Chapter 138 The Challenge

Damon

The morning sun is barely cresting the horizon when the knock comes, sharp and insistent. I already know I won’t like whatever news is about to be delivered. I sit at the head of the long wooden table in my war room, staring at the map before me. Planning how I’ll be protecting my new borders once Soren’s land belongs to me.

The doors open without my permission, and a scout steps inside, his head bowed in deference. “Alpha,” he says, voice tense. “A messenger has arrived.”

I gesture sharply, and the scout steps aside to allow the man entry. He’s one of Soren’s. A young warrior still breathing hard from running all the way here. He stands straight, shoulders squared, though I can see the effort it takes for him to meet my gaze.

Good, my reputation precedes me. He kneels, but there’s no true submission in the act. “I bring a challenge, Alpha Damon.”

The words are a slap to the face. I lean back in my chair, schooling my expression into one of indifference, though my blood simmers