears. Anger fired her blood as the shift tried to take hold of her.

Defend my mate
. Those three words repeated in her head over and over as her fingernails turned to claws and muscles lengthened, pressing against the constriction of her clothing and jacket. Her father turned his gaze to her, stilling her wolf and halting the transition.

“Stop.” The single word was like a feather made of iron, said softly but carrying so much weight. It hit her hard and shoved her wolven counterpart back down. She watched, frozen in place, as her father strode forward.

The old man crouched down, his gaze roaming over Brandon’s features before he glanced over his shoulder and nodded his head. “Dalton. You wanna make a call now?”

Everything went silent. A chill hung in the air. Not even the wind stirred. It felt as if winter and the world around them were holding their breath, waiting to hear what Dalton would say.

Dalton’s thick, blond brow shot up, but he didn’t protest. “Brandon and Kelly may be a mated couple. Any claim Alberto
thinks
he has is over. I hereby move to dissolve the possible merger between the Scythe Moon pack and the Ivory Claw pack. I recognize the merger of the Scythe Moon pack and Mabel’s Persian cat shifters. Mandates will be discussed before the full moon shift. Pack summit dismissed.” He gave a nod and the pack began to disperse.

Kelly exhaled. Tears burned in her eyes. Clouds of warm air obscured her vision, covering up the tears that slipped over her cheeks. Relief took away any of her tension.

Dalton came over and crouched down. With a nod, he and Martin scooped up Brandon’s prone body. “Come on, let’s get the pup home.”

“What about Alberto?” Reenie asked, as she covered Brandon’s naked body with a coat.

Kelly glanced over to Alberto, who was being helped up by his beta. Mabel hovered just a few feet away. For a moment, she was torn between taking the cat shifter with them and letting her attend to the man she considered her sibling.

Kelly watched as her pack members helped Alberto and his beta get their things together. As Alberto passed them, Kelly could see faded bruises, wounds, and scars. Wolves healed fast, but his gaze seemed unfocused and a few times his beta had to guide him away from the edge of the trail back to the center.