The Shadow Alpha

Chapter 35: Set

Chapter 35: Set

River

I'm grasping Holly's hand harder than I ever have before, it seems, and part of me worries it could be cutting off the circulation. But Holly returns the grip just as fiercely as we make our way quickly through the trees, in the direction of the clearing where the combat challenge will take place.

            We are both silent, having nothing more to say than we already have. Honestly, I think I might throw up if I open my mouth to speak right now. I've never experienced this level of anxiety before, not even when running headlong into the fray of battle. I'd much rather fight off a pack of snapping wolves than watch my mate fight for her life and title.

            When we reach the clearing, it's already full of spectators. Swarms of people stand gathered around the space, many of them looking bleary eyed, and even more of them looking both furious and concerned.

            I know how much my pack doesn't wish this to be happening. I know how much they crave and enjoy the stability and consistency of our leadership here. To have all of that become possibly upheaved is a nightmare for them too, just the same as it is my nightmare to lose Holly.

            The sun still has yet to make its appearance, but the sky is lightening quickly by the minute, and I can tell we have little time before the challenge officially commences.

            Holly and I say a quick farewell to my family, and I have to tear my eyes away as I see my sister, my mom, and my childhood best friend, lock their arms around her as if it is certain to be the very last chance they get. It's just too much for me to have to see, and I cannot allow myself to think as if these are the last moments we have together as mates, as true Alpha and Luna.

            They all have tears running down their cheeks when they part, even Sam. But I'm shocked when Holly pulls herself away from them with little more than a mist in her eyes that soon dissipates into cold nothingness.

            I can only assume she is dissociating in some way right now, like having an out of body experience. I doubt any of this feels real right now, and I doubt any of it will until she is in the ring and has Kyra barreling toward her like a wolf out of hell.

            Holly and I stop short as we approach Vivian, who stands at the top of the circled clearing, her white hair cascading down her back in its usual tidy braid.

            Vivian's grey eyes meet mine before darting to Holly, then back to me. I decipher a hidden question in her gaze: is she ready for this?

            I nod once, and Vivian seems to accept this answer willingly enough, as she turns to Holly with a sympathetic look.

            "The Shadows are behind you, Luna, whole-heartedly. Please know that." Vivian takes one of Holly's hands into her own. "Put her down." Vivian doesn't bother with the pleasantries, instead cutting straight to the point when referencing Kyra, which I appreciate.

            "I intend to." Holly replies just as simply, and I see a flicker of admiration pass over Vivian's features.

            "You two only have a few moments before dawn. Kyra is bound to be here any moment now." Vivian tells us, and I feel the anxiety that's been simmering inside me reach boiling temperatures.

            Vivian excuses herself, joining the other Elders that have gathered here. I turn to Holly and without thinking, grab her face and yank her lips toward mine.

            Holly seems to have no objections to my sudden display of affection, as I feel her lean into me, her hands on either side of my neck as she does. I savor each swipe of my tongue against hers, each tingle of energy that passes between us as our cells seem to react to the presence of one another. I try like hell to memorize the exact feel of her lips underneath mine, the exact bend of her spine as she allows herself to melt against me. Every nuanced feeling that I seem to have not been paying enough attention to up until now.