THE ALPHA'S UNWANTED MATE

Chapter 9: challenge

Midnight. Full moon.

The entire pack circled the arena. Torches lit the night.

Damien stood shirtless. Scars from old battles marked his skin.

Across from him: Alpha Kade. Bigger. Meaner. Grinning.

"Last chance to surrender her," Kade said. "And the baby."

Damien growled. "Touch my family and I will end you."

The Elder raised her hand. "Begin!"

They crashed together.

Claws. Teeth. Blood.

Damien was faster. Kade was stronger.

They tore into each other. The ground shook.

Leo watched from the front row. Baby in her arms.

"Damien," she whispered. "Please."

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10 MINUTES LATER

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Damien had Kade on the ground. One paw on his throat.

"I win," he snarled. "Now leave."

Kade laughed. Blood in his teeth. "Did you really think that was it?"

Right then - a scream.

"LEO!"

Two rogue wolves grabbed Leo from behind.

Another took the baby from her arms.

"No!" Leo fought. "Let go of her!"

Kade shifted back to human. Wiped blood from his mouth.

"Challenge rules," he said. "If I lose, I leave.

If I win... I get the Luna and the heir."

He smiled. "Looks like I found a loophole."

Damien roared. He lunged. But 10 more rogues appeared.

Holding knives. To Leo’s throat.

"Stop," Kade said. "Or she dies."

Damien froze. His wolf screamed.

"Smart boy," Kade said. He took the baby from his man.

"See you soon, Alpha."

And they disappeared into the forest.

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1 HOUR LATER

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Damien punched the wall until his hands bled.

"Find them," he ordered his Beta. "Now."

Leo sat shaking. "This is my fault," she whispered. "If I wasn't here-"

Damien grabbed her face. "No. This is my fault.

I should have killed him."

He pulled her into his arms. "I will get her back.

I swear on my life, Leo. I will bring our daughter home."

Outside, 200 wolves were already running.

Hunting.

War had started.

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END OF CHAPTER 9