According to the challenger's guidance, battle like was about to ensure was weakly ruled. There was no such thing as a foul or fighting dirty, it was a brutally ruled sport that every pack dreaded. Successors were determined by sheer will meaning Ally would have to either submit or be unable to continue if she lost. Losing wasn't something she could afford, it didn't bother her that his perverted mind screamed at her, Blake and her pack was now the main priority. Ally would rather die than let them kiss his feet, it was out of her comprehension. Isaac's worried expression stuck in her head like a scar and she struggled to maintain her focus.
Hunter towered over her at 6"4, wolves had a knack for being larger than the average human, Ally was tall for a female but looked like his shadow. This didn't discourage her as she faced off with him, tying her hair back into a pony-tail she shook her head and glared at him. Every move was critical, this was no longer about strength, this was survival. Hunter was well known for his fighting and reputable strength, he was quite feared among the community. Blake and Helen held hands and prayed that she could do this, but Blake had an uneasy feeling. Ally seemed to be unsteady on her morals, perhaps her heart and mind were battling which was causing this lack of sharpness.
Hollow pack members circled her like sharks occasioning wolf whistling at her trying to provoke her, but Ally's eyes still locked with Hunter. In fighting, eyes were a key feature in predicting what the opposer was thinking even if it's just for a split second, it could give her an advantage. Oddly, the heightened atmosphere dyed down, and the green was completely silent, Ally enjoyed it briefly but understood this was the calm before the storm. Regardless she got her thoughts in order, it didn't matter if she fought with her head or her heart, Ally would never give up.
"You could just submit right now Ally and we won't have to get our hands dirty." Hunter gave a last plead for her to reconsider, truthfully, he didn't care that she was a female. A contender was a contender and he knew not to underestimate her. Ally tucked her hair behind her head and tilted her face.
"How modest of you, our hands will just get dirty you say? I'd prefer them be bloody." Ally had taken on a completely new persona; this darkness shrouded her no matter how many times she reached to clear her mind. Emotions from the recent days all plagued her at once, it was a stampede of desires and hatred all balled together at this sudden event. Thirty minutes ago, she sat reminiscing about her past days in this pack with her mare and now she stood defending it, her families future on the line. Dash watched helplessly on the side-lines and could see the struggle in her mind. She wasn't strong enough to contend with someone as sadistic as him right now. A burning anxiety filled his heart and he didn't know what to do.
Hunter nodded in condolence before preparing his stance. Ally took one last look at the people around meeting eyes with her father first. The man who stemmed this inner rage and turmoil she silently battled, going so far to view his own son be bludgeoned by another pack. Her face softened when she looked at Blake who's face really concerned her. It looked like he held insight to what she was feeling right now, he didn't have much faith. Ally's mother looked at her admirably like she had when Ally defended them in the pack showdown. In one last feeble attempt to collect herself she looked at Isaac, his bright red eyes stricken with fear, pleading her to succeed for her own sake.
Ally smiled but was quickly snapped from her daze by Hunter's heavy footsteps vibrating towards her. In a last instinct Ally skidded under his legs and kicked the back of his knee with all her might, so fast she didn't even realize what she was doing until he stayed low to the floor fighting the sharp pain. Pack members faces who initially doubted her looked on in awe at her speed. Hunter got up and engaged again but Ally ducked his fists kneeing him in the stomach before striking the back of his neck. Training was something she obsessed over since being a young child, it gave her pleasure to know when she needed to defend herself, she could do so efficiently. Hunter began looking unnerved by her strength and speed and rethought his tactics. Hunter had been watching her for a while noticing her absent mind at moments, but that moment was all he needed to defeat her.
"It's strange fighting without that prick Isaac stepping in for you. I have to admit I was quite cheerful to hear of his passing, but I bet that was difficult for you am I right?" Hunter tried to hit a nerve, but Ally smiled carelessly back and looked behind him to see Isaac nod back at her, reassuring her that he wasn't fazed by his words.
"Stop babbling on and engage I don't have all day." Ally said impatiently, his attempts to throw her off were pathetic and pissed her off even more. Hunter ran forward yet again but this time slowed down so Ally wasn't influenced by instinct and instead had to think about her actions. Hunter swung his body forwards and grabbed onto her pony-tail tight lifting her from the floor. Ally had predicted this and quickly wrapped her legs tightly around his neck using her core strength to summersault backwards flipping him hard into the soil. Her art of fighting was mastery, but Dash wasn't concerned about how well she could fight, it's how long her body would keep up with using her power. After she'd fought Lucian basically to death her body gave up on her because she was rejecting her genes. If Ally even had the slightest doubt about herself then he feared it would overtake her. Ally brushed herself off and quickly scrambled back into the fighting position. Pack members were shocked to see this high and mighty Alpha not even get a single punch in, while this fragile young girl was getting the better of him.
Hunter was done playing dirty and began resorting to some dyer words to trigger her disorientation, he would rather die than lose his pride. Ally could see he about to say something and swiftly interjected delivering a quick scissor kick to the side of his head, landing effortlessly completely un-phased. Hunter was slightly disorientated but shook his head maintain his composure. Ally was winning because she was light and quick, but when it did come to blows would she really have the strength to content with him? Hunter licked the blood from his lip, this was the first broken skin of the match. Dash could smell the blood in the air and was alarmed initially but relived to see it wasn't Ally's. Hunter shot his head up with an unnerving smile, it was strange, but Ally felt a shiver run up her spine. Something in his eyes suggested he had a dangerous plan simmering in his oversized head.
"Ally, I owe you an apology foe speaking so ill-minded of your mate. I speak only of jealousy, but I won't lie to you anymore. I regret my part in his death, simply because you sustained injuries too." Hunter said the words with evil intent and Ally felt her whole-body freeze on the spot.
"Think very carefully about what you say next." Ally gritted her teeth, the mere thought of him even having the slightest part in taking Isaac away from her made her slowly start to lose control.
"Who do you think let them in the territory Ally. Come on, I thought you were smarter than that," Dash's eyes widened, and this was the moment he'd dreaded. Isaac knew that their attack was planned by someone but didn't expect to see his own community member permit such a thing without a guilty mind. Ally couldn't fathom what she was feeling, and her vision began to go fuzzy. All this time she had welcomed the wolf gene because she believed them to be noble creatures but hearing that a wolf would aid in killing her mate out of spite made her doubt her heritage. That was all it took… Ally lost focus for a short minute.
"Y-you're dead… I'll kill you!" Before Dash could call out to her the harrowing words escaped her mouth. All rationality had dissipated, and Ally was left a hollow shell. Ally was too caught up from her shocking revelation that she failed to ignite her instincts when a deafening force struck her face causing her to fall to the ground. Blake and Helen gasped at the brutal punch Hunter threw while in her vulnerable state. Ally panted in stress as she weakly made her way up to her feet. Dash had rushed closer to the scene and stood near Blake and Helen.
"Isaac, she can't keep this up for much longer." Blake said worryingly. Blake could tell she was too overwhelmed to be fighting, but selfishly allowed her to volunteer as tribute. Helen hid her face from the scene, it was too upsetting for her too see her daughter struggling.
"I can't interfere, but I need to talk to her. If I can get through to her even a little bit, she might have a chance." Isaac said analysing the situation.
Ally found her balance as she regained her focus, but her strength lacked immensely from the blow, Hunter had successfully used her own emotions as a weapon knowing too well that loosing a mate was very scarring. Ally immediately locked onto him and for the first time advanced without calculating her movements. This would truly cost her, Hunter ducked her punch and flipped her over his shoulder slamming her onto the ground. His delivery was so brutal the ground basically shook, Ally felt three of her rib's fractures under the pressure. Refusing to give in to the pain she tried to stand but was struck down as Hunter kicked her face. Blood splattered the green grass and Ally breathed heavily her body curled into a ball. Isaac was enraged but knew if he engage it would be war so in a critical attempt to help her he knelt close to the ground and began reaching his voice out towards her. Wolves cheered around Ally's head and Hunter had come under the delusion he'd won against the proud heroine. Ally's ears were ringing from the blunt force trauma to her head, but her ears pricked up at a faint whisper calling out her name. Using her advanced hearing she listened intently.
Blake watched Isaac begin to whisper at the ground, it surprised him that Ally could hear his over the manly shrouding. Blake was ill with worry staring at his broken sister's body quivering in pain on the ground. Until, the match was declared over from both parties no-one could enter the circle. Blake and Helen felt helpless, the sight was killing them.
"I want you to listen to me very carefully. You heard what he said right? That man watched as feral vamps tore us both apart and turned a blind eye. If you give up now, we will never get justice Ally. I'm begging you, for me. Get up your stronger than this. You're stronger than anyone I've ever met. If you don't get up in three second, I'm going to walk onto that pitch and rip out his throat." Isaacs words gave Ally a sudden burst of adrenaline. It was a harsh proposition but stimulating, the thought of seeing him hurt gave her the strength to stand. Ally stood clutching her side in agony while breathing calmly, she had to keep going. This was for her brother; Isaacs words were true. If Ally could gift that boy, the whole world she would but couldn't do so if under the perverted power of this man.
Hunter was eating up the cheers and had momentarily faced away from her. Ally planned her next moves with a clear head for the first time during the match and everyone watched in fright to see her run up and break his kneecap in one kick, without him even sensing her. Ally stepped back and watched him writhe in pain clutching his leg. Pack members moved forward slightly but was halted by a deep penetrating voice.
"Anyone who touches her while the fight is still in session will be killed on the spot. Choose your next actions wisely." Isaac's voice echoed throughout the field and the Hollow pack retreated to their prior positions. Ally looked at her family with a painful yet cheerful smile before walking over to Hunter.
"You can submit now if you value your looks. Be grateful I'm giving you the opportunity. What will it be?" Ally said coldly. Hunter tried to stand but with a shattered knee cap collapsed back to the floor.
"F*ck you!" he cried out his pride on the edges of a plummet.
Ally nodded at him without saying anything else. With one final hit, it was all over, and Hunter lay un-conscious at her feet.
"Take this as a lesson, if any one of you are feeling brave enough to question my brother's role, remember this sight. Now then unless you want me to break your knee-caps also then pledge yourself to your Alpha." Ally's words were slurred but still coherent. Just as the pack was about to kneel Ally felt her feet be swept from under her and before she could react Hunter had straddled her pinning her body to the floor. Hunter had played her at her own game by pretending to be un-conscious, the move was sly and caught Ally by surprise.
Ally looked at his face towering above her with glistening eyes, devastated by her own actions. How could she loose to some-one like him after she'd fought some-one as ruthless as Lucian. Why couldn't she focus, her mind was so clouded.
"Submit!" he shouted but Ally could see he was still in pain from her final effort. Ally smiled at him then spat the blood from her mouth in his face. Isaac's vision also began to blur seeing Ally pinned by the sadistic pervert he'd hated his whole life. Touching her porcelain, hurting the one thing he lived for. Isaac had a countdown in his head giving her twenty seconds to regain the advantage or he would break his promise…
Hunter smiled at her with broken teeth and raised his eyebrows in surprise. Hunter raised his fist and hit her as hard as he could. Pain radiated across her face and she groaned.
Unbeknownst to everyone Alpha King had been weeping for some time watching his daughter in such pain refusing to give in, she would rather die than give up. Helen had noticed his tears and made her way over to his in a last attempt. Helen always knew since the day Ally was born, Jackson had a bond with her he couldn't shake. Although he loved his son, he adored his daughter most of all. Helen wanted to use that bond to stop Ally's suffering.
"Even in birth she was a survivor Jackson, now look at her. Look what you've done to her, how can you stand idly by while your daughter is beaten to death. I'm asking you as a last resort but if you stop this match right now. I will convince Blake to re-instate you. If you ever want her forgiveness for what you have done you will stop this now." Helen's words were incredibly painful, and it ignited memories within the Alpha of Ally's birth and the attachment he had towards her. Alpha King had imprinted on her, meaning it didn't matter how much he tried to hate her or what extent he would go to in order to show it. Ally was his weakness. Alpha King looked at his wife for a moment and nodded wiping the tears from his face. Leah was also in shock, feeling sympathy for the sister she despised. Ally's silver hair was matted with blood and dirt and her body was bruised from head to toe. Blood trickled from her mouth, but she refused to submit meaning she would die before this match was over.
Time was up and just as Isaac was about to run on the pitch a bellowing voice stopped everyone dead in their tracks.
"Stop!" Alpha King walked forward. Hunter shot his head up in anger and glared at him. Ally couldn't really make out his voice but knew it was her father intervening. Why was he stopping the match? Was he not enjoying watching her in agony?
"Under council stature and for the mis-use of wolfsbane during public challenge, Hunter Hollow you are hereby disqualified." Everyone was frozen still, and Blake and Helen gasped. Wolfsbane…
The drug that was used to weaken out of control wolves and disorientate them. Alpha King had requested it be used secretively in the match knowing Ally would fight in Blake's face. Everything began to make sense, Ally wasn't conflicted or weak, it was the wolfsbane effect on her brain. When Hunter had contacted her the first time, it had entered the pores in her skin and reduced her functional skills. This fight was unfair on a molecular scale. Ally shouldn't have even been able to move never mind fight.
"Y-You!" Hunter got up from Ally and sprinted towards the Alpha. Isaac quickly sprinted forwards and stopped him in his tracks his eyes glowing blood red.
"I'm giving you ten seconds to collect your pack and leave. Your efforts are strained, and you have been disqualified which will be dealt with under council law. "Alpha King spoke from behind Isaac looking him up and down in awe. From a distance he couldn't recognize him but now he stood before him Alpha King was motionless. Ally had weakly made her way to her feet and staggered towards Hunter.
"Dirty trick, you'll pay for that." Ally said with a raspy voice. Hunter clenched his fists to strike her one final time, but Isaac caught it before it could land and stood protecting her. Isaac snapped Hunters hand back breaking it at the wrist. Hollow pack members began to whine in defeat.
"You ever touch her again and I'll tear your throat out. Got it." Isaac's tone was dark and evil. Hunter's face filled with fear and he retreated with the pack members at his side. Looking back once more at Alpha King.
"You'll pay for this Jackson." Gritting his teeth in rage he walked off into the tree-line. There was nothing more to be done and if he engaged once more, the pack could kill him for trespassing. Blake and Helen ran through the minute the circle broke and rushed to Ally's side. Isaac spun around and lifted her chin frantically assessing her injuries. Blake and Helen supported her under each shoulder and all stood in a line facing the Alpha and Leah. As soon as it had started, everything was over leaving a lonely field filled with anxiety.
"Why?" Ally said weakly. Jackson bowed his head in shame. Both of her eyes were bloodshot, and her nose was broken. Pain filled her eyes as she looked at her father memorably to understand.
"Forgive me." Alpha King struggled to sound so sentimental.
"Save it. I promised you if you hurt her again, I would kill you did I not." Isaac tone was cold, and he stepped forward, but Ally grabbed his coat and pulled him back.
"T-that's enough, no more death. I'm begging you." Ally sounded drunk and Isaac quickly brought her eyes to his attention. They weren't glowing and under further inspection Ally wasn't healing. Ally was fighting to keep herself awake, there was an inner stabbing pain in her core so painful she could barely stand.
"Sis, what is it? Why aren't you healing?" Blake said desperately. Helen placed her hand on Ally's stomach and listened for a second.
"She's bleeding internally we need to get her to a hospital now!" Helen shirked in worry. Isaac sprung into action and scooped her up, she managed to hold on to his neck, but her arms were weak and shaking. Suddenly, there was an uproar of panic and Isaac's started to beat faster than it ever had before. Pulling her body in tightly he listened to her heart which was murmuring, her body was giving up.
"I can get her there quicker, I'll meet you there." With that Isaac sprinted to the car quicker than he'd ever ran before his heart beating out of his chest.
"Come on Ally. I can't lose you…not again."
------------------------------ Lang manor outskirts--------------------------
Eli had been scouting the manor for quite some time hoping to get a good look at the mysterious girl who had killed his brother. After a four-hour drive, he was feeling agitated and began losing patience, therefore decided to break the ice for his own entertainment. It was courtesy to let a clan leader know beforehand they were coming but Eli relied on the element of surprise. Eli had dark history with this clam, one member in-particular. His older brother also took a dislike to him because he was independent from the community and could not be compelled by purebloods. This made him a threat, Eli couldn't fathom such things. Under clan law he could not harm Dash Lang, meaning his hatred blossomed into dark desires.
When he heard of the mysterious girl taking refuge here it made his blood boil. Wolves seeking vampire accompaniment was forbidden so it intrigued Eli more. Why would she rely on her enemies, was Dash perhaps her own weapon? Word had spread about his brother demise, but he didn't feel an ounce of sadness instead his heart filled with joy. Their rivalry and draining hatred towards each other had exhausted itself, and now he didn't have to see his smug face ever again.
Eli was truly sadistic, some would say even more than Lucian, for this reason he was hidden from the community. The Lang family were the only ones to have ever lay eyes on him. Joseph used to house a training facility here when he was in his prime, Lucian and Eli were sent there to learn how to fight and control their blood lust. Memories flushed Eli's mind peering on at the field where they would race and fight, this is where his hatred stemmed. Joseph didn't rival them both and was rather kind when it came to training, but it never stopped Lucian from making it a competition. Eli bi his lip in anger reminiscing about his past traumas but enlightened his face as he evaluated the current predicament.
Eli was next in line for the throne, meaning his power would be endless. This mysterious girl would have no choice but to stay with him if she valued the life of her peers at all. Clearly, she was someone very special to kill his brother, the strongest vampire in current status. Thoughts of taking against her will made him very stimulated. Eli had studied pictures his brother had drawn of her for hours trying to single a flaw, but he couldn't, she was picture perfect, but he wanted to see her for himself. Eli's thoughts were interrupted with strained quarrel coming from the entrance.
Dash had called Aiden to tell him Ally was in the hospital and her was infuriated. Joseph accompanied his trying to calm him down, but Aiden was surpassed that point.
"He's with her for half a day and already her life's in danger. For her mate he's doing a really shitty job!" Aiden yelled at his father who stood their letting him rant, with a idle expression.
"Aiden calm down it was pack business he couldn't interfere you have to understand. I bet it was hard for him to witness that, he needs us right now." Joseph said softly.
"No, Ally needs us. I refuse to let her lay her life down so casually, I'm done being lenient." Aiden was clearly in distress and angry that Dash cold let this happen. Ally was very important to him, he trusted his brother with her out of kindness but now she was hurt again. He wouldn't make the same mistake. Joseph sighed and nodded.
Eli had eavesdropped and was surprised to see the usual calm and collected Aiden Lang losing his footing over a girl. Perhaps, he had finally found a female companion. Aiden trained along side him but was never interested in girls and prioritized his studies, so he could gain a reputable role in the community. It must be one interesting girl to distract him from that.
Eli watched them both speed away and felt a sudden ease, it was time to snoop around. It was his goal to find this girl and make her his own plaything.
--------------------------------Hospital---------------------------
Blake, Helen and Dash all stood outside of the surgery room biting their nails. Isaac had rushed her here in under ten minutes after she'd passed out in the car. Watching as doctors rushed her off, he felt helpless. Her face was so pale, and her body was lifeless. Isaac couldn't understand why her body wasn't healing but remembered it was a side-effect to wolfbane. Blake wouldn't stop pacing and Helen was motionless in shock. They had all been this situation before when her and Isaac were attacked, the trepidation igniting painful memories the them both watching the white-washed surgery walls. Waiting to see if Ally would make it out alive. Isaac placed his hand on Helen's shoulder and guided her to the seating area and Blake followed. Helen wasn't opposed to his kind gesture but felt a little uneasy watching this boy she'd help raise look so different. Amid the battle, Helen had identified him by his features but couldn't find in herself to speak to him. Isaac had hurt her daughter after all, forgiveness is much easily said than felt.
"It's been a long time Isaac. You've grown stronger I see." Isaac was stunned for a moment that Helen recognised him but quickly understood. He had a lot of respect for this woman after she'd cooked and nurtured him all those years, despite her and Ally's differences.
"You're not going to beat me to a pulp?" Isaac said with a smile on his lips.
"I'll leave it to my daughter, she'll do a better job anyway." The mood had lightened somewhat, and Isaac chuckled. Blake had also sat down and smirked at his mother words.
"Don't worry she'll be fine mom." Blake said holding her hand.
"I know she will be, it's not her physical struggle that concerns me." Helen admitted looking directly at Isaac.
"You've seen the toll this has taken on her correct?" Isaac looked like a der in headlights to see this cold look scatter her face, she looked strangely like Ally.
"I'm aware. I've let her down Helen and I'm truly sorry for that. I just hope I can make her happy again." Isaac replied without hesitation to ensure Helen knew his statement was serious.
"Since, your return and connections with Aiden she's been slightly uplifted. That anger and animosity seems to have faded. Whatever you and your brother are doing, keep at it or I won't forgive you." Isaac received her words and nodded seriously.
Booming footsteps strutted towards them and Isaac was quickly lifted by his collar. His eyes met with his brother who was filled with fury. Isaac gulped to see Aiden so unhinged.
"Excuse us." With that Aiden dragged him away leaving Blake and Helen dumbfounded.
Dash was pushed into a secluded empty room away from the surgery area.
"What the hell Ai-"before he could speak Aiden plunged his fist into the wall just missing his head.
"You had one job how incompetent could you be!" Aiden was shaking with rage and Isaac didn't know what he was talking about.
"And that is?"
"Don't play dumb with me Dash, look where we are. How could you let her do that to herself?" Aiden raised is voice but lowered it in fear of alerting staff.
"I didn't let her do anything it was it of my control. You think you could have talked her out of it huh?" Isaac began arguing back, understanding Aiden was placing the blame on him.
"Why is it every time I trust her with you, she gets hurt." Dash began laughing at his noble words. Isaac didn't need anyone's trust to be with the girl he loved.
"Quit being so childish, if you had been in my place you would have shrived up on the spot. Once Ally makes up her mind you don't interfere it just complicates things. You believe I wanted her to fight that asshole, I had no say Aiden. So, before you start talking like you know her remember that I've been by her side since she was born."
"Yet you left her so before you use your past as a playing card, remember that I would never leave her like you did. Your lucky I haven't killed you for what you put her through." Isaac lost his temper and slammed Aiden up against the wall.
Joseph swiftly opened the door and separated them both, pinning them both against the wall with dangerous eyes. Both brothers relaxed and took a deep breath.
"I've had enough of this. Ally's fighting for her life and you two are fighting like school children. Have a little respect if you are both so unsure as to what your relationship is with her then just ask. It's not fair to keep her in the dark while you two make your own paths." Joseph had been thinking about this for a while. There was so much tension between them both because they had feelings, they didn't know what to do with. Ally had been keeping them in the dark purposely to punish them but only ended up punishing herself. Joseph had been watching her use their lust against them, but he could stand by while his beloved boys destroyed each other.
"It's not a competition now grow up." Joseph released his grip and left without looking at them again. Both brothers adjusted their collars and looked at each other.
"He's right let's put aside this issue for now. For her sake." Aiden said apologetically, and Dash nodded in agreement.
"Agreed. For now…"