me, him, and the moon ☾ l.s.

thirty - all we ever need

"I hereby challenge my father for leadership of the Sons of Selene."

Gasps erupted through the main square. A few of the council members looked like they might faint. The pack exploded into electrified chatter, unable to believe that the Head Alpha's young son would dare to challenge him; most members of the pack couldn't even remember the last time that a transfer of power didn't occur peacefully.

The Head Alpha took a step toward Louis, getting in his face. He towered over Louis, but he was nowhere near as strong; in fact, he hadn't seen any real battle since his early twenties. His breath blew warmly against Louis's forehead when he spoke: "You want to challenge me, boy?"

Louis didn't move an inch, his chest just inches from his father's. The expression on his face stayed cold and stony despite the growing knot of emotions tangled in his stomach.

A councilman stepped forward, his brow furrowed with worry. "Alpha Tomlinson, you don't --"

"Make the circle," the older man snapped, his blue eyes dark and stormy as he stared back at his son. He shoved his way past Louis, slamming their shoulders together roughly.

Louis still didn't waver. He turned and followed his father to the center of the square, stripping off his shirt as he walked. He had only ever read about such serious challenges of power, but he knew the protocols and expectations nonetheless.

The sun had already partially disappeared below the horizon. The warm light of sunset washed the packed square in an inappropriate golden glow -- the type of rich colors that reminded Louis of family picnics when he was young. He closed his eyes and took a deep breath, focusing on the growling alpha rearing its head inside of him.

When he was fourteen, Louis remembered thinking that he would never fight another alpha over his omega. Little did he know, at almost nineteen years of age, he would challenge his own father for their family title; not in pursuit of power, but for his mate. For revenge, and for safety.

But somehow, Louis could have guessed, even at just fourteen. For him, it had always been Harry, and it would always be Harry.

"I know you don't want to do this," Louis's father spoke quietly, standing on the opposite side of the small circle. "I know you're not chasing power. I know that you know that you're not ready to lead this pack yet. So tell me: why?"

Louis just blinked in surprise, not quite understanding.

"Why? Why are you doing this?" his father prodded, his tone more curious than threatening.

"For Harry," Louis replied simply, as if it was the most obvious explanation in the world.

To him, it was obvious; his love for Harry was primal and instinctive, and it encompassed his entire being. He would crumble the world between his fingers for Harry.

"The left side," Liam's voice called out, snapping him back to reality.

Louis stole a glance to his right, giving the other alpha a clipped nod. His father had suffered a nearly-crippling knee injury during his time as a soldier, leaving his left leg much weaker than the right. Liam had always been the better strategist.

"You're a fool," the Alpha spat out, his dark eyes never leaving Louis's face. "You think love is what you feel for the omega, but you're blinded by lust. You're just too young and naive to know any better. It's pathetic."

Louis seethed with anger, his claws and canines extending. "We'll see who's pathetic --" The preceding council member called out for the fight to begin, and he tilted his head to the side, almost amused. "Right about now."