Last Chance At Redemption

A Challenge

Liam POV

I hit him; I can’t believe actually hit him. I expected my father to come into my room and confront me about Raven but what I didn’t expect, was for Ryder to get so mad to the point of attacking my father.

“There is no way that this is happening. You are nothing more than a foolish little boy if you think that I would hand down my title to you so that you can run our pack into the ground.”

Those where the last words he said to me before I snapped. How dare he? I have trained my entire life to become alpha. I am well respected among the kingdom because of my training with the council and some of the other alphas prefer to have me visit than host my father.

The man is extremely rude, arrogant, self-centered, and as selfish as can be. I was to inherit the title of alpha at the age of 18 but he has refused to hand it over. Claiming that I am not ready.

After attacking my father, I left raven in the care of Ms. Louis and had to come for a run in the forest. Ryder is angrier than I have felt him before and if my mother hadn’t stepped in between my father and I, I believe Ryder could have killed him easily. To be honest, it was a little shocking to me that Ryder was able to pin my father down so easily. I have been afraid of the man my entire life and expected a much greater fight from him.

I hate that it has come to this, but I refuse to continue to live like this. If my father will not pass me the title because he thinks I’m not ready, Then I will challenge him for it. I will contact Elder Marcus as soon as I check up on Raven. I also need his help with her. Marcus isn’t as cold and unforgiving as the other members of the council, I trust him. I think that he could be the only person to help me figure out more about raven without a biased hatred for anyone that’s different.

I care for Raven and would never allow any harm to come to her, but I need to know what’s going on. If she turns out to be a hybrid, she can pose a danger to my pack. Especially if the crossbreed is a powerful breed. Hybrids for the most part have remained extinct throughout the years due to the tight grip of the council and the royals. They are seemed like an abomination. They are much stronger than either part of their species and can be extremely difficult to control. I am an alpha for example and have more control over my wolf than the average werewolf does but sometimes like earlier, Ryder will overpower me and take control. Imagine having to always keep 2 sides of yourself under control. It’s impossible.

I promised my mother that I would handle Raven if she were a danger to my pack, but I know for a fact, I would not be able to do that. I have loved her since we were kids. However, my pack does have to come fist and I must do everything in my power to protect them. There have been packs who have refused to turn in hybrids to the council before and they have all been destroyed. An act against an order from the royals is an act of war and that is not something I want to do. Especially since I have met alpha Ethan and know the man will spare none of my pack members any mercy regardless of whether they agreed with me or not.

If Elder Marcus and I find Raven to be a danger of my pack, I will help her escape so she can start a new life. It will hurt me greatly to be away from my mate and always worry and wonder about her well-being, but it is the most I can do if worst comes to worst. First, I need to get what is rightfully mine though to ensure Ravens safety while we investigate her second side. Otherwise, my father can mess up our investigation or try to have her killed.

I hate my father. I have never understood why he is the way he is and does the things he does. I have always been told that his parents were great people and raised him right. My grandparents were kind and just. They died when I was still very young, so I don’t remember them. My grandfather had a heart attack, and my grandmother died a few days later. Typically, mates don’t last too long when one of them dies.

The mate bond is supposed to be the greatest gift from the moon goddess. It allows for two souls to meet, love, and protect each other unconditionally for their rest of their lives. I feel bad that my mother was paired with my father. He hits her and is cruel to her behind closed doors. I’ve had to contain Ryder more times than I can count when I have heard him abuse her and insult her. He calls her a w**re and claims that she is worthless. He is the worthless one not her.

I return to the pack house still upset, but with my mind clearer than it was before. I know what I must do. I go up to my room to check on Raven and she is still sleeping. I’m glad I can count on Ms. Louis and 2 of my close friends to take care of her. Once, I know she is ok, I grab my phone and dial Elder Marcos.

“Hey son, how are you, I haven’t heard from you in such a long time, how have you been?” The old man asks. I hadn’t realized how much I have missed him since completing my training. He always treated me like family and has been more of a father to me than my own father has ever been.

“I want my title and feel that I deserve it. My father is purposely withholding the title from me for his own selfish reasons, and I will not have it anymore.” I get straight to the point.

“I see, I was wondering when this day would come, do you understand the consequences of what you are implying?”

“Yes, I am ready to fight him once and for all.” I respond, one hundred percent sure of myself. A challenge for the title of alpha means a fight to the death. Even though, I am my father’s kin, I know he will not hesitate to kill me and will not be showing me any mercy.

“Very well then, I shall pack and be there tomorrow to overview the challenge. I will have Sebastian come along as well since he has also been waiting for this day.” Sebastian is another of the elders and he hates my father maybe even more than I do. I once asked him why, but he refused to answer. Maybe, after this challenge, he will finally share with me his reason. However, Sebastian can not find out about Raven. He isn’t as cruel as other members, but I don’t trust him enough.

“No, I also need your help with something else and ask that you please come alone. I trust you and really need your advice investigating something here in the pack.”

“Very well then son, you can expect me tomorrow. Be sure to have my room ready for me. I will be leaving tonight.”

“Thank you, I will see you tomorrow.”

With that, we hang up the phone and I realize it is getting late. I head back to my room for sleep, and I am surprised when I arrive. She is awake.