Fated To My Lycan Stepbrothers
Chapter 46

Naya Cod

The fight between Zeke and Darren raged on. What's more? The tension in the air was thick enough to cut with a knife. I could hear the growls and snarls of the two wolves filling the clearing and drowning out the whispers and murmurs of the people. Seriously, I was worried sick. It seemed like Darren was fighting too hard to get the upper hand. Knowing that Darren was a boy who loved to be above the law, I don't know who will win. But I trust Zeke. Kyle's presence beside me was a surprising comfort, even as there was a battle for dominance and power. I glanced at him, furrowing my eyebrows in confusion. "You aren't supposed to be here. After all, you called me a slut. I will ask again, What are you doing here?"

Kyle's eyes held a mix of amusement and seriousness as he leaned in to whisper. "And I will reply again; I came to see the challenge. The last thing I need is to be caught in the middle of this mess."

I couldn't help but chuckle softly at his response. "Right, because a cloaked Alpha in the middle of a pack challenge is inconspicuous." It was utterly ridiculous. "You are in a mess already. He is your brother. You should help him."

Kyle grinned, hissing a bit. "Well, I hate to admit it, but Zeke doesn't need my help. He is doing perfectly fine. I should help him from the side." I don't think Zeke would appreciate that very much. However, Kyle's confident demeanor was a stark contrast to the turmoil that raged within me. I was trying to hide it well, but Kyle seemed to notice because then he placed his hands on my shoulders, causing me to flinch a bit. He was too close for comfort. My attention was divided between Zeke's fighting and his hands on my shoulders.

My hope started to soar only when I saw Zeke manage to dodge another deadly blow and pin Darren to the ground, his teeth dangerously close to Darren's throat. The tension in the air was palpable as the pack members held their breath, waiting for the outcome. Would he bite or withhold himself for the sake of loyalty to the pack? It was customary to finish the loser off. We all waited as Zeke roared, growled, and barked his teeth again at Darren's fear-stricken face. He whined and probably wished he hadn't taken up the challenge to fight Zeke. Yes, he should have thought twice before engaging in a fight he wouldn't win.

Suddenly, I could feel Zeke's eyes on me. It was as if he wanted me to tell him what to do. His expression was so visible on his expressionless face. I gasped quietly as he raised an eyebrow. I cleared my throat before shaking my head. Darren wasn't worth it. Now he would know who was really Alpha between the two of them. After one last howl, Zeke patiently waited for Darren to yield. It wasn't easy for Darren to do it, but he eventually turned his neck to the side, causing the whole pack to howl in delight.

Elder Freya came forward with a dissatisfied look on her face. Then she snapped her fingers, and the pack doctors came along to drag Darren away. The boy had been paralyzed with fear. Alpha Zeke had just saved his life because of me. I touched my flaming cheeks with both hands. I could feel how hot I was at the thought of being a part of something big in Zeke's life. I guess Naya talked sense into him.

Zeke wanted me to have a say in my bully's death. He too was a bully, but I preferred him over anyone else. These kind gestures made me giddy and excited.

Kyle's voice broke through my thoughts. "Impressive, isn't it?" Oh, I had nearly forgotten he was here. My flaming cheeks became cold instantly. I hope he didn't just witness the small moment between me and Zeke. Even if he did, I don't mind, but I would love to know his thoughts about it.

"Impressive? You call all of this-fighting for power and dominance-impressive?" I tore my gaze away from the podium to look at Kyle. His expression was thoughtful as he leaned on one leg.

"It's a harsh reality of our world, Naya. Survival of the fittest, as they say. Zeke fought for his position because he knew what was at stake. He's willing to put himself on the line for the pack. Yet people don't appreciate him for it. Look, there is another one." My brows furrowed. "And that makes it okay? That makes it impressive?" Zeke had yet to recover before another wolf lunged at him. It was going to be a really long night. And I was tired already.

Kyle's gaze met mine; his eyes were serious. It was the second time I have seen him this serious, besides fighting for his father's unlawful death. "Sometimes, we have to do what it takes to protect our own. It's not about whether it's right or wrong; it's about being stable for the sake of the pack. Zeke understands that, even if you don't agree with his methods." If Kyle was this knowledgeable... What else has he been hiding under that playful demeanor of his?

I opened my mouth to respond, but Kyle held up a hand to stop me. "I'm not saying it's easy, Naya. I'm just saying that in this world, sometimes we have to make difficult choices for the greater good."

I sighed, her gaze dropping to the ground. "I just... I don't know if I can ever fully understand that mindset." It was true. The fact that Zeke chose the long cut to Alpha's seat? Never betraying his true mate was truly remarkable. I love him for it. I grinned. "I didn't take you to be this wise. You have so much, Kyle. I don't know why you are hiding it under this facade of..." I wanted to say wickedness and add selfishness, perhaps? But that would be crossing the boundary between us. Frankly, the fact that I was able to have a meaningful conversation with the twins still surprises me. I still get overwhelmed whenever they are too close for comfort.

"Facade of what?" Kyle muttered, just as Zeke threw off the wolves on his back and another cheer erupted from the crowd. I was afraid of saying what Kyle was hiding his real emotions under. It terrified me to say that because, just like his brother, he was getting unpredictable. The death of his father really took a toll on him.

Kyle's voice came from afar. "I am my own person with my own beliefs. You're your own person with your own beliefs. We all have to make decisions. The type I have to make is for the safety of my brother, my mate, and this pack. Zeke's decisions are driven by his duty as a potential Alpha." He gave me a brief glance. "We have all made wrong decisions at one point, and we are still making them. But the truth remains. The type of decision I make is for the safety of my brother, mate, and pack."

It made sense. His words did. The wrong decision he was talking about was when he bullied me. Slept with other girls and neglected his duty, or What does he mean when he says the decision he makes is for his brother and... I gasped in realization. "Kyle, I don't mean to pry, but have you found your mate?"

He was quiet for a while. "Yes."

My saliva lodged in my throat, causing me to choke. I began to cough so loudly that all attention was diverted to us. My eyes watered, and my throat was on fire. "You have found your ma- mate." I stuttered while choking.

Kyle gently patted my back. "Shut up, brawn." He gritted his teeth, covering his face some more. "Can't you be quiet?"

I swallowed my next cough when it seemed as if Zeke looked in my direction. He was momentarily distracted, which caused the other wolf to nearly swipe at his eyes. What the f**k? I shrank away from Kyle's touch because he made me want his touch more. What is happening to me? I took a deep breath to calm my raging hormones. I was so glad I sprayed the Scentless spray again before leaving my room. I regained my composure so that Zeke wouldn't be distracted again.

"What is she like?" It was the same question I wanted to ask Zeke when he told me his mate wasn't far away from him. I didn't get the chance to because he called me his f*****g subject. It wasn't a surprise to hear that the twins had both sensed their mate was not far from them. Should I have a threesome with them before they go to her? They would leave me when she eventually came.

Who was their mate?