I'll Show You (rewritten)

14: Fighting for life

So there I stood, dead centre of a makeshift boxing ring where an eager crowd threw vulgar words and jeers. Like water off a duck's back they simply fell on death ears.

Dirt was lobbed through the air. Stones, rocks and fruit also joined the dirt that stained my bare skin. Internally I was fuming, but on the outside, however, my composure was held under a tight lid, refusing to show these wolves that I cared- because well, I didn't.

I could see the males taking the front seats, betting among themselves for the winning wolf while the females hung and occupied the back. Faces filled the area surrounding me, the whole pack watching in anticipation for the justice they craved, hearts still torn for their former Alpha.

The men who had thrown me in the ring hadn't been so gentle, and I knew for a fact that bruises were forming over my once creamy skin, which was now covered with so much blood and grime that it was difficult to even see what lay beneath. Nathan had been more than happy to deliver a few punches to my face, new blood now crusting over my busted lip. Instead of biting back I played my little game well - I'd let them assume I was nothing but a weak wolf, then I'd go in for the kill.

I'd learned a valuable lesson: cockiness and rashness got you killed.

My mind was swirling with pent-up bloodlust, my wolf adding gasoline to the fire at the complete lack of respect for these weaker wolves. I refrained from shaking. My body itching to shift. Stay cool.

I cracked my knuckles as the yells got louder. My opponent aptly named Wheezer who coughed like he smoked forty a day, stood opposite me, his lifeless eyes assessing mine. From his scarred appearance and scrawny build, he too was a rogue, one that wasn't fed well and looked like someone who should be put back in a hospital ward. It was no surprise the middle-aged man held empty eyes and an expression that looked like he was barely hanging on.

Bets were placed and the Luna made her way to the centre of the ring, Grey and Tobias standing guard beside her.

She raised a hand, effectively silencing the crowd as all attention snapped to her.

"Nightshade pack, as you all know we've suffered a horrible tragedy today," murmurs sounded throughout the pack, "we've not just lost two souls, but our Alpha and the foundation of the Nightshade pack. We have lost a loving father, a caring neighbour, a friend and ally, all down to the selfishness of others." Eyes swivelled accusingly to me, but the Luna continued on, her voice softly breaking.

"We have lost a child, my only son, who did nothing in this cruel world to deserve such punishment. I am officially handing over the position for Alpha of this pack tomorrow, in memory of the dearest Adam and Juke Newell. Let them look down on us with nothing but pride as justice is served. Fight with honour, and let us respect the future Alpha of the Nightshade pack."

Pained howls sounded throughout the clearing as they mourned. Without anybody noticing, I bowed my head slightly thinking painfully of the boy and Alpha I couldn't save, another burden my conscious would have to bear. Our soul was blackened as it was, nothing could possibly make it any worse, my demons taunted. The Luna walked off stage, not before sending a red-rimmed eyed glare my way, reminding me of the part I had to play in this travesty.

The ranting escalated as her words touched the hearts of the pack. Death threats and heated stares all directed at me picked up but I paid little heed. A plan had formulated in my head and I knew what I had to do.

Grey took his place, signalling the start of the fight. "Packmates, as the Beta of the Nightfall pack, let the bloodbath begin," he swivelled his steely eyes to me, "for the murder of the Alpha bloodline you are sentenced to death by combat, I hope you rot in hell for what you've done."