Twisted Loves

Chapter 6

           Uncle Jonathon smiled at me, before turning to start the meeting. After three hours of going over different security measures, rogue problems, and various other pack issues, I was intrigued by everything. Xander seemed amused that I was so engrossed in things, and was offering suggestions for ways to improve things. We were now onto agriculture, and this was something I had become well versed in with my studies. I knew what our pack's terrain was good for and what we lacked in the terrain to grow.

          As everyone was discussing what their plans were, I had an idea. I bit my lower lip as I thought about it. I felt my mind fuzz up a bit and quickly let down my walls, knowing it was Josh trying to mind link me. Being twin cousins, we were able to mind link from when we were young.

           What's up, Nik? You've got that thinking look.

           I just have an idea about helping with the agricultural issues, but I don't know if my speaking up would be appreciated.

           Well I've got your back.

            I was pulled from my thoughts when Xander pulled my bottom lip from my teeth. I looked at him and blushed, embarrassed.

            "What are you thinking, butterfly?" He asked me, looking straight into my eyes.

            I blushed harder and smiled shyly before replying, "I just had an idea, but I'm not sure if I should speak at this or not…" I whispered so only he could hear.

            He smirked before kissing my nose gently, then turned to address the crowd, "My mate has an idea, I think it couldn't hurt to hear her thoughts." I looked around suddenly super nervous. I gulped and he rubbed circles with his thumb on my lower back to calm me down.

           "Well, Nikki, let's hear it. You're a bright young lady, I'd be eager to hear," Uncle Jonathon said to me, gesturing for me to take the floor.

           I stood and walked to the table where there were charts and graphs laid out. I rearranged the charts so that they were lined up in a proper way and took a deep breath. I turned to my uncle. "Thank you, Uncle Jonathon. What I learned in studying all the different packs within a one hundred mile radius is that we all lack or struggle with the upkeep of specific crops and produce due to our locations. However, each of the packs are lacking in something that a pack one or two territories over thrives with. I know these kinds or situations aren't practiced, but having a trade route or a trade agreement between packs wouldn't be a bad thought. I know it's not ideal, as trusting other packs can be tricky, but in the end it benefits everybody," I announced and held my breath as I sat back down and was immediately pulled into Xander's lap. I let out a huge breath as he rubbed circles on my lower back again.

           Uncle Jonathon smiled as he looked out at the arranged charts. He realized I arranged them based on which trades would benefit the most. He looked over at me and said, "Nikki, that is a brilliant thought. You're right, it hasn't been thought of, but it doesn't mean it's not doable. These things aren't usually done due to trust issues, so yes, that would be why they were not thought of. Alpha Xander, would you be willing to partake in trade between our two packs?" He was testing Xander's loyalty to me and my family. This would be interesting.

           Xander chuckled and turned to look into my eyes as he answered my uncle. "I would be honored to take part, Alpha Jonathon. My little mate is a smart one," he replied, making my heart warm, and my uncle was satisfied with the response. A few other alphas were chatting, discussing how they could help each other. However, there was one alpha that was not happy.

           "Why should we take her advice? Isn't she the rogue orphan you took in out of pity? She couldn't even show up to her own birthday party!" The upset alpha exclaimed. I had come to learn his name was Alpha Jackson of the Black Moon Pack.

           Xander was growling and about to protest, but I stopped him by standing abruptly. Everyone's eyes were on me and I didnt care. "Alpha Jackson it is, correct? Well, if you're so convinced that I'm just some rogue orphan, why did you wait until now to voice concern?" I questioned, but didnt let him answer. "Furthermore, what does my lineage have to do with you? I know that my family is Alpha Jonathon, Luna Debbie, and Joshua. Do not question that," I finished still glaring daggers at him.

           No one knew what to do. They all started wide eyed as I basically told the alpha what to do. He was livid. Xander and Josh were proud as hell, and Uncle Jonathon was nervous.

           "Well you've got the mouth of a rogue. You probably fight like one, too," he retorted with a smirk. That was it for me. I saw red.

           "If you're so sure, then you won't be opposed to a duel. You against me. Or are you too proud to get whooped by a she-wolf?" I responded, warning gasps all around.

          Xander was quick to stand next to me and look at me with disbelief and concern. I gave him a look that said 'don't push me' and he quickly stood by my side.

           Alpha Jackson raged, and quickly growled out, "I Alpha Jackson of the Black Moon Pack, challenge you Nikita, to a duel. I'll prove you're a wannabe power hungry mutt." He watched me waiting for me to back down. Boy was he wrong.

           I stood taller and walked around the table to the door, opened it, then turned to look at him. "I, Nikita Francis of the Blood Moon Pack, accept your challenge, Alpha Jackson. Meet me in the challenge circle when you're ready. Coming Xander?" I respond, walking out with my head held high. Josh, Xander and Kade were quick to follow.

            When I walked out the back door towards the challenge ring, I shook my arms and rolled my neck to release the tension. I knew I could do this, but this time I'd have an audience. I stopped at the edge of the ring and started doing my stretches as the boys walked up to me.

            Josh was the first to break the silence. "Nik, we both know you're an amazing fighter, but…" he trailed off trying to choose his words carefully.

            I kicked my foot up and he caught it, helping me stretch like he always does before a fight. I could see Xander getting uncomfortable with the idea so I spoke. "Listen guys, it will be fine. It's not my first fight. I can do this," I assured them, even though I wasn't sure myself. I've never fought an alpha besides Josh.

           As I switched legs with Josh still helping, Xander couldn't take it anymore. "Nikita, this is dangerous. I can't have you getting hurt!" He damn near yelled. I almost lost my cool right there but closed my eyes and took a few breaths stepping away from them all.

           When I opened my eyes Josh was shaking his head and Kade and Xander looked confused as hell. "First off, Nikita is my name for formalities only. I hate being called it otherwise. It's Nikki or Nik. Second, I'm not scared. I'm trained for this," I finally said as I looked over and saw the rest of the men from the meeting approaching.

           Alpha Jackson walked into the circle completely ignoring me, and I quickly gave Xander a smile as I walked in the circle as well. Uncle Jonathon walked in to announce the rules, as was custom for this sort of thing. However, I had other plans.

           "Why don't we make this interesting? Play for some sort of prize?" I questioned before my uncle could start. Everyone looked confused as to why I was so confident and I loved it.

           Alpha Jackson rolled his eyes and asked, "And what prize could you want?"

           "Well if I win, you swear fealty to Blood Moon and Sapphire Moon packs," I respond with a shrug.

           "Fine. And if I win, you come back to Black Moon as my Luna," he challenges with a smirk.

           Xander, Josh, Kade, Uncle Jonathon and Drake all growled out at this, but I raised my hand waving them off. "Deal. Let's do this. No shifting. Only rule?"

           "Let's do this."

           "Okay, if you two are sure… no shifting. First to concede, or a fight to the death," Uncle Jonathon said with a strained voice. He didn't like this idea at all. However he had to follow our laws for challenges, and he stepped out of the circle. Once he was out he signalled the fight with a howl. It was time.