The Runt novel Chapter 28

"Ladies and gentlemen, good members of the Midnight Pack! You are here tonight because I have challenged your poor excuse of an Alpha to the death for control of this pack – Alpha Kace do you accept my challenge?" My father arrogantly shouts to me while members of my pack grimace, knowing the fate that awaits them after tonight. No one knows what has been going on with Penelope but all you have to do is look at me to know that something is wrong – I appear visibly weaker and they'll be able to smell the difference in Phoenix.

They all know I'm about to lose.

"I accept your challenge," I agree, unable to do anything but. The man I used to call my father smirks arrogantly at me, confident in his assured victory and resulting lifestyle to follow, knowing there is nothing I can do about it.

"Prepare yourself for battle," he sneers at me as he starts stretching and showboating. I do what I can to get ready but without Phoenix, it doesn't take long. I make eye contact with as many of my fellow pack members as I can, silently asking for their forgiveness and saying goodbye in the time my opponent allots me.

As I approach the circle, I hear AJ's voice calling my name. I stop, relieved to hear his voice so we'll be able to say our final goodbyes after all - I was worried he'd miss the fight. I turn to greet AJ as my opponent rolls his eyes at me in annoyance at the delay, but he doesn't say anything which I take as his okay to take the minute I need.

But AJ isn't alone.

The crowd parts to allow him through – and help him with the wheelchair he's pushing when he gets stuck on any uneven ground. With green eyes shining bright again, a weak looking Penelope slumps in the wheelchair. As soon as I see her, I race to her side – not caring who sees us or what my father-opponent thinks about it.

"Penelope! Oh, my Goddess! You shouldn't be here my love-" I gasp, pleased to see her but shocked at how small and vulnerable she appears. What is she thinking being here like this?! She interrupts me mid-rant, placing her hand gently on my cheek and silencing me instantly.

"You need to destroy your father, Kace," she says to me calmly, matter-of-factly. I nod in agreement, showing her I understand but follow it with a shrug to also say it isn't going to happen. She smiles gently, her hand sending slight tingles through my cheek through our greatly weakened but still intact mate bond, since I didn't accept her rejection.

It'll kill me but it'll be what we both deserve.

What I'm hoping will happen is she'll agree to stick around and at least explore a friendship with me – I have no foolish hopes that anything more will ever happen between us, not after all this. But if she'll be my true mate and friend – maybe someday the mother of my pups but still happy in her life? That'd be the ultimate dream – my dream of course, I have no idea what she wants because I haven't spoken to her.

Hardly at all.

Goddess I'm an ass.