And like that, the fight began. Kenneth charged Garrett and they began trading blows. Garrett was faster, able to dodge most of Kenneth's punches; however, the ones that connected weren't anything to shrug at. Garrett delivered punches faster than Kenneth, taking advantage of Kenneth's slower reaction time. The other wolves and felines watched with interest at who would be victorious. If Kenneth lost, his pack would belong to Garrett if he wanted. If Garrett lost, his life would be forfeit if Kenneth chose that route as it was his right to do.　　"I need to stop this. This is not what I wanted," Lily said. She was excited by the brutality of the display before her and did feel that her father deserved every punch, but she was anxious as she didn't know who would win. 'You need to have more faith in him, little she-wolf,' the mysterious voice spoke to her again. His tone was light as if he found the situation amusing.　　"You can not interfere with an Alpha challenge. We have to let the

　　The pain that surged through Lily dulled over time, but it was still a persistent ache in the back of her mind. Yet, amidst the throbbing, she became aware of something strange happening. More voices started to echo in her mind, and she realized that the number of males trying to seduce her seemed to have doubled. 　　"Dammit," Tiffany exclaimed, frustration evident in her voice. "Now, our males want you too." She didn't expect nor know that this would happen. "You're going to have to fight Lily. I know you don't have experience, but you're going to have to because…my mate needs me."　　Determined to reach Adam, Tiffany threw herself back into the fray, forcefully knocking wolves out of her way. She couldn't ignore the pull of the mate bond now that she understood what it was. Though she had felt it the first time she met Adam, she had brushed it aside, thinking it was just lust for a handsome man.　　Meanwhile, Lily readied herself to fight when she heard Berric's voice, "I am coming L

　　Hearing Lycan King Ethan's proclamation, Kenneth's heart pounded in his chest as he tried to absorb the weight of the situation. Not only had he been embarrassed the entire night, but he had also been humiliated in front of the powerful Lycan King. Sensing his distress, Ethan sneered and said, "I saw everything. Don't dare try to lie to me about your actions."　　"I apologize, my king. I..." Kenneth started, but Ethan's intimidating snarl silenced him immediately.　　Ethan, with eyes that seemed to pierce through one's soul, addressed the gathered werewolves and werefelines once more. "Lily has proven herself and demonstrated unwavering dignity under such extreme circumstances. Her courage and cunning have earned her the title of victor tonight. She possesses qualities that make her worthy of being the future Luna to one of our kings."　　Mandy finally managed to pull herself to her feet. She managed to shift back into her human form. Mandy exchanged a bewildered glance with Kenneth, bo

　　"Pathetic,"　　Ethan sat on his couch, reviewing the latest status reports of the packs. He sneered at them, his irritation with their failings evident. They weren't doing nearly as well as he had hoped. So much internal fighting and death. It was a wonder to him how they were related to Lycans.　　"Alpha King, the she-wolf is awake," Janet's voice flooded Ethan's mind.　　He rolled his eyes, muttering under his breath, "Finally." Clearing his throat, he responded, "Bring her to me as long as she is able to move."　　"As you wish, Alpha King."　　Ethan put down his reports and got up, pacing the room for a moment. He went to his desk and pulled out the file he had on Lily. Ethan researched her on his own as he wanted to ensure that nothing was omitted. He found that the young woman lived a harsh life, and her mother's death was suspicious.　　Ethan intended to reveal the truth of the matter immediately, but the Elder Council asked him to wait until the trial. He didn't like waiting, but he

　　After spending a few days recovering, Lily found comfort in exploring the beautiful castle grounds. The vast gardens and serene landscape offered her a much-needed escape from the weight of her new responsibilities.　　 　　'This really could be all ours if we wanted,' Dina said.　　 　　'I know,' Lily responded.　　 　　'But we don't want him,' Dina concluded. Ethan was a magnificent male. He was everything any she-wolf would want, but their heart didn't belong to him. He felt more like a brother than anything else.　　 　　As Lily walked, she spotted a familiar figure approaching in the distance.　　 　　"Tiffany!" Lily called out with a smile as her best friend drew near.　　 　　Tiffany's eyes lit up, and she ran towards Lily, enveloping her in a warm hug. "Lily, it's so good to see you. I'm glad you're okay."　　 　　"Thanks. I would've called or even come to see you, but I am not allowed. It is for my safety," Lily explained as she thought back on her escape attempts being thwarted by the Ly