Girl Gone Rogue (The Shadow Hunters #2)

32. That's news to me

Later in the afternoon, the Pack gathered on one of the large fields where there was a large portion of it covered with dirt, suitable for sparring. A flow of faint whispers filled the air as Jude waited for the last few members to join the growing crowd. He stood in front of the assembling Pack members, with Aella at his side.

Alexei had formed a line with the other men of the inner circle. Jude stood in front of them. Every few minutes, Alexei would catch my gaze in the crowd. A small, secretive smile would then spread across his lips, and I knew exactly what he was thinking.

He didn't even try to hide it.

Emerys, who stood beside him, read his friend's expression perfectly, which earned a few head ruffles from the older man himself. Alexei tried to swat his hands away, but the bearded man had fast hands. Even from where I stood near the back, I caught wisps of his laughter that caught the breeze.

"Do you know what this is all about?" Kian asked, standing beside me.

"No, not a clue."

"I might have a clue."

Before he could expand, Jude raised his hand. The whispers instantly ceased.

Someone hissed a 'shush', which effectively killed the last bits of whispers.

Even the little children had clamped their lips tight, anticipating their leader's announcement.

Jude surveyed the crowd, pleased to see that he had all their attention.

For someone so quiet, Jude had a way of communicating to his Pack that no one else could.

"In the last few days, select Enforcers and I have been doing some work up in the mountains. In doing so, we have come into contact with Alpha Bennett and his Pack that wish to join our Pack."

Cries of surprise broke out.

Jude allowed them a solid minute to voice their concerns. Most were unintelligible because people were shouting over another, trying to be heard.

Alexei and Jamison stood the closest to Jude. They remained stoic during the commotion. Aella stood by Jude's side, observing, and listening to the Pack's worries.

It wasn't a surprise people were so against it. Alpha Bennett's name was like dirt in this Pack. People had eventually found out what he had done to their Luna and Allison, including the sins of his sons. Although neither woman confirmed or denied the rumours, the Pack members were fiercely protective of them. Kian was not much help either, considering I caught him stirring the pot a few times when the old women brought out their crochet needles and half made quilts to gossip.

"I understand why most are upset but I am a fair Alpha. Hence, before anything can be moved ahead, duels will occur. Alpha Bennett and his sons will be punished for their past transgressions and all parties have permitted it."

"Who will do it?"

"Allison has volunteered to go against Alpha Bennett." Jude announced. "Aella will be put against Ace and Jace will be pitted against Kian."

The shouts transitioned into whispers that spread across the crowd.

I was stunned.

Alexei adapted the perfect poker face, even I had trouble reading it as Jude spoke.

I faced Kian, who stiffened when some gazes shot towards him in question.

"You're going to have duel with Jace?" I asked quietly.

"I overhead the Alpha talking about the duels. Aella and Allison were already scheduled to fight in the duels, but they were still trying to find someone for Jace, so I offered myself up. Walked right into his office and gave myself up." He explained, "They had no choice really. I didn't give them the chance. I wanted this."