Tailspin Anthology

River Bend Pack 3

Continuation of River Bend Pack 2.

Christian's cell phone read two in the morning, and Christian was wide awake. The sound of keys dangling alerted Christian that the guards are making another round. He stuffed his phone away and frowned. Ever since the alpha's visit, security heightened to where he couldn't contact his family without getting caught.

'I wish I could talk to the others.' Christian thought glumly as he worried about them and his future.

"Are you still awake, soon-to-be Luna?" One of the guards asked.

"Please don't call me that." Christian told him. "I am nobody's Luna. It's all just a misunderstanding."

"Why are you doubting your role in our pack?"

"I am not doubting anything." Christian said. "Besides, I've never really been part of a pack before."

The guards raised their brows at him. "But you are the grandson of Lyon Longtail."

"His long-lost grandson." Christian clarified. "He doesn't even like me, and had me banned from the pack."

"Banned?" Christian nodded and they gave each other a look.

"Well." One of the guards spoke up. "The challenge is still on, so we recommend you get some rest."

Christian waved them off and leaned his head against the clear wall. 'I guess I could rest my eyes for a moment.' he thought before closing his eyelids.

A few hours later, Christian was snoring away when tapping on the plexiglass jerked him awake. "Sorry for the interruption." One of the guards said. "But it is time for the challenge."

"Finally." Christian yawned. "Are you guys here to escort me there?"

"You're already here. We just came to wake you before you faced the crowd."

"What?" Christian jumped when the blackness began to lift, and sunlight blinded him when it was completely removed. The sound of a crowd cheering made him squint enough to see he is hovering over an oval stadium with a full audience present. The council is on a podium to Christian's right. He spotted his family in the front row. Everyone but Jason and Jacob were seated. Their eyes were locking with his. It seemed they were anxiously waiting for him to be revealed.

Duke stepped forward. "Today, our beloved alpha shall fight for our beloved Luna's hand in holy matrimony." He gestured towards one side of the stadium where a grey wolf emerged. "Bring out the challenger." A muddled white wolf exited out of the other side of the stadium. The two wolves growled at one another revving the crowd up. "Here's how it's going to go." Duke addressed them. "This is not a fight to the death. Whoever beats the other into submission shall claim his mate." Christian pouted with how Duke said 'mate'. "No dirty tricks. No clawing each other's eyes out. No biting each other's limbs and tails. Got it?" The two wolves howled as an answer. "Good." Duke gestured towards a man with a horn. "Let the fight begin."

The man blew the instrument, and the crowd shrilled as the two canines charged at one another. When they made contact, there was snarling as teeth sunk deeply into skin. Neither opponent would pull away as their growling grew in volume. Christian covered his eyes but peeked as both wolves released each other to show blood dripping where they were bitten. Dean the grey wolf, pounced on the white muddled dog. There was rustling and tumbling as they barked. This continued for a couple of minutes before a pained yowl could be heard. The canines pulled apart to reveal the white muddled wolf had a bigger wound on its neck.

"Jacob!" Christian shouted. But paused when the sun reflected the injured wolf's eyes to reveal a lighter shade of blue compared to his brother's. "What the heck? Jason?"