Later in the afternoon, the Pack gathered on one of the large fields where there was a large portion of it covered with dirt, suitable for sparring. A flow of faint whispers filled the air as Jude waited for the last few members to join the growing crowd. He stood in front of the assembling Pack members, with Aella at his side.

Alexei had formed a line with the other men of the inner circle. Jude stood in front of them. Every few minutes, Alexei would catch my gaze in the crowd. A small, secretive smile would then spread across his lips, and I knew exactly what he was thinking.

He didn't even try to hide it.

Emerys, who stood beside him, read his friend's expression perfectly, which earned a few head ruffles from the older man himself. Alexei tried to swat his hands away, but the bearded man had fast hands. Even from where I stood near the back, I caught wisps of his laughter that caught the breeze.

"Do you know what this is all about?" Kian asked, standing beside me.

"No, not a clue."

"I might have a clue."

Before he could expand, Jude raised his hand. The whispers instantly ceased.

Someone hissed a 'shush', which effectively killed the last bits of whispers.

Even the little children had clamped their lips tight, anticipating their leader's announcement.

Jude surveyed the crowd, pleased to see that he had all their attention.

For someone so quiet, Jude had a way of communicating to his Pack that no one else could.

"In the last few days, select Enforcers and I have been doing some work up in the mountains. In doing so, we have come into contact with Alpha Bennett and his Pack that wish to join our Pack."

Cries of surprise broke out.

Jude allowed them a solid minute to voice their concerns. Most were unintelligible because people were shouting over another, trying to be heard.

Alexei and Jamison stood the closest to Jude. They remained stoic during the commotion. Aella stood by Jude's side, observing, and listening to the Pack's worries.

It wasn't a surprise people were so against it. Alpha Bennett's name was like dirt in this Pack. People had eventually found out what he had done to their Luna and Allison, including the sins of his sons. Although neither woman confirmed or denied the rumours, the Pack members were fiercely protective of them. Kian was not much help either, considering I caught him stirring the pot a few times when the old women brought out their crochet needles and half made quilts to gossip.

"I understand why most are upset but I am a fair Alpha. Hence, before anything can be moved ahead, duels will occur. Alpha Bennett and his sons will be punished for their past transgressions and all parties have permitted it."

"Who will do it?"

"Allison has volunteered to go against Alpha Bennett." Jude announced. "Aella will be put against Ace and Jace will be pitted against Kian."

The shouts transitioned into whispers that spread across the crowd.

I was stunned.

Alexei adapted the perfect poker face, even I had trouble reading it as Jude spoke.

I faced Kian, who stiffened when some gazes shot towards him in question.

"You're going to have duel with Jace?" I asked quietly.

"I overhead the Alpha talking about the duels. Aella and Allison were already scheduled to fight in the duels, but they were still trying to find someone for Jace, so I offered myself up. Walked right into his office and gave myself up." He explained, "They had no choice really. I didn't give them the chance. I wanted this."

"And you just offered yourself up like that?" I asked, baffled.

"I have some things I want to settle with these Bennett assholes."

"You should've told me they were looking for someone. I would've gladly put my hand up to fight that scumbag."

Kian snorted. "Too late. If you want, I could probably let you get a few hits in. Of course, we would need to make it look as if it was accidental." The absolute glee on his face was disturbing. I probably needed professional help because I wasn't exactly discouraging it.

"You and I are terrible actors." I chuckled, "It won't work. Jude would see and deem the whole thing unfair. You know how much of a stickler for order and rules he is."

"Then, it'll be up to me to fuck him up." Kian cracked his knuckles.

"Mmm, sexy." I chuckled.

Jude continued to speak, setting out the plan for all to hear. I caught Alexei's gaze again, stunned to realise that he had already pinned me down with that dark gaze of his. I felt my cheeks warm from the impact of his attention.

"Don't think I haven't caught how stronger his scent is on you." Kian smirked. "I guess he's claimed you now huh." He pointed to my neck where Alexei's teeth marked.

"I thought you would be a gentleman and not mention a word."

"Difficult not to when you reek of him."

"Glad we cleared this up."

"The spars will commence tonight." Jude announced as the whispers dimmed.

***

No one spoke as Alpha Bennett appeared.

He wore nothing but a pair of shorts. The hem of it was shredded, as if he had just escaped the clutches of some savage beast. His sons trailed behind him quietly, avoiding the eyes of every Pack member.

I wondered briefly where Mrs Bennett was. Her husband and sons were on the verge of battle, which could possibly result in their deaths. There was no sight of the woman and I wondered if I had seen her when I came across the Pack under the caverns.

Bennett carried a solemn expression as he approached Jude. Everyone was on alert, considering there was a stranger in the Pack. Enforcers had formed a circle around the crowd gathered to witness the battle. If Bennett tried to leave, he wouldn't get far. The same applied to his sons. They were trapped.

I was shocked that they hadn't tried to run off already.

"We have come unarmed and ready to duel." Bennett greeted Jude.

The two men eyed each other.

Jude scanned each member of the trio. He gestured to Emerys and Ty to verify their claims. The two men approached and patted their shorts. After a quick search, the Enforcers signalled Jude that all three were clear.

Jude then held out his arm, motioning to the circle, free of Pack members, "That will be where you will have your battle. Your opponent has been waiting."

Bennett rotated his neck, getting the clicks out. "I'll be done with him soon enough." He moved to the circle with brisk, confident strides.

"He said 'he'." I told Kian who also noted the same thing.

"Shit, no one told him who his opponent was." Kian said just as the people in front of Alpha Bennett parted, revealing Allison in her midnight blue gear. Her hair was manipulated into two twin braids that dangled over her chest. She cocked her head to the side as she squared her shoulders.

Bennett slowed to a complete stop, paling instantly.

Allison lifted her chin, squaring her shoulders. "Hey."

Bennett's head hastily swivelled to Jude. "No. I'm not fighting her."

Jude craned his neck, "This is part of the deal, is it not? You accepted a duel."

"But not with her." The man shook his head, stepping back.

"If you withdraw now, should I take this as you withdrawing from the whole thing? Have you given up already?"

Bennett's fists tensed at his sides, "I'm not going to fight her. I accepted a duel, just not with her."

"Well, she is your opponent." Jude drawled, "Either you get into the circle and commence the duel, or you forfeit the conditions you so badly wanted. It is only fair."

Allison observed the man who had been destined to be her mate. Her expression was tightly concealed that neither man could decipher it. She was cool as a statue. Tatum stood further back in the crowd, watching the scene unfold. There was tension coiled within his body. I was sure he hadn't moved from his spot once Bennett appeared. His jaw ticked the longer Bennett stared at Allison with unfiltered shock.

"I want to have a duel." Allison spoke up, rattling Bennett from his frozen state.

Bennett gulped, "I won't fight you. I can't."

Allison hissed out a laugh, "All you ever done was fight with me."

Bennett's jaw tightened.

"C'mon, just like old times."

The man didn't move.

"Dad, what are you doing?" Jace asked. "We need to do this."

Did I hear desperation in Jace's plea?

Bennett palmed his jaw, "I'm ready."

He slowly but warily entered the circle, standing opposite Allison. Not once did he lower his gaze as she shifted on her feet, facing him with nothing but determination.

"Before you both start, do you permit the use of your wolves or not?" Jude asked, standing at the side lines.

"I don't permit." Bennett replied first.

Allison blinked at him, caught completely off guard. "I don't permit either."

"Alright. Then let's start. On the count of three." Jude lifted his hand in the air.

The crowd vibrated with tension as Jude began to count off.

"One...two...three!" His hand sliced the air.

Allison lunged first, toppling the man to his back in seconds. The Pack members cheered.

I didn't.

I was stupefied.

Allison had swiftly launched herself over his ribs, clamping down on his sides as she slid her knuckles over and over his face. She moved fast and did look like she was packing more than enough force to debilitate him but that wasn't the issue.

Bennett wasn't fighting back.

He was taking the hits, keeping his arms limp.

Allison noticed too. She stopped once she realised that Bennett had turned himself into a willing punching bag. She immediately shifted off him, and rolled to her feet, brushing her hair from her face. "What the hell are you doing? You're supposed to be fighting me!"

"How can I fight you?" Bennett asked, sitting up with a wince. His eye was swollen, as well as his jaw. "I told myself that I wouldn't lay a finger on you the moment I lost you."

This seemed to anger Allison.

I wasn't the only one perplexed about the unravelling scene.

She was beyond pissed as Bennett wiped away a streak of blood from under his nose.

"Get the hell up and fight me." She demanded. "I know you've always wanted to spar with me. Fight me. You lost me a long time ago."

"I know." He slowly rolled to his feet. "Your beating hurts like a fucking bitch."

"Then defend yourself against me."

"No."

"This isn't going to work." Jude called out seconds later, "It's clear he won't lift a finger against you." He spoke to Allison.

Allison nodded, defeated, "He won't."

"Then allow me the honours." Tatum walked through the crowd until he was standing beside Allison.

Bennett's brows wrinkled as he took in Tatum's clean-cut appearance. "Who do you think you are?"

"The man who who'd do anything for his woman." He replied sternly, unbuttoning his dress shirt. When he slipped it off, he handed it to Jude, along with his gold cuff links. Both men were now without a shirt and neither seemed to mind.

Rage renewed into Bennett's face, "I have unfinished business with you."

"Me too. Shall we start with the fact that you almost broke my Beloved?" Tatum flexed his hands, "I've been wanting to get my hands on you for some time. You've been nothing but a pest to my family."

Before either man could move, Jude intercepted, "Seeing as you refuse to actively participate with Allison, I've decided that Tatum will take her place. Do you consent to use of your wolves?" He asked.

Both men bit out a 'no'.

It seemed that they both could agree on one thing. They didn't need their wolves for this duel.

When Jude left the circle and began the countdown again, the men ran for each other when Jude's arm sliced the air to signal the commencement of the duel.

The men clashed.

Tatum swept Bennett of his feet with ease, tossing his a few metres to the right. The crowd quickly dispersed as he landed. Plumes of dust rained on him. Bennett was fast to recover. He merely leaped to his feet and ran for Tatum again. Tatum swiftly dodged his opponent's hands, ducking. Bennett cursed, spinning around just as Tatum straightened, clenching his teeth. "You have to do better than that to pin me down." Tatum taunted.

Bennett took the bait, running for the man again. His hand shot out, gripping Tatum's bicep. Tatum easily dislodged his limb from his grasp, dropping to his haunches and swiping a leg against Bennett's ankles. He lost balance, teetering on his toes. Tatum instantly grabbed him by the back of the neck and slammed the man face down into the dirt.

A resounding crunch echoed as more dust flew up, obscuring the men from our sight.

When we could see clearly, Tatum still had Bennett by his neck, holding him down. The Alpha struggled under his hold but when it was obvious that he couldn't do much, his body went limp.

Allison darted to the front of the crowd.

Tatum flipped Bennett around until he was face up. "I want to kill you."

Bennett's jaw flexed, "Do it."

"You've made their lives hell."

Something flickered over Bennett's face, "I know."

Tatum's wide chest swelled before he kneeled, holding his throat again. "You deserve more than death. You deserve to live the rest of your life regretting your choices, outside from this Pack. You'll do well to stay away from my mate and daughter."

Bennett's brows wrinkled, "You're not going to kill me?" He looked like he was seconds from going into a rage.

Tatum shot him a look that made the man shrink a little, "You've died a thousand deaths in my head. It may not be enough for what you've done but it's enough for my mate. Know that the reason you're still alive is because my mate is merciful. Your blood will not stain my hands this evening."

"No, kill me!"

"Dad!" Ace and Jace yelled.

Bennett ignored his sons as he stared up at Tatum and Allison, "End me. I know you want to."

Tatum stood and stepped away from him. Allison immediately slipped to his side and curled an arm around his waist. Holding his gaze, Tatum continued, "I hope I never see you again. You're despicable."

"Then fucking end me!" The man cried, scrambling to his feet, "Kill me. End this duel." He thumped his chest.

Tatum shook his head, "May you rot in hell Bennett."

Without another word, Tatum turned. He huddled Allison in front of him as they departed.

Everyone watched silently as the couple left.

"The next two duels will occur tomorrow night. Be prepared to be a witness to these duels that will take place simultaneously." Jude told the Pack.