Chapter 149

Ethan

Anger boils my blood, and no matter how I try to tamp it down, it pushes on, climbing up my throat with an uncomfortable heat.

If they won’t listen, or change their minds, I’ll do this my own way.

“As Elders and Council, you should be open to assisting and guiding the younger generation,” I announce, narrowing my eyes on the men sitting before me. A sharp intake of breath spikes along with the tension in the room. “What is the point of you being in leadership positions if you only hinder those beneath you?”

I can see when their attitudes shift from proud to annoyed. Council Member Thaen is the first, unable to control the angry furrow of his brows. Then the Elders from the Redwater Pack and the Midnight Pack. Each of the men nearly trembling with anger.

Before they can speak, I raise a hand to silence them. There’s nothing they could say that I want to hear.

“I will take my place in the selection, but if you will not let me come by invitation, I will compete for the Lycan King position,” I growl. “Not as an Alpha but as a Lycan.”

Heads whip up, each of them suddenly very interested in what I’m saying. I don’t know why I didn’t lead with this, but I should have. Letting them prattle on about my life like they knew everything was a waste of time.

“Alpha,” Elder Nugyen mutters. His concerned tone betrays his inner feelings and the disappointment he feels at not being forewarned about my decision. “You should rethink this path,” he says. “There is too much danger in—”

“Do you doubt your Alpha?” Elder Mathis from the Redwater Pack taunts, smirking. Leave it to a rival to mock a genuine challenge entry.

“Alpha Montgomery is more than capable of defeating other Alphas or Lycans, but he should not have to enter into the challenges,” Elder Nugyen says, sending a glare toward the other Elder. Mathis has never truly been a problem, but just recently him and his pack have become more of a nuisance.

A nuisance I plan to deal with as soon as things settle down.

“These uninvited challengers should not be allowed to tarnish the reputation of the Lycan King Selection,” one man says, while another scoffs.

“Let him enter.” I turn to the right, looking down at the line of Council Members. “The challenges between Alphas who were not invited by the King is tradition. Regular Lycans are not always as lucky as Alphas to receive an invitation, so the King allowed them to partake. Though, Alpha Montgomery, this is the most dangerous path you could take.”

“I am aware,” I tell the Elder, nodding my silent thanks. “I am willing to face the trials as well as any consequences that come from my choices. I am not afraid to fight for what I want.”

He’s not lying about the danger. Fights in challenges go until one cannot stand any longer. The invited Alphas are able to skip over the challenges, but any other Lycans who wish to enter, no matter what their rank is, are allowed.

Not even the council can stop them from entering the challenges.

“You could lose your life,” Elder Mathis states, that slimy smirk still pulling at his lips.

“I am aware,” I tell him again. Does he not understand that? Does he think I’m incapable of making my own decisions? Or is he so used to an Alpha who only listens to other peoples’ ideas before making decisions?

He could simply be excited that I’m walking into a dangerous situation that could leave me hurt or worse.

No matter how many men enter, only the top five strongest fighters make it through the challenge process. Lycans who enter into the challenges risk their lives to come out on top. The danger is heavy because the rules are usually ‘anything goes’ as long as there is no intentional killing. Maiming? Injuring?

Yes. Usually, the Lycans who enter into the challenges come out with scars and sometimes with injuries that don’t heal fully. There have also been times where someone has died from their injuries, but the goal is not to murder. The goal is to fight until you’ve proven you’re the strongest.

“You have been disqualified, Alpha Montgomery. You are not to disrespect the decision of the Council in such a manner,” Council Member Thaen repeats. I look at the floor, holding back the growl that threatens to erupt from me at his words.

I never thought I would have to challenge others but if the council will not let me keep my rightful place in the Selection, I will prove to them and the entire Lycan Kingdom that I can do what it takes to lead and excel in difficult situations.

I have faith that my strength and skill will see me through. I haven’t trained my whole life to get this close and fail now.

“Selection Law 12B states: As declared by the sovereign, any Lycan whom finds themselves in able-bodied mental and physical capacity may enter into the Lycan King Challenges. No Lycan will be turned away unless deemed unfit by the sovereign or court. Thus, a Lycan of any standing may take part in the assessments of strength, integrity, cunning, resilience, and intelligence.”

“You have been deemed unfit by this council,” Thaen announces, and I shake my head.

“This council does not have the authority to declare me unfit,” I tell them, stepping forward. Thaen’s brows pull in as his face reddens. I continue, “Selection Law 12D states: To be deemed unfit as a challenger, the Sovereign King must be the deciding factor in each case presented.”

Thaen’s jaw ticks in annoyance, and honestly, if this wasn’t all so maddening, I would find the fact that I’m getting to him is slightly satisfying.

“Alpha Montgomery is right, Council Member Thaen,” Elder Nugyen says, coming to my aid.

“Of course, you would side with your Alpha, Eld—”

“You cannot break the law, Council Member Thaen. Alpha Montgomery was welcomed by the King’s invitation, so if he is no longer allowed to use his invitation, you must allow him to take part in the challenge. Do you think the King would deem him unfit to enter?”

Thaen growls and slams his fist onto the table, his frustration and anger becoming a physical weight around me. They know there is no argument here. If they wanted to keep me from entering the challenges, they would have gotten the King’s approval, which they didn’t.

They have no option but to allow me in.

“Alpha Montgomery, you are allowed to join the challenges, but you need to know this path will be a dangerous and hard journey,” Council Member Richt announces, standing from his chair.

“Nothing worthwhile is ever easy,” I say before turning and leaving the council behind.