Tangled With The Fated Mates

Duel For Betaship

Beneath the canopy of ancient oaks, the meeting grounds lay bathed in the silvery glow of the moon at its peak. Shafts of light pierced through the leaves, casting dappled patterns on the forest floor. A crackling bonfire at the heart of the clearing sent sparks spiraling into the night.

Amidst the hush of the woods, the haunting howls of distant wolves mingled with the soft murmurs of the gathered pack. The air was filled with anticipation.

As Ronald stepped forward, his every footfall seemed to echo through the woods. His gaze met Denzel's with a determined glint, a silent plea for recognition.

"Alpha," Ronald's voice rang out, clear and unwavering.

"You know better than to interrupt these meetings. What do you want, Ron?" Denzel asked.

"Alpha, I stand before you, offering my loyalty and strength. I believe I am worthy of the beta position. Grant me this chance, and I shall serve you with unwavering devotion."

Denzel's eyes swept over the pack members, searching for any hint of disapproval, but he caught none. He would have appointed Ronald to be his beta with no hesitation because Deere and Moss didn't satisfy him. Deere was mostly defiant, and Moss displayed sporadic lapses in duty.


"Brothers and sisters of the Blackmoon Pack," Denzel's voice cut through the stillness, echoing through the trees, "you've heard Ronald's claim. He seeks the role of my beta and yearns to prove himself in tonight's challenge. What say you?"

A moment of silence followed, pregnant with the weight of the decision, punctuated only by the distant echo of wolf cries and all the things that go bump in the night.

"Brothers and sisters of the Blackmoon Pack," Denzel's voice rose once more, steady and commanding, "I ask you again, what say you?"

The pack answered with a resounding cheer, their collective approval resonating through the night. The decision was sealed. Ronald surveyed the assembly, his confidence now unshakeable. Any initial uncertainty had vanished.

"Now, let it be known," Denzel declared as the echoes of approval subsided, "Deere and Moss shall proceed as planned. The victor of their duel will face Ronald. This is final."

Denzel knew that it could be seen as unfair that he would let the winner of Deere and Moss's duel face Ronald, but he didn't care much. He was Alpha. His word was law.

Deere and Moss started to get ready for their fight. The crowd shifted backward to give them enough space. They both took off their shirts, exposing fit bodies rippling with muscles. Moss was the bigger of the two, the more muscular, while Deere was smaller.

"Let the duel begin," Denzel yelled.

The two werewolves started to circle one another, carefully assessing each other's strength. This wasn't just a brawl like the one at the mansion after an argument over who would be the beta. This was the actual trial, where the victor would advance to the next level, and the defeated would forfeit their life.

Deere crouched low, his muscles tensing as he felt the change coursing through him. His body trembled, bones shifting as fur sprouted from his skin. He bared his teeth, now elongated and sharp, in a display of lupine power. With a surge of strength, he leaped at Moss.

Moss, reacting swiftly, underwent a partial transformation. His muscles rippled, the bones of his face shifted, and fur sprouted, blending human and lupine forms. He intercepted Deere's wolf form in mid-air and forcefully brought him down to the ground. The crowd stared in astonishment, their gasps resounding through the air. Moss pounded his chest proudly.

As Deere regained his footing, his wolf-like eyes focused intently. Shaking off the shock, he moved into the counter. Moss attempted to seize him once more, but with a swift motion, Deere escaped his grasp. In a blur of movement, Deere slipped under Moss's leg, shifting back into his human form, and with a precise strike of his claw, he went for Moss's groin. Moss doubled over in pain, his groans echoing across the meeting grounds.

Deere's advantage was clear: speed. He launched himself at Moss with relentless swiftness, his claws finding purchase on Moss's exposed skin, leaving welts in their wake. Moss, though powerful, struggled to match Deere's agility. Each blow Deere delivered was quick and precise, evident in his skill.

Despite his raw strength, Moss found himself constantly a beat behind. Deere's movements were a blur, his strikes coming from unexpected angles. Dodging Deere's attacks became a Herculean task for Moss, who could scarcely react in time. It was a dance of speed versus strength, and at this moment, rate held the upper hand.

Moss anticipated Deere's next move. As Deere lunged, Moss timed it perfectly, delivering a powerful uppercut that sent Deere hurtling to a distant corner. Deere struggled to regain his bearings, but before he could, Moss closed in, unleashing a barrage of strikes - scratches, claws, and punches.

Deere fought bravely, but it was evident that the tide had turned. Moss's relentless assault left Deere breathless and disoriented. In a final, desperate move, Moss seized Deere by the throat, cutting off his air supply. Deere's struggles grew weaker until, finally, he went limp.

Moss rose from the ground, his chest heaving with exertion. The crowd erupted into cheers, chanting his name in thunderous applause.

"Moss. Moss. Moss."

Moss raised his bloodied hands as two werewolves dragged Deere's lifeless body away. He could feel the adrenaline rushing through him. He could feel the position of Denzel's Beta inching closer. As the crowd chanted his name, he thought he deserved it, but he had more obstacles — Ronald, who had started to take off his shirt.

"Congratulations, Moss," Denzel announced. "You've successfully advanced to the next and final round. To all members of the Blackmoon pack, be aware that the victor of this battle will assume the position of my beta. Let the fight begin."

Ronald and Deere were nearly the same size, with Ronald being slightly taller. Ronald exuded confidence, appearing certain of victory.

They lunged for each other. It was fierce. They tore at themselves, punching, clawing, kicking, and even biting. Their bodies were bathed in blood. The way they switched between human and wolf looked effortless. The battle between them looked even fiercer because none of them retreated or fell. They both stood their ground as they fought.

The crowd watched with bated breath. Even Denzel was enjoying it. His brows were pinched as he looked on.

After a seemingly endless battle, Ronald's keen eyes spotted a vulnerability. With a swift motion, he hoisted Moss from the ground, exerting the full force of his bare body as he brought him crashing down. The crowd erupted in a chorus of astonished gasps and appreciative murmurs. Moss, determined, tried to rise again, but Ronald repeated the maneuver, sapping Moss's strength.

Moss lay sprawled on the ground, his spirits sagging, his body drained of energy. This was the moment for Ronald to deliver the final blow and claim his victory, yet he hesitated. He loomed over Moss, his foot resting on Moss's chest, and the crowd held its breath in anticipation. What would unfold next?

Then, Ronald broke the silence. "Alpha, I have a proposition," he declared. "Rather than ending Moss's life here, why not grant him mercy? Moss has fought with bravery tonight and is an invaluable member of our pack. It would be a tragic loss to kill him."

The audience was so hushed you could hear the shuffle of their feet.

"I hear you, Ronald," Denzel responded calmly. "This act of consideration, of selflessness, exemplifies true leadership. You have proven yourself worthy of being my beta, and that is now your title. Brothers and sisters, what say you?"

The crowd roared in agreement.

Approaching the center of the gathering, Denzel placed a reassuring hand on Ronald's shoulder and gave a gentle shake. "You've earned this," he told Ronald, who beamed with pride. "More than anyone in this pack."

"Thank you, Alpha," Ronald replied, offering a slight bow. "Serving by your side is my greatest honor."

"And you shall."

Denzel raised Ronald's hand. "Brothers and sisters of the Blackmoon pack!" he bellowed. "Acknowledge your new beta!"

Every member, including Ronald and Denzel, turned their gaze to the night sky, unleashing a powerful, unified howl. The rest of the night was meant for celebration. They drank and danced around the bonfire, savoring every moment.

Just before 6 am, Denzel returned to the mansion with the rest of the pack. An unfamiliar aura of danger clung to the air, setting his instincts on high alert.

"Hello," he called out, stepping into the living room.

It was clear the place had been ravaged. Someone had paid a visit in their absence.