I left the human world to return to the world that cast me out. Mary came to see me off and made me promise to come back even if James isn't with me. I told her I will come back with him or not at all.

Following Grant's scent I find myself back at the pack. Once I step within the outer edge of the pack I am immediately under scrutiny by the people. One runs off, most likely to find Grant and tell him I had arrived. However this ends up I will have to prove myself to the pack again, to regain their trust. After a little wait Grant appears. The pack stands behind him out of respect and loyalty, awaiting Grant's command to attack. He doesn't look surprised or shocked that I had shown up but has a neutral position.

"I am honored that you changed your mind. You don't realize how much you will benefit from a pack until you lose one." He gestures to the others behind him. "Welcome back to the wild."

Instead of feeling grateful I instead wanted more. "You think I'm content in second; being your second? Ha! I challenge you for leadership of the pack!"

Growls and howls erupted from the wolfbloods behind Grant. It is rare when any person declares a challenge against it's pack leader. Even more so when the one asking has been cast out and a new wolfblood. This should get the alpha's attention and hopefully I can get James without further involvement. A thunderously loud growl fills the space. Once it stops Grant explains to me if I win I get the pack, but if I lose he will exile me once more. Then the battle was on.

Battles begin with the opponents on either end of a clearing. No one else is allowed to interfere with either of us during the battle after it begins. A winner is decided when one puts the other in a submissive position or when the other is dead. Being the younger opponent I am at a disadvantage as far as experience and strength, however I am more agile and nimble than Grant. At this point it is a toss up but once the battle starts there has to be a winner. To start the battle we transform into our wolves. When each growl at each other we begin.

For a while we simply circle each other, sizing up one another. All encompassing us is the pack shouting and jeering for who they want to win. Sometimes a faint or a lunge catches each other each other off guard but soon Grant shuffles and tries to push me away. With my strong hind legs I leap over him and in the process I kick him in the head. Quickly rounding back to see Grant reeling and seize the opportunity to put him into submission. We both revert back to our human forms and the defeated leader drops his head in defeat. Howls and cheers erupted from the crowd.

I have won. I am now the alpha of my old wild pack. "Grant, as per our deal you are to from the pack, effective immediately. That is unless you want to beg for forgiveness." He scampered away without another word and took in the new feeling of power, but also tugging me down is the hefty weight of responsibility.