A Wolf's Duty Page 19

  “Thank you Maria, I’ll be out in a minute.”

  “Of course your highness.”

  Throwing herself back against the warm sheets, her mind began to race. I wish I’d had more time to get ready…even if it had been just a few more days. What if I can’t manage to beat her? I’ll lose Tobias. The thought made her stomach turn and she rolled in the bed, the sound of crinkling paper soon gaining her attention. Searching the duvet, she found a small envelope hidden within the bedding, her name written across the front. Tearing the envelope open her eyes quickly scanned the contents of the letter.

  Xandria,

  I’m sorry that I couldn’t be there when you woke. I left a little before dawn so that I wouldn’t be seen. I wish I could have stayed with you longer. I’m sorry. I hope that you managed to get enough sleep and that you’re now feeling refreshed. Dearest, I’m still concerned for your safety in this Challenge but as you seem so determined to do it, there’s nothing I can do unless you say otherwise. If you don’t think that you can win then tell Maria and we’ll leave, it’s not too late. I, however, have every faith that you’ll win. Even if you don’t, then I won’t leave you. We will be together regardless of what happens.

  I love you dearest and will see you soon.

  Tobias

  Xxx

  Clutching the letter to her chest, she felt any reservations she might have had vanish. I’m going to win; I’ve got to win. Rising from the bed, she ran to the shower, washing and drying herself quickly. She dressed carefully, opting for a simple white t-shirt and knee length khaki shorts that would give her more manoeuvrability than a skirt or jeans could provide. Folding the letter, she placed it in one of the zipped pockets of her shorts, determined to keep it close to her, before striding towards the door and leaving the safety and comfort of the bedroom.

  “I’m ready Maria.”

  “You’re sure about this?” she questioned.

  “Positive, let’s just get this over with.”

  Nodding Maria moved away from the door, motioning with her hands that Alex should follow. They moved in silence along corridors and down stairs Alex hadn’t even known existed until they were outside, standing at the entrance of an enormous clearing. Her eyes widened and her heart started to pound within her chest at sight of so many people and wolves awaiting her arrival. They formed a circle, staying at the fringes of the clearing, close to the tall trees that kept it hidden. Her eyes darted around, frantically searching for Tobias. As soon as she saw him her heart began to slow and she stepped forward, leaving Maria behind.

  Moving into the empty circle that the surrounding people formed, she looked at him, noting that his fists were clenched tight and she smiled to reassure him. He was flanked by both his parents and the Council on an elevated platform. Everyone on the platform wore solemn expressions and she had to resist the urge to laugh out loud at the imposing picture they made.

  “Where is the challenger?” A councilman asked, she recognised the dark haired man as Charles and smiled warmly at him; Lucinda’s voice floated to her ears and her smile quickly disappeared.

  “I’m here.”

  “Good, now that both challenger and challenged are here, we shall begin. State your claim.”

  “I am the challenger, Lucinda Delphine, Lady of the North East Clan and I invoke the right of Challenge.”

  Silence reigned after Lucinda's statement while Alex struggled to remember what Ryan had taught her. The words soon came to her and she took a deep steadying breath, as her final task of preparation. “I’m Alexandria Madison, the challenged, chosen mate of Prince Tobias and noble lady of the Royal clan of wolves.” She turned to Tobias for verification and he grinned at her confirming that she had said the right thing. A low growl from Lucinda caused her to turn and she grinned in the face of her deep-set frown.

  Take that! Even without being a Princess, I still whoop your ass in titles and when I win this Challenge, I’ll have beaten you twice over. She mentally cheered before the sound of voices forced her to focus on what was happening around her.

  “The rules of the Challenge are simple,” Charles intoned, “submit or die. May the true mate win.” He stepped back and Alex knew that it had begun.

  She turned to look at Lucinda, noting that she had begun to change into her wolf form, before she closed her eyes and allowed the whispers to surge to the front of her mind. Again, once she had allowed them to flood her thoughts, she felt an immense sense of connection between them and her, her sense of awareness increasing beyond the boundaries of her body to include the greenery that surrounded them. A low rumbling growl forced her eyes open and she turned to look at the lupine body of Lucinda, surprised by the black fur that covered her body.

  I thought that her fur would be a light colour with all that blonde hair she has when she’s human, she mused, the whispers still filling her mind due to the sheer amount of plant life they were encircled by.

  The momentary distraction cost her and Lucinda lunged forward, her sharp claws swiping at the exposed skin of her calf. The pain stunned her and she fell to the ground, clutching the bloody wound to stem the flow of blood. Lucinda circled her, seemingly prepared to go for the kill. Her eyes locked with Tobias’ and the look of horror on his face urged her into action just as the whispers stopped cramming her head with new voices.

  She lifted a hand, allowing a thick tree branch to wrap itself around the limb. It lifted her skyward just as Lucinda lunged and ran headlong into a large tree trunk now that Alex was no longer there. The branch lifted her higher and higher into its foliage, setting her down on a sturdy branch. Alex smiled down at the growling form of Lucinda as she struggled to climb up the tree.

  Make sure she doesn’t get up here, she commanded.

  Her grin widened as the branches began to swat at Lucinda, causing her to jump back. Turning her attention to the bleeding cut on her leg, she examined the injury, four deep furrows ran across her skin exposing the flesh beneath and she found herself frowning at the deepness of the cuts. The edges of the wound were beginning to turn purple and her scowl deepened.

  That shouldn’t be like that. I might need to get this checked out. I swear if that bitch has given me rabies or something, I’m going to hand her her ass. I should probably get this checked out soon, so I suppose that means it’s time to go on the offensive, right guys? The whispers in her mind rose in volume, agreeing with her. Could you put me down please?

  The branch that she was sat on began to grow, lengthening until it reached the ground, allowing her to step off onto the ground. The moment she touched the floor, Lucinda began to move towards her. The grass beneath her padded paws warned Alex of her approach and she managed to roll out of the way, nimbly avoiding another swipe of deadly claws. The cuts on her leg ached, her skin throbbing, as the ache soon became a burn. Trying to push the pain to the back of her mind, she began to gather the plants around her, preparing for an attack. Vines burst from the ground, moving swiftly towards Lucinda. The black wolf put on a burst of speed, avoiding most of the outstretched green tentacles. One managed to wrap itself around her leg, throwing her into the crowd. People scattered, backing away from her as she regained her footing, snarling her anger and showing her long, sharp and deadly teeth.

  Lucinda moved, the action so fast that Alex couldn’t keep up, her mind increasingly fuzzy. She blinked, surprised to see Lucinda standing directly in front of her. Her paws moved, preparing to strike and Alex jumped back reflexively to avoid the hit. She wasn’t fast enough, her reactions slow and her thoughts becoming increasingly difficult to maintain, and Lucinda scored another hit, tearing the tender flesh of her stomach. Alex stumbled back, the pain in her leg increasing to become almost unbearable and she fell to the ground landing on her ass. Lucinda stalked forward and Alex felt her heart begin to race as fear filled her. The vines she had sent after Lucinda doubled back on themselves with astounding speed and more burst from the ground between them. The plants began to swirl around her, cocoonin
g her within them for safety, Lucinda howled outside, starting to claw wildly at the plants that stood between her and Alex.

  Thank you, she murmured, blinking rapidly in an attempt to focus her blurring eyesight.

  She eyed the new injury at her stomach, surprised to see that it was also turning purple, blood flowing from the deep wound. A vine touched the injury on her calf, quickly pulling away as though it had been burned. Poison! The voices screamed within her mind. Poison!

  That would explain why it hurts so much and I can’t see properly, she responded, I’ve got to win. I can’t afford to lose. I’ve got to try and focus. The ground beneath her rolled and she smiled as an idea formed. Don’t stop. She patted the earth beneath her pleased when it continued to buck and heave. I’ve got to catch her, keep her caught and make her give up. A moment passed before her plan solidified. Could you grow some thorns? She asked, stroking the vines that surrounded her. A small but sharp thorn appeared next to her hand. Bigger? The thorn tripled in size and she grinned. Good, now come down, she should be off balance, I want you to wrap her up and hold her tight, ok?

  The vines descended quickly and moved towards Lucinda, managing to catch her as she struggled to find her footing on the constantly moving ground. The vines wrapped around her struggling form, each appendage simultaneously sprouting thick, sharp thorns to prevent her from moving. Alex watched as her plan succeeded, smiling as she struggled to her feet, the simple movement surprisingly difficult as she became increasingly light headed from blood loss and the poison that continued to move through her system.

  “Do you give up Lucinda?” Her voice was slurred, but she kept moving forward, determined to see the Challenge through and emerge the victor. “I asked you a question Lucinda.” She stumbled almost losing her footing. “Do you give up? Do you submit?”

  Lucinda growled in response, resuming her frantic struggles against the thorny vines. Clutching her head, Alex attempted to stop it from spinning but it continued on regardless. Her concentration broken, the vines relaxed their grip on Lucinda allowing her to break free, she pounced, sending Alex tumbling to the ground, while she rolled to the side to catch her footing. Shaking her head, Alex tried to clear her mind but found the task almost impossible as her thoughts became increasingly fuzzy. The lupine form of Lucinda stalked towards her, certain in her victory.

  I’ve got you now bitch. A voice floated through her mind. Instantly recognising it as Lucinda’s she tried to focus on it, but the throbbing ache at her stomach and leg continued to distract her from the task allowing Lucinda to continue her approach unhindered. Reaching her, Lucinda leapt landing on Alex and keeping her pinned to the ground.

  Thought you could beat me did you human? she snarled, her jaws opening wide to expose her dripping fangs.

  She’s going to kill me if I don’t get it together. Focus! Pushing the pain to the farthest corners of her mind, she struggled to remain conscious putting all her energy into a last ditch attempt to win. God please let this work.

  “Lucinda, get off me now.” Her voice was slurred but the command behind it was clear. “Now Lucinda, move.” The weight on her shoulders and hips was removed as Lucinda complied with her order. Resisting the urge to cheer her success, she forced her body up from the ground careful to maintain eye contact with the black wolf. The amber eyes of the wolf blazed in defiance, but Alex pressed on regardless determined to win. Struggling to her feet, she began to back away towards the area she thought Tobias and the Council should be. “Follow me Lucinda, don’t try to attack me. Do you understand?”

  The wolf began to pad forward, its movements jerky as Lucinda tried to resist Alex’s command. The light-headedness returned and Alex knew she didn’t have long. “Move faster Lucinda.” She complied, her slow gait increasing though the movements were still jerky. “Am I in front of Tobias and the Council Lucinda? Nod if I am.” The wolf nodded its large head and a sigh of relief passed her lips. “Good now Lucinda, I want you to submit to me, do you understand? I want your submission and I want it now.” Her amber eyes widened in surprise, but her body began to follow Alex’s order, her legs giving out beneath her as she pressed herself to the ground. Her movements became increasingly juddery as she fought the compulsion. “Now Lucinda, do it now!” Alex shouted, feeling her grip on consciousness begin to slip. The wolf rolled over exposing the tender skin of its underbelly to her. Falling to her knees as the pain in her calf became too much Alex reached forward, lightly touching the skin and rubbing before turning to Tobias, her eyes glazed over.

  “Does this mean I win Tobias?”

  Chapter Twenty Seven

  “Does this mean I win Tobias?” Her question was met with silence and she allowed her eyes to move from him to take in the shocked faces of Thomas, Yvonne, and the entire Council. “Tobias?” she asked again, hoping to gain his attention before she passed out from the pain.

  The low sound of her voice snapped him out of his state of panic and he began to move. “Announce it Charles, Alexandria has won, Lucinda submitted,” he ordered, lightly shaking the council member to bring him back from his current state of shock and awe.

  Looking her over, he scowled at the deep cuts on her leg and torso, increasingly concerned as her body began to sway, the arms she was now leaning back on seemingly unable to hold her weight. “And call a doctor as well,” he ordered before he began to move down from the raised platform that separated him from Alex. A blur of movement out of the corner of his eye had him putting on a burst of speed. Grabbing Lucinda by her neck, he lifted her from the ground and snarled in her face.

  “What the hell do you think you’re doing? You lost and you’re still trying to harm my mate, the Challenge is over!”

  “Tobias,” she pleaded. “You don’t understand. I wasn’t expecting that, no one said anything. She made me give up, I didn’t want to. How can it be over? I didn’t willingly submit.”

  “You’re allowed to use any gift that comes to you by virtue of birth in the Challenge, you’re the one that invoked it so you should have looked closely at the rules.”

  “But no one said anything about her being able to control me,” she continued frantically.

  “You were happy enough to invoke the Challenge when you thought she was only human, and she accepted despite the fact that she knew exactly what you were and the damage you could cause her. Yet the same cannot be said of you, when you found out the full extent of her abilities, you tried to kill her when she was weakened.”

  “Tobias, I, I…”

  “You what exactly?” he roared, directly into her face.

  Ryan and Sebastian rushed over, seeing that Tobias was about to lose any semblance of control and most likely kill her in his rage. “Give her to us cousin, we’ll take care of it,” Sebastian stated calmly, trying not to anger his cousin any further.

  Tobias threw Lucinda in their general direction, not caring how she landed, before bending down to see to Alex. “You’re bleeding,” he exclaimed. Though he had seen Lucinda draw blood, the sight and smell of it on his mate close up was still shocking to him. He touched her skin and was shocked by how cold her trembling body was. “Xandria?”

  “It hurts Tobias,” she groaned gripping her still bleeding stomach, turning to face him, her eyes unfocused. “Poison. Her claws Tobias, poison.” Her mind became unfocused once more and she stopped speaking, clutching her bleeding leg and stomach in a vain attempt to keep the pain at bay.

  Amber filled his eyes as his wolf gained dominance. Turning he stood and walked to where Ryan and Sebastian were helping Lucinda to her feet. Grabbing one of her hands, he brought it to his nose and sniffed. “Poison? You poisoned her?” A hush descended over the anxious crowd, none daring to speak as the accusation floated through the air. “You poisoned her! What’s wrong with you? Poison is illegal in the Challenge and you thought you would get away with it?” he roared, grabbing her shoulders and shaking her.

  Now can we kill her? His inner wolf demanded, I told you bef
ore that we should have dealt with her before this ridiculous Challenge. Our mate is injured and this bitch is to blame. Kill her.

  A red haze descended over his vision and he found himself agreeing with his inner wolf. Maybe you’re right. If I kill her now then she can be of no threat to Xandria in the future. A hand rose to Lucinda's throat and he began to squeeze, uncaring of the redness that appeared on her cheeks as she struggled for air.

  This won’t kill her, his wolf reminded him. You need to take her head, otherwise she’ll recover.

  That might be true, he remarked studying her face as it became increasingly red, distantly aware of the feel of her fingers tugging wildly at the hand at her throat. But if we just kill her then she won’t suffer, look at what she did to our Xandria, she has to pay for each injury.

  With interest, his wolf inserted.

  Clearly, Tobias agreed.

  A tall blonde man rushed forward, studiously avoiding Alex’s prone form. “Your highness.”

  Tobias turned to look at the man, instantly recognising him as Lucinda's father. “What do you want Jeremiah?” he asked, his voice strangely devoid of any emotion while his grip on Lucinda's throat tightened.

  “Please have mercy on my daughter, I beg you.”

  “Your daughter doesn’t deserve mercy, she brought this all upon herself and you helped her!” Throwing Lucinda aside as a new target for his anger appeared, he stepped forward menacingly. “She spread her lies about us being mated and you did nothing to discourage her. When her lies went unchallenged within her clan she thought to bring them here and in so doing thought that there was nothing wrong with invoking the Challenge against my true mate. She lost and still believed that she wouldn’t be punished for attacking my mate. On top of all of that she poisoned my mate! How can I let this stand?” he bellowed and Jeremiah took a step back, recoiling from his prince’s anger.