Chapter 7

A Challenge

It was the morning of the challenge, and everyone was getting ready. They had all been calling him the crazy alpha, but he had a name, Emilio Sanchez. Adam thought he would rather not know his name because it made killing him more personal. He believed he understood everything there was to know about a challenge. Trev had gone over it again and again. A challenge was brutal and usually resulted in the death of one or sometimes both of the participants.

He'd spoken to Damon when he arrived. Adam was surprised the council would prefer he not kill Emilio. If it was necessary, they would understand, but they needed him for questioning. He had been involved in some shady dealings. They did not want to go into detail, and Adam really didn't care. If he could take him down without taking him out, that would have been what they preferred. Adam hoped that was what he preferred, too, because he had never actually killed a person and didn't want to start. He was not a bloodthirsty wolf and never had been. Maybe that was one of the reasons his grandpa thought he was weak.

Even though there had been a time when what his grandpa thought had meant more to him than anything, Adam was beginning to understand that his grandpa had been the weak one. For selfish reasons, he'd held back information that would have helped the pack stay stronger. Being selfish was only one indication that his grandpa had been flawed. Gramps had also been unable to trust anyone, and he'd withheld his love from the only one to whom he should have given it. Adam spoke to his mate for hours. They talked about his life when he was younger, and she helped him understand the things his grandpa blamed him for should never be held against a child.

It helped him dispel some of the guilt and to understand that his grandpa had not been a good man. He'd been an even worse alpha and a terrible grandpa. Letting go of the guilt about his relationship with his grandpa greatly helped Adam's attitude. His mate was understanding and helpful. She was the best thing that ever happened to him. He didn't want to lose her and didn't want to die, but the challenge was something he had to do. If he didn't at least try, he would feel like a failure for the rest of his life. As an alpha who had made many mistakes, it was preferable to die than to fail again.

Adam sat next to his mate as they ate breakfast. They needed a good meal to give them the strength to get through what was coming. He understood this would be hard on her. She had to watch with no ability to affect the outcome. That would be hard for anyone. Regardless of the outcome, it would change her life.

If he lost, she would no longer have her fated mate and would never find a relationship like it again. If he won, they would have a new pack and move to Mexico. Adam wasn't sure if she had made the connection and didn't want to deal with anything more than the upcoming fight.

If, or maybe he should say, when he won, there would be time to deal with the changes they faced.

It would be difficult for both of them. They would have to learn Spanish and deal with a new pack they knew nothing about.

The alpha Adam was fighting was cruel and selfish in the way he ran his pack. Adam hoped he would do better and see the pack as a success. A happy pack was good for the alpha, and a happy alpha was good for the pack.

Once breakfast was done, he went with Damon and Trev to warm up so that he would be prepared for what was to come. After he warmed up, they gave him a pep talk and told him to keep his eyes on the prize and not to let the other alpha gain the upper hand. It wasn't like he would let him if he did get the upper hand. That would only happen if the guy was a better fighter, and there was little he could do about that. It was true that many in the pack expressed hope Adam would win, but they would not show that hope around their alpha. If he won, they had to live with him again.

Adam understood the pack's situation was not good. Once he was in the circle, he didn't blame them for their actions. It didn't matter. He had enough people on his side to encourage him.

Damon left a little early to see the other alpha so he would not be accused of being on Adam's side, even though he was. It was all about perception, and when you were a Councilman, you had to be careful how people viewed your outlook. It was especially true when you were judging a fight that could cost someone their life.

Maybe an hour passed, and they gathered around the circle Harry made. Where she found the rocks, he had no idea.

They were massive and lined the fighting circle. There was a gap allowing people to enter and exit the circle. She also managed to bring in bleachers for seating.

She'd placed a giant chair for the judge and a couple of smaller chairs for people of importance. Adam wasn't sure what the chairs were made of because they looked like rock, but how could that be possible?

Mel sat next to Damon and Marissa. The other two witnesses were on the other side. Ricardo sat next to them.

The bleachers were filled with pack members, although many men stood closer to the circle. Adam could feel the anticipation running through everyone present. Most of them hoped he would win.

He and Emilio entered the circle and stood facing Damon as he explained the rules and the reason for an alpha challenge. He went into detail to ensure both fighters understood what would happen and what might happen. They were also allowed to change their minds and exit the circle. Neither of them chose to do so. Adam was surprised to note that Emilio was shaking with fear even though he decided to continue. It made no sense.

Adam felt calm and ready to fight. He was doing the right thing despite risking his life and future with his mate. It was the way of the wolf and would probably always be their way. It was his first opportunity to truly follow the path of his kind.

Damon's fist hit his palm, and the fight started. Adam turned to Emilio and punched him in the nose. It erupted like a blood fountain. It was no surprise that Emilio shifted. So, Adam did as well.

Emilio's wolf was reluctant to attack, so Adam took the time to observe the wolf in front of him. He didn't look good. His fur was matted and dull.

Maybe his wolf was unhappy with the alpha he was attached to. Most wolves wanted their pack happy, but their human side did not always care. Adam bet that was the case.

When he did not attack immediately either, Emilio thought he sensed weakness. Finally, he got his wolf to attack, but Adam was ready.

When the other alpha went for his throat, Adam moved slightly and got a hold of Emilio's throat. Could it be so easy?

No, Emilio struggled and managed to pull loose, but some damage was done, and blood dripped from his neck. It might slow Emilio down, but the fight was far from over.

They circled each other. When one moved, the other made sure their back was protected. Emilio tried to fake Adam out and even growled and tried to scare him. Adam only found it funny.

His wolf tried to grin, but that wasn't easy. Compared to Adam's wolf, Emilio's looked pathetic and sick. There was no way he would fear a wolf that looked like that.

They circled each other again, and Adam tried to think of what to do next. About that time, Emilio tried to slip in under his neck to grab it.

Naughty, naughty, naughty, that wasn't going to work. While Emilio was going low, Adam jumped on his back and took a ride.

His claws sank into the other wolf's back. As Emilio bucked to remove him, Adam's wolf's claws slid down his back, leaving long gouge marks that bled profusely. It was not a win, but it was definitely a hard hit to the other wolf.

Adam only wanted to end the challenge. He knew he needed to be careful because getting impatient wouldn't pay. His opponent was moving slower. Maybe it was a good time to go for the throat.

Adam pretended he was going to jump on Emilio again but instead went in under his jaw and grabbed his throat. He shook the smaller wolf as his jaws dug in hard.

Somehow, his captive managed to escape even though it cost him dearly. Blood gushed everywhere.

The fight would continue as long as he was still on his paws. Bloodthirsty watchers called for an end to the fight. "Kill him!" They demanded.

That was not what Adam intended to do. The council wanted him alive, and he really didn't want to kill anyone. He would, if necessary, but it didn't seem necessary at this point. He circled around Emilio, who was moving slowly and looking distressed. Why didn't the damn wolf just tap out?

It lasted longer than Adam expected. One way or the other, he thought it would be over by now, and the winner would be declared. Had he been the well-trained fighter he should have been, this would have been over quicker.

The other alpha was not in good shape but unwilling to give up. Was Emilio aware the council wanted him and did not want him killed? Adam didn't think he knew, only that Emilio knew he was facing death. Was that why he was fighting so hard, or did he still have a small kernel of hope he could win?

It was time to take more aggressive action. The fight needed to end, and it needed to end soon.

Adam took a run at Emilio.

He jumped on his back and dug in again. His tired opponent was having trouble taking any action to remove him.

Finally, Emilio sank onto the ground and covered his eyes with his paws. What the hell did that mean? If he was trying to surrender, he was not doing it the right way.

Adam jumped off, circling around the other wolf, not understanding exactly what to do. The challenge needed to end, and the only way to do that would be to get his jaws wrapped around his throat and make him tap out or let him die.

Adam nipped at Emilio's nose, and he lifted it to snap back. That gave Adam the opening he needed to slip under his snout and grab onto his neck. His jaw began to tighten. He knew it would be the final move he made.

His teeth sank deep, and blood began to run. Would his opponent tap out, or would he choose to die?

There was no other choice. It was one or the other. The crowd around them once again began to call for death. Adam was sure they had been through a lot and felt their old alpha deserved to die.

There was only one way out. Would he take it? His paw reached out and tapped. It was over. At least the challenge was.

Adam stepped back, waiting for the other wolf to morph into human form. Damon instructed him to do so. If he changed to human form and his opponent didn't, the other wolf could rip his throat out in seconds. Apparently, it happened in the past.

Emilio just laid there with his head on his paws, looking defeated because he was. It was time to move to the next step, although Adam was sure the other wolf didn't want to.

Whatever was going to happen to Emilio would not be pleasant. Ahead of Adam was a lot of hard work, and he would have to learn a lot because he was now a pack alpha again. Mel would be a pack bitch, and she would have even more to learn.

She waited at the exit from the circle, but Adam waited for his opponent to shift, and he wasn't. Was the other wolf too injured to move?

Adam moved over to him and nudged him with his nose. He should shift and move out of the circle unless he was half dead. Mel would say it was time to pay the piper.

"Is he alright? You didn't kill him, did you?" Damon asked.

His wolf shook his head. His opponent was still alive, but he refused to move. Maybe he had just given up, or maybe he didn't want to face the consequences of his actions.

Adam headed to the exit. Time was wasting, and he wanted to get to his mate.

Once she was out of the circle, he turned back to look at the other wolf, who still lay on the ground, refusing to move. Damon moved to the entry of the circle and looked at the wolf.

Now Adam could see Emilio was beginning to shift, but it wasn't the usual shift. He was sure Damon was forcing him to change.

"I wanted to stay in my wolf form. It's not right that you forced me to change," Emilio complained.

"The rest of us do not have all day to wait and see what you will do. The council has sent a team after you, and it is time that you leave," Damon explained. "You ask that Ricardo be here, and he is, but he is unsure why you requested his presence. He stated that he barely knows you."

"So that's how it's going to be?" Emilio observed.

Adam heard the whole conversation. It gave him a feeling that Ricardo was about to be investigated by Damon. It was clear there was more going on than they originally suspected.

Harry came back with Cage. They were moving toward Emilio to take custody of him.

There was a loud pop. Something bounced off Harry, who was standing right next to Emilio. It was a bullet.

"Someone is shooting!" Adam yelled.

He suspected they were shooting at Emilio, but Harry's artifact gave him protection because he was standing close to her. Adam looked around to see where Ricardo was, but he had disappeared, and the shooter had as well.

"What do you make of that?" Harry asked.

"I think something is going on that we were not aware of. This goes beyond pack leadership. Emilio thought Ricardo would step in to save him. Now, someone is trying to kill him. That can't be a coincidence," Damon suggested. "Don't worry. I plan to investigate Ricardo and see what he's been up to."

Adam had heard enough to understand what Damon would be doing next. All he wanted to do was spend some time with Mel. Hopefully, she wouldn't be too angry at him for the risk he had taken.

"Hey beautiful, why don't we get a bite to eat and then retreat to our room?" Adam asked.

"So, it's our room now?" Mel questioned.

"Going to be you and me from here on out. That's the way things are with mates, isn't it?" Adam wondered.

"Let's get a bite to eat, and then we'll see what happens," Mel replied.

He knew what was happening. She wasn't going to give in too easily. She wanted to make him work for it.

Adam could respect that to get back on her good side. They headed up to the dining room, and he saw they weren't the only ones planning to have a bite to eat. Normally, lunch would be a little early, but everyone ate breakfast early to prepare for the fight. It had been the most important thing that had happened for a long time, and no one had wanted to miss it. As he walked by, many people congratulated him or slapped him on the shoulder to show they were happy he won.

Adam couldn't deny that receiving so much approval from his old and new pack felt good. They would stay a few days so Trev could guide him and tell him what he would have to do. Taking over a pack that he had no knowledge of would not be an easy task. He was sure the council would also play a part in what was soon to happen. Adam had never even been to Mexico and couldn't speak the language. That was something that would have to change soon.

The next few days were busy for Adam. Trev explained what would happen when he went to Mexico to take over his new pack. The alpha told him he'd heard that the former alpha of that pack was wealthy. Since Adam defeated him, that wealth would transfer, but the council would have to do it, and they would expect a portion. He didn't know how he felt about that, but it didn't matter because the council would get its due. There was much to learn, and he felt like he was learning it. He would likely get no help figuring out what the pack owned and what the alpha owned. He would have to call in an accountant of a special type, and Trev gave him a name and the number.

"Mel knows her because they are related. You should look through your information first and ensure you need her. She works on a percentage. I feel everything will be a mess when you get down there. I've been told the alpha lived like a king, but the pack lived like paupers. There will be a lot of work, and you'll need your mate to help you. I would also suggest you learn the language as quickly as possible. Janie said Mel can speak a little bit of the language, which might help you," Trev concluded.

That was pretty much all the information Trev had for him. At this point, all Adam could do was figure out how to get down there with the pack members in Wilde. His first thought was to contact Damon and see if he had any suggestions. It surprised him when his phone rang.

"I have some information for you," Damon declared. "Emilio has a plane sitting at the airport. You can use it to fly to Mexico. I'm sure one of your pack members would have told you eventually. Surely, they want to go home, too."

"You would think. It makes me angry they didn't inform me. Do they think I could read minds or see the future?" Adam said.

"They've had a rough life with their old alpha. Now they're seeing how you will do without help. You'll have to earn their trust, and some will never be what you would call a good pack member. Some of them will get better, and eventually, you'll be happy with them," Damon advised.

What Damon said sounded confusing, but Adam thought he understood. Given time, some would become loyal pack members, and some never would. Those who never would become good pack members were an unacceptable danger now that he had a mate and hoped to have children. He needed to discover who the beta was and find out if he could trust him.

"Thank you, Damon, for all that you have done. I need to meet with my new pack and discover who the betas are," Adam explained.

"Take Harry with you. She can cast a spell that will tell you if they are lying," Damon offered.

"Harry? I thought she left with the former alpha?" Adam asked.

"She did, but she came back for me. Harry is with Mel right now, having a cup of coffee and probably a snack," Damon responded.

Adam was pleased to have Harry's help. He couldn't always detect lies and needed to know who he could trust.

He headed upstairs to find Harry. As Damon had explained, she was sitting with Mel and Janie, and they were having coffee and a sweet snack.

"Damon suggested you come with me to talk to my pack. I need to know who is honest and who is not," Adam observed.

"That's an easy spell. Are you sure I won't frighten them? Some wolves are big babies when a witch is around," Harry giggled, and so did Janie and Mel.

Looking at Harry, it is hard to believe she was a powerful witch. Unfortunately, his new pack already knew who and what she was. She was right. They would be scared. But he didn't care. He needed to know the truth.

Harry was in the middle of her snack, but he knew she would eat fast. So, he got himself a cup of coffee and a donut and waited. Maybe it would give him the energy needed to handle the impossible task he faced.

Harry was done. Adam led the way to where the pack was gathered. "Is this everyone?" He asked.

"No, Alpha. Two of our wolves are not here. I am not sure where they are. It is possible they left hoping to return home and warn the others that Emilio is no longer alpha," a young wolf said.

"Who are the betas in this pack?" Adam asked.

"The two who left were." Again, it was the young wolf who answered.

"What is your name?" Adam asked.

"I am Levi."

"How would you like to be a beta?" Adam wondered.

"I would be honored," Levi answered.

"Good. I need you to check on the plane Emilio brought here. We will take it back to our pack's home," Adam directed.

"I can do that if I have something to drive," Levi replied.

"Here are the keys to the truck. It belongs to Trev, so treat it well. Do you have a phone?" Adam asked.

"No, none of our people have a phone," Levi responded.

"Harry, can you get him a phone?" Adam asked.

"Sure."

She handed Levi a phone. Adam wasn't sure where it came from and didn't ask.

Levi left. "What do you think of him?" Adam questioned.

"He seemed to be telling the truth. Levi is young, ambitious, and wants to please," Harry responded.

"That sounds good. I need someone like that to back me up. I wish I could take you with me," Adam observed

"If I didn't already know you were mated, I would think you were coming onto me," Harry laughed. "Do you need anything else, or can I take Damon home?"

"Thank you for everything. Go ahead and take Damon home," Adam directed.

He felt lost and wished he could have a whole group with him to help figure out what the hell would happen. Mel would be a help, but she didn't know the details of running a pack–or anything about this newly-acquired pack. The fact that she could speak a little bit of the language helped. Now, he needed to learn–quickly.

Emilio left a mess. But from everything Adam was told, many could fix it. He knew construction, and that was what they needed to build houses for the pack.

The biggest problem would be those who didn't want him there and wouldn't help him. He might even be challenged, but he didn't think any of these wolves had the fighting skills to take him out–not in a fair fight, anyway.

He wanted to become a pack alpha again–just not so soon and not in the way it happened. He thought Trev would eventually turn the pack back over to him. Now, that wasn't going to happen.

Anyone who wanted to go with him would be invited, but he doubted anyone would go. They would miss him, even if it was only because of his skill as a carpenter. It was better than not being missed at all.

Hurrying back to his mate, Adam needed her to get ready quickly. They needed to leave as soon as possible. He wished for close friends he could ask to go with him. He felt exposed going into a new pack without any support.

If money was available, he would ask Harry about hiring someone to assist him—not exactly a bodyguard, but someone to protect him and his mate in case things were rough once they arrived. Adam didn't know Tyne, or he would contact him. Maybe Mel would know what to do, and since they were partners, he would ask her instead.

Adam found her still sitting with Janie. They were talking and drinking coffee. "What have you found out?" Mel asked.

"Emilio had a plane. We will be taking it back to the pack. Apparently, he had plenty of money, too. Sadly, he didn't spend any of it on his pack. Some of the pack is still loyal to him. I would like to see about getting some bodyguards for us. You know Tyne, is this something we can do?" Adam questioned.

"I'll give him a call. I'm sure it won't be a problem. How many do you want?" Mel asked.

"Two for me and two for you. Hopefully, they will have other skills and the ability to blend in with the pack," Adam suggested.

"Most of Tyne's guys are very talented. So are the girls," Mel informed.

"You think he might send girls?" Adam questioned.

"There's a good chance the ones guarding me will be girls. Some of the females are extremely talented and can take out most males," Mel explained.

Adam didn't like the idea of females being in danger. Even if they were as good as Mel said, he still didn't like the thought of them getting hurt.

But it wouldn't be his choice. Tyne would send whoever was available. They needed them quickly and would have to pick them up.

Levi seemed alright, but Adam wasn't sure. He didn't trust the others and knew there would be more when they arrived at the pack house.

His phone rang. It was Levi.

"The plane is here, but one of the betas was the pilot. We'll have to find another one," Levi explained.

"Stay with the plane. We will be meeting you soon," Adam directed.

He headed to where most of the pack were gathered. "Do any of you want to go home?"

Several said that they did.

"Are there any pilots among you?"

"John can pilot. He recently got his license," someone said.

The guy he assumed was John turned and looked at his packmate angrily. "I can pilot, but I'm not the best. I haven't been doing it long," John responded.

"We have no one else. Is there a reason you do not want to go home?" Adam questioned.

"I do, but I would like to get there alive," John answered.

"You are the only one we have. Prepare yourself. We are leaving." Adam told them.

There were several SUVs. Adam was sure Emilio rented them to transport his pack. Mel pointed them out. It was the way they would get everyone to the plane.

They would stop at an airport near Tyne to pick up his people. Maybe one of them could fly this plane. When he discussed the plan with Mel, he was surprised she had a pilot's license she rarely used. She would be the copilot to give his pilot a little more confidence.