Chapter 190: Part 5

A week passed without Aster approaching or following her. She never expected to miss his irritating habit of being everywhere she went. But, she did. Her cat also gave her a hard time, so Esta trained the frustration away, or tried to. She lifted weights and sparred with anyone willing to get into the ring with her. And she waited.

Nicolas called a meeting of the pack on the seventh day. Esta knew in her heart that Aster had finally challenged. She was as ready as she would ever be.

Their alpha got straight to the point. "Aster challenges for his place as one of your leaders. Per beastkind rules, if you accept, Vorlyk's bite may only keep you from dying. Any other injuries will heal on their own. Aster, make your challenge."

Esta straightened. Here it was. She gazed at Aster for the first time in a week. He turned away.

"Troy, I challenge for your position."

For one moment, Troy was as stunned as Esta, but he shook it off quickly and began removing his clothes. "I accept."