Winter Wolf(75)

“She looks terrified, Jackson. Haven’t you taught her anything?” Bass’s father continued.

Just as she was on the urge of passing out, Bass’s soothing presence wrapped around her. He eased the fear inside of her, enabling her to gasp in the needed oxygen.

“Well, everyone has gathered around, Sebastian. Why don’t you tell me why the girl clings to your hand like a frightened child?”

“Father, I’d like you to meet Katalina, my mate.” Bass stepped to the side slightly, so his father could get a better view.

“Mate?”

“Yes,” Bass answered.

Katalina jumped as Bass’s father let out a boom of a laugh, no one else seemed to find it funny; the fear and confusion from all those around her crept across her skin.

“Did you really think I’d welcome her with open arms, Sebastian? And Jackson, did you think I’d make peace, call an end to the war I’ve nearly won.”

“Alistair, our children have mated. Maybe it’s time we put the past behind us,” Jackson said, his voice even.

Bass’s father laughed again, his voice bouncing through the silence.

“Did I not teach you better, Sebastian?”

“You taught me many things, Father. How to fight, how to instill fear into others, but most of all, you showed me how I never want to be like you. I will never be a cruel leader who destroys all who question me. I will allow our children to be children. Dark Shadow will no longer be the prison you have created. It will be a home for the Dark Shadow wolves who want to be here.”

The atmosphere changed in an instant. Unease, hunger, and death whispered through the air like a mantra.

“Do you challenge me, boy?” his father asked. His face contorted with the venom in his voice; hatred and violence dancing in his eyes.

“Alistair Evernight, I challenge you,” Bass replied. His voice spoke of strength, of courage and promise.

“Which form do you choose?” Alistair asked.

“Man.”

Katalina found herself ripped from Bass’s hand in an instant. Jackson’s arms enclosed her, dragging her from Bass as his father circled around him.

The people around them erupted into excited shouts, their voices barbaric, hungry to see blood spilled.

Alistair lunged toward Bass, his fists clenched, his eyes livid. Katalina watched as Bass danced out of his way, his feet nimble and light as they skated the ground. The noise around Katalina blurred into the background as she watched them preparing to fight. Her heart boomed through her ears, pulsing through her veins.

Trembling, she couldn’t look away. Instead, she felt herself slowly breaking apart. Jackson still held her, and for once she didn’t fight him; he was the only thing keeping her upright.

“Come on, boy. Make a move!” Alistair shouted at his son.

But Bass ignored his father, jumping once more from his reach.

“Why doesn’t he fight?” Katalina whispered.

“His father’s stronger but he’s also older. He’ll tire before Bass,” Jackson whispered into her ear.

Bass stumbled leaving him unprotected. Alistair’s fist connected with his jaw. Katalina watched on in horror as the impact forced Bass’s head backward, his feet nearly going out from under him.

“Oh, God, I can’t watch this.” Katalina turned her head away.

Bass missed his father’s next move by millimeters. Regaining his balance, he jumped away, circling his father again.

Katalina could see the impatience in Bass’s fathers eyes, in the way he moved. It infuriated him that Bass wouldn’t fight; it also made him sloppy. His father rushed forward, swinging for Bass with a grunt. Again, Bass stepped out of the way. However, this time, when his feet carried on with their dance, his elbow smashed into the back of his father’s neck. His father stumbled forward with an angry growl. Spinning around, he charged again.

The dance carried on. Bass moving, never really attacking, and the longer it went on, the angrier Alistair became.

Nico appeared in front of her. “You need to move now!”

“What? Nico?” Katalina stuttered.

Nico never answered her. Jackson shoved her behind him. The air rushed out of her as chaos erupted.

Nico took her hand. “Come with me!” he shouted, dragging her through the crowd.

“Jackson!” Katalina gasped as Malaki appeared out of nowhere and jumped him.

Katalina felt like a rag doll; she was dragged and shoved forward. All around her there was noise; Jackson’s growls and grunts; the excited cries of those reveling in this madness; and then the screams and cries of children as their mothers carried them away in terror.

She was dragged further through the crowd; Niko’s hand a vice. She lost sight of Bass for a second and in that time, she felt his terror fill her. His voice called out to her over the crowd, “Katalina!”