Antiope

If I bite down my jaw anymore, my teeth will break. But it's all I can do to keep me from losing it. And if I lose it now, all will be lost forever. So, I bite down harder and remind myself to breathe.

I look around in the vast open space of the pack-house. Last time we were all gathered here, the whole pack, it was Sonja's birthday. The day Magnus...Magnus.

Without turning my head, I glance at Magnus. He is chained outside on the same sliding doors he followed me through that day. Two of our enemies are guarding him and he is still dazed. My jaw aches from the pressure I put on it. I can't bear to see him like that.

"Do you feel sorry for him?"

Fuck.

I turn to the man sitting right next to me on the banqueting table. I know half the pack is questioning my logic right now. Throwing a feast for the men that dragged our Alpha back as if he is cattle? But to their credit, they did not question me and do as I order.

Not that these animals participate a lot. The rest of the men are situated strategically throughout the room, mostly at entrances and naked as they are, they look like statues of sentinels. I offered them clothes but they refused. And this does not bode well with my plan.

I turn to face my adversary and I remember I haven't answered his question. No, asshole, I don't feel sorry for Magnus. I feel sorry for you. This man has been planning this for a while and in his plans, Magnus's pack would be left headless and weak once he would be gone. I was not part of his plans. Yes, seriously sorry for you.

"No. But the others do," I wave at the rest of the room.

And it was true. Ordered to stay away or not, no one could keep their eyes off Magnus. And everyone looks with sympathy or rage. It's the hardest thing to look upon their Alpha chained like a dog.

"They will get over it. Tonight. When I will crash their precious Alpha."

Smile.

"I can't wait to see that," I narrow my eyes in pretend malice. "But if he staggers to the ring like that, no one is going to be happy. They will say you are afraid of him."

The man's eyes glint with wrath. One wrong word and he will snap my neck and no one will be fast enough to stop him.

"I fear no one."

I lean closer to him. His nostrils flare at the contact. He is wild and untamed and I can tell no one has dared to touch him. As I get closer, I swallow the vomit rising from my stomach. Maximo is screaming in my ear and I silence her.

"That's why I am betting on you. But we have to do this right," I drive my fingers up his arm.

He growls. Well, what do you want? I was a celibate virgin before I met Magnus. But it seems to work. He inhales my scent and purrs lowly.

"I hope your men can hold their own," I try the waters.

"They are the best of my men."

Good to know.

"They are strong. That is appreciated by some in the pack at least," I say and nod at a few of the women.

If the widows in the pack want to repay Magnus for all he has done for them, now it's the time. And I am glad to see that they deliver as instructed. Some eye the warriors, some have gone straight up to others and flirt openly.

"You see, not all of us were particularly fond of Magnus."

The man laughs. It's a harsh, cruel laughter that chills my soul. But I see it. I made the right bet. A macho Alpha male that thinks that the females are not worthy. I doubt it has even crossed his mind that I am capable of standing up to him or that any of the women in this pack can be twice as dangerous as the men. All that male stupidity I had to face all my life is coming handy right now.

"If you want my advice," I push for more, "we need to take Magnus to the cells, have him off whatever you have him on and away from the eyes of the pack."

For this to work, I need Magnus up and alert.

"As for your men, why don't you let them have their fun?"

He gets up in a sudden move. Shit shit shit. Cold sweat runs down my spine and I glance Egil that is fully alert. The two men guarding Magnus stiffen and I see their canines and nails elongate. One word and Magnus is dead. But thankfully, the man beckons and the guards push Magnus up and through the doors.

Absolute silence reigns in the hall. I get up to stand by my mortal enemy and mind link everyone to stay calm. Easier said than done. To see their Alpha, their ruler and protector walk like that, shameful in his own pack house is more than anyone can take. I see Torhild take a step forward but Egil subtly stops him. The rest of the warriors eye their superiors, ready to attack at one gesture. But I thank the Goddess when both Egil and Torhild order them to stand down.

Magnus is brought before us and I struggle to keep an emotionless mask on my face. Underneath, I am anything but. I am a whirlwind of emotion that threatens to lift me off my feet and throw me in a pit of rage. But for now. I must stay in Kansas and do not let the animal in me take control. There will be time for that.

"Here is your powerful Alpha," the man scoffs. "Before the day ends you will see what real power looks like."

Yes, you fucking will, I smile thinking what Magnus will do to him. If it all works as planned.

"Follow me, I say and male my way to the holding cells.

Before I walk down the stairs, I nod to Astrid. She returns the gesture and puts on a wide smile before turning to one of the intruder guards.

I guide him to the holding cells and I am sure he can still smell the stench of the wolves he sent after me. Their bodies were brought down her for examination.

"Weaklings," The man spats. "But I guess it's better like that. Who killed them?"

I did, asshole! I ripped them apart as I will do with you.

"My bodyguards," I lie. "They took down two before they were killed. I don't think I have never seen Magnus so scared."

His eyes narrow and a vicious smile makes his face turn even more sinister.

"He hasn't seen my power yet."

"I am counting on that. My head is on the line too, you know," I say, scaring me with the ease with which I lie.

I open the door to one of the larger cells. His guards throw a dazed Magnus inside and I swallow my anger.

My eyes sting. I want to hold my mate so badly, my skin hurts. A little while longer.

"Now if you'll excuse me," I smile without even glancing at Magnus, " I have to take care of something."

The man grabs me when I pass by him and pulls me to his naked body. Vomit rises again and my stomach churns. And I hear a growl from Magnus that is fighting with the drugs.

"Where do you think you are going?"

I smile seductively.

"The girls want to prepare a warm welcome for your guys. Ever had a proper Swedish sauna?"

His hold doesn't slack but his eyes drop to my lips and he runs his teeth over his teeth. The make up I have plastered over Magnus's Mark is burning my skin more than where his filthy fingers are touching me.

"No."

"No time better than now," I lift an eyebrow. "It will relax and invigorate you. And I can show you how grateful I am."

He says nothing. Just slams his mouth on mine. Yep, that's it. I will vomit in his mouth and we will all be dead.

But his assault is interrupted. The rattling of chains echoes in the room and a growl fills the cell. Drugged and Goddess knows what else, Magnus is standing and he has his chain wrapped around the neck of one of his guards. He lifts his head slowly and eyes the man that still has me in his arms. And with one powerful twist of his muscles, he breaks the neck of his guard.

The man moves aggressively towards Magnus but I hold him.

"No, not now. Before the pack. I will make sure he will be weak and ready to die."

The man stops. I advance to Magnus that is trying to focus his hazed look on me. Goddess, I have missed him so much. I am this close to blowing this whole thing into the air just to throw myself his arms and breathe in his scent. But I can't risk his life. Not like this. So instead, I steel my face.

"I made you a promise, Ulfisson," I pray my voice is even. "You will regret this."

I almost smile remembering those first days of our bizarre relationship. My face may be cruel but I get the chance to pin my eyes in his with longing while the other guard removes the dead body. A dread comes over me. What if he believes that I betrayed him? That I am lost to him. That he will be giving up. That Henrar would give up. My voice almost breaks.

"And I always keep my promises."