Hunted

Chapter 22

I'm so sorry, I know it's late, but I stayed up until like 3am to write this now so I think that kinda makes up for it ;P

Chapter 22-Amias' POV

Everyone was silent now, eyes flitting between Bowen and I as we stared each other down.

                “Remember your place, Bowen,” I growled, allowing my eyes to flash gold. I took a threatening step forward, but Bowen didn’t back away as he should have. In fact, it made the determined gleam in his eyes even more prominent.

                “I know my place,” he spat, his hands clenching. “My place is under my Alpha, not under you.”

                “I allowed you safe passage through my land and this is the thanks I get?” I retorted, trying to steer his attention away from the cave. I discreetly moved so that I stood between White Falls and the cave. If they made a break towards it, I could intercept them easier in this position.

                “Don’t avoid the subject,” he snapped. “Whatever’s in there must be pretty important. I mean, you tried so hard to hide it from us. And coupled with that delicious smell that lingers on Dobry even now... “

                “It’s none of your business, Bowen. Just leave it alone.” I wanted to yell at him, rip him to shreds at the mere thought of him even setting eyes on Azula, but I somehow managed a calm, threatening tone. The edges of my vision seemed tainted red with the blood that I craved to spill.

                “How do I know it’s not a threat to my pack mates and I?” Bowen asked, the twinkle in his eyes telling me that he didn’t really believe that.

                “The only time what’s in there could possibly be a threat to you is if you went in there to see it. And then that threat would be me.” Bowen chuckled, the noise so cold it sent shivers up my spine.

“Now you’re just making me curious.”

                He nodded his head once and his pack responded, jumping up and flanking him, baring their teeth in a show of hostility. My pack started to move to my side, to flank me as they were Bowen, but I held up a hand, stopping them. Reluctantly, they obeyed my silent command, remaining where they were.

                “No,” I said. “I don’t need to hide behind my pack.” I smirked at Bowen before adding, “I’m not a coward.”

                Rage flitted across his face before he managed to compose himself.

                “Alpha Phelps is right boys,” Bowen said over his shoulder, “I don’t need to hide behind you guys.” As the pack began to sit back down again with the same hesitance as mine had, Bowen continued, “I’m more than capable of doing what needs to be done.”

I laughed. “Oh please. You wouldn’t dare.” I shook my head. “This is my land – we know the terrain better than you could ever hope to. Not to mention the numbers aren’t exactly on your side and I’m much stronger than you are.” I wasn’t entirely sure on the last one – we seemed more evenly matched than anything – but I had to appear confident, even if I was trembling on the inside.

                “We don’t need numbers when we’re clearly more skilled at fighting.” Bowen looked me up and down, sneering. “And you’re nothing but an overgrown pup.”

“How’d you figure that one out, Beta?” I retorted, reminding him that he wasn’t as high and mighty as he seemed to think. After all, he was only the Beta of his pack and I was an Alpha!