Page 10 of The Vampire’s Omega

He invited Drakon inside and offered him a drink, which he accepted. He was there to deliver a message. He explained the contact between Alpha Garmr and Master Rose. "His Beta, James Fowl, has made a formal request for a challenge regarding the mating that took place between you and Ben." Ben took a sharp intake of breath and gripped Gabriel's hand a little tighter.

"He has no right, there are no laws governing challenges between shifters and vampires. You don't have to accept." Ben turned and looked up at Gabriel.

"Oh, I accept," Gabriel stated with clarity and force. "Any time, any place.” His eyes burned with the anger he’d felt all day after hearing of the abuse his beloved had suffered.

“That’s what we figured.” Drakon gave a small grin. “The Master accepted on your behalf, and he will be accompanying you to the Pack Lands.” Drakon laughed. “He wouldn’t miss this.” Gabriel nodded.

"I'm glad he'll be there. I'll handle James, but who knows what the others might have planned." Gabriel was not a trusting man.

“Since James was the party to make the call, it will follow the protocol of the shifter challenge. Alpha Garmr insists it is all formal. I sent the particulars to your phone. It’s all straightforward hand-to-hand to the death."

Gabriel opened his phone and ran through the information. “What time?”

“The Master will collect you at eleven. The challenge begins at midnight.”

“I don’t want Ben there.” He stated when he noticed his presence was stated in the information Drakon had sent.

"He must be there; it's part of the protocol. I know you're worried about him, but the Master is with you, and he will not let anything happen to Ben." He didn't like it, but there was not much he could do, and Ben was giving him the stink eye for even suggesting he stay away.

After Drakon left, Ben had a lot to say. "Why do you have to do this?" He said, and Gabriel pulled him into his arms and held him tight against his body, letting him soak in Gabriel's peace and calm.

“You know why.”

"What if you get hurt?" That was touching, and Gabriel lifted his face up with a finger beneath his chin and gave him a soft kiss.

"I can handle myself, don't worry."

"I know it has to be done, but I don't have to like it."

"I can accept that and know that there is nothing I wouldn't do for you. I love you more than my life, and honestly, I am going to take great pleasure in this particular confrontation." Gabriel looked at this challenge as a gift because now he didn't have to hunt the man down and kill him.

***

They pulled up at the Pack House just before midnight. They were led to the prepared field where the challenge would be held. Ben felt nothing for this land and this pack. After bonding with his vampire mate, his loyalty, love, and commitment all belonged to Gabriel Jordan and the Rose Coven.

James was an idiot trying to save face or pretend superiority, but he was in for a harsh lesson. Ben had been around both men, and Gabriel far exceeded James in every way that matters. He watched Gabriel remove his coat and his shirt, leaving on only his dark jeans. He was a handsome man, and as Ben looked around the people gathered there to watch, he felt his anger rising at the stares his mate was getting.

He wanted to make Gabriel put his coat back on, but that was being stupid. He stopped looking around and kept his eyes on his mate. The Master stood at the edge of the circle within which James and Gabriel would have to remain throughout the challenge. Everyone thought that Alpha Leif would stand with James, but he did not. James had Roland, one of the enforcers, stand with him. Ben wasn't aware that James even knew Roland.

Gabriel walked over and pulled Ben close and kissed him hard for all to see, and then, without a word, turned and entered the circle. He stood straight and tall as James, who was also wearing simply a pair of jeans, stepped into the circle. He was haughty and proud, puffing out his chest and gazing at Gabriel as if he could intimidate a vampire guard. The man was delusional.

There was no shifting, no vampire surges, no weapons, and no magic allowed within the circle. They were going to battle it out hand to hand using strength, speed, and skill. Ben had observed James beating his subordinates, and he looked tough, but those men were not allowed to fight back in earnest. James was showy, but his actual substance was not clear.

Gabriel was something else he was not showy nor boastful, and Ben could see the smooth calculations and the subtle gameplay as his dark eyes observed and assessed his opponent. James was finally going to face a worthy opponent and not just a target.

Surprisingly, Anthony walked up to stand near Ben, and he no longer held that air of superiority; there was no sign of his usual arrogance. He moved slowly, and his face showed discomfort, physical discomfort.

“Are you alright?” Ben couldn’t help but ask since he looked so pained.

"I will be as soon as I watch your mate wipe the ground with that monster." He never looked at Ben he kept his gaze trained on the two men standing inside the circle.

"He wanted something from Graves the gamma," Anthony spoke, but it seemed like he was talking to himself. "James made a deal with him. He gave me to Graves and told him he could do anything he wanted with me. Graves is depraved; being with him made sex with James seem like light duty. I was locked in the basement with him for three hours.” Ben didn’t know what to say.

"Do you need a doctor?" He asked, and Anthony shook his head.

“All I need is to see that bastard die.” Anthony never took his eyes off of James.

Everyone backed up except for Master Rose and Roland, who remained at the edge of the circle on opposite sides. Master Rose was a powerful leader, and his presence was felt, but he did not attempt to push his influence or interfere. Ben wanted to get it over with, but he also didn't want it to start. His nerves were ratcheting up as the minutes ticked by, and Alpha Leif stood at the north end of the circle.