Although Kai had come to stop a war from breaking out, he knew there was nothing he could do to stop this. It was a werewolf code. Challenging an Alpha for his position wasn't something that happened often but enough that everyone knew you could not intervene.

Werewolves were prideful creatures, this was not only a battle amongst themselves but for all around. To earn respect form the pack, to display their strength and wits, and to see who deserved the Alpha title. Only the stronger wolf would come out as the victor, the other, would not be coming out of this at all.

"Well, today did not go the way I expected," Cora said perched on Kai's shoulder. Kai hummed in response. He saw that everyone was huddled into various groups speaking lowly, trying to make sense of all that was happening. He ventured towards Benjamin, Vanessa, the elder vampire, and who he assumed to be Vanessa's parents.

"I really am sorry for everything that has happened and for keeping our mating a secret. I love Vanessa with all my heart and was afraid of losing her." Benjamin said as he pulled Vanessa closer to his side. Even thinking about her being taken from him unnerved him and had his wolf growling in anger.

"I understand son," The elder vampire said, "and I too am sorry for what has come of today, I wish you luck young Alpha." He put a comforting hand on the young Alphas shoulders only to remove it in a swift motion, startled to see the masked figure standing right beside them.

Everyone in their small group was shocked and confused. Both vampires and werewolves had exceptional hearing and sense of smell, but they had not even realized when the masked being had come near.

Benjamin once again found himself at a loss of what to do or say to the great being standing beside him. "Now should I bow? Should I apologize to them for wasting their time?".

Benjamin took a deep breath through the nose, he couldn't smell anything that would tell him what they were. They smelled like earth, flowers, honey, and... warmth? "Was that even a scent?". He also took note of the beautiful owl perched on their shoulder. "What a beautiful bird."

When the being had first appeared in front of them, they had such a dominating aura that had his wolf submitting instantly, but at the moment everything was still around them. No sign of the dangerous or strong aura from before was there. If he didn't know any better he would think that he had imagined it and that the masked figure in front of him was human, but he knew he wasn't mistaken.

How strong were they that they were able to hide their aura? No supernatural was able to do that without the help of potions from a witch that also masked your scent and turned your skin a sickly yellow. Yet he knew that the display of power earlier wasn't even half of what they could probably do, which made him all the more fearful.

"Benjamin" The voice of the being startled him, it was soft and gentle like a light breeze sweeping over his ears, "The time to battle your Alpha draws near. Tell me, what is it that you fight for?"

It didn't take long for him to answer, " I am fighting or my pack, my family, my friends, and my mate. I am fighting for peace." Kai smiled and nodded, approving of his answer.

"Benjamin, Alpha successor of the Northern Paw Pack," Kai said, placing his right hand delicately on the young Alphas forehead, "May your heart be forever pure and strong, I give you the strength and the courage you will need in this battle to the death."

Warmth radiated through the being's fingers that were placed gently atop his forehead. Ben had unconsciously closed his eyes and leaned into the touch. When the last words left the being's lips, Ben stood to his full height. He felt a surge of pleasant energy hum through his body. He felt stronger, lighter, taller. He was ready to take on anything.

Vanessa wrapped her arms around his middle, pulling him tightly into her and snuggling her face into his chest, "For the love of Goddess don't die, idiot. If you do I'll bring you back from the dead just to kill you again myself." He raised her chin and placed a light kiss on her lips, "I wouldn't expect anything less."

She reluctantly let him go but before he could completely move away from her she pulled him back and planted another kiss on his lips, "I love you, Ben. Promise you'll come back to me." He nodded, "I promise. I love you too." Vanessa pulled away from her mate and patted his chest, "Now go kick his ass!"

Ben laughed and turned to walk to the center of the clearing where his father stood. His smile immediately vanished, replaced with a frown when he saw the unsettling smile spread across his dad's face. "Aw, did you cry saying goodbye to that vampire?" Alpha Kenzo said in a mocking tone, "Because it will be the last time you ever see that bitch." Ben let out a warning growl but his father paid no mind to it.

"You have always been a thorn in my side. I can't wait till you're gone so that I can run the pack however I want without you always getting in my way. And when I'm done killing you, I'm going to kill that disgusting mate of yours. Really? A vampire?" he tsked, "I thought I raised you better." Ben was getting increasingly agitated with every word coming out of the Alphas mouth. His wolf fought to be let out so that they could go and rip out the Alphas throat just to shut him up.

"Or better yet, maybe I'll keep her as a bed warmer till I get bored of her and slit her throat. I'm sure she's a good fuck, after all, what other reason would you have kept her around for?" he said with a disgusting smile and glint in his eyes. He knew what he was doing and he could see that he was getting to his son.