Matthias' POV

"Come on, man," Elise's brother complained, as if I had not been the one waiting for him for almost an hour.

He could wait for two minutes.

I had stopped by Nick's house to talk to him about a couple of last minute things, before I ran over to Serge's territory. I wanted to be there for Elise. Nick had arranged everything, because he understood what was at stake as well as I did.

The challenger had given new life to the overused phrase, "Most important election of our lives."

What happened to Elise would rise and fall on what happened between Serge and the challenger.

I was conflicted. My initial fury at the bastard had died down to embers of constant hatred. I doubted I would ever forgive what he had done to her, but her insistence that she was safe and the fact she seemed to be somehow coping had worn down my active anger. Combined with the fact we had no idea what would happen to her if the leader who cursed her lost his position, I found myself hoping that he would just win the damn vote and end the challenge there.

It pissed me off to have to hope he would win.

I barely knew Landon, but I hardly wanted Elise's fate to fall into his hands. Better the devil I knew, as much as it pained me to admit it.

I threw my bag in the back and hopped into the passenger side of Nick's pickup. Sean started moving immediately.

He had the nerve to be impatient, which was a bit rich considering I would have been there already if I had simply run. While I was talking to Nick Sean had come in and decided he wanted to go with me.

It was not like Sean to volunteer to help his sister with anything, but perhaps the curse had made him more concerned about her welfare than usual.

We careened down the dirt road. I had seldom come this way before the curse and I had typically been rushing through the forest towards the site of the latest breach if I did. I was getting completely sick of it.

What I would not do to see her restored and brought home.

"I'm getting way too used to this road," Sean complained as he turned the wheel to follow the curve of the gravel.

"Yeah. Why'd you want to come anyways?"

"Eh, just felt like it."

I shrugged. As long as he was not going to annoy her, I did not really care.

"Where's Terrence and Dave?" I asked.

He shrugged and accelerated into the straight stretch. "I dunno."

The three were practically conjoined, but I did not really care if Sean was acting odd.

I reclined the seat slightly and watched the road ahead.

* * * * * * * * *

We pulled into Serge's house and I jumped out the moment Sean stopped. I grabbed my bag and strode to the front door. I knocked and the door opened a minute later.

"Come in," Serge said briskly and strode away down the hall. He looked like shit and I wondered if he had it in him to defeat Landon if it came down to a fight.

I would worry about that later.

Elise did not look any better than she had the day before. I could tell the disruption of the challenge had been difficult for her. She was sitting on the couch snuggling with Serge's wolf. The animal watched me with wary eyes. He disliked me, probably because he could remember that I had threatened his master.

"Matt?" I had not told her I was coming.

"Hey."

"What are you doing here?" she asked.

"Hey, sis," Sean called as he came in.

"And Sean? You're both here?"

"Yeah, thought I'd come watch the results of the referendum," I said.

"Exactly," Sean agreed.

"I guess you're just in time. W-we're leaving soon," Elise said. "But shouldn't you two be helping dad?"

I rolled my eyes. "Again, I do get breaks. And this does help him, because then he doesn't have to worry as much about you."

"I'll be f-fine," she lied.

"Right," I agreed sarcastically.

I sat on the couch opposite the wolf since he was still eyeing me with distinct mistrust. Sean was leaning against the counter on a barstool.

"I've already told you to focus on other things."

"What if I can't focus on other things? What if you, I mean, your wellbeing is the only thing I can think about?"

"Then you need some new hobbies. I don't even want to think about my w-wellbeing that much of the time."

Before we could keep arguing, I heard Serge's voice. "Ready to go, Elise?"

"Y-yes," she responded.

"We'll follow you," Sean volunteered. I wanted to protest and suggest she come with us, but I knew the suffering she would experience if she got too far from the bastard.

I helped Elise to her feet and walked with her into Serge's truck. Whatever she said, her shaking was far worse than it had been. I blamed Landon for that.

He was like Isaac in that he had left the territories for months at a time, but my brother had not returned and mounted a challenge on our leader when he was not properly experienced in what was going on. It was pure hubris on his part. An untried leader could ruin everything for each member territory of the Trifecta, especially since there had already been a change in leadership only a few years before when the previous leader and his wife had been killed.

The interpack meeting I had attended on Tuesday had not increased my confidence in our ability to continue to maintain our defenses indefinitely. All three leaders had seemed grim. Nicholas had been on edge; Serge seemed close to his breaking point, although no doubt the challenge was heavy on his mind; and even Austin displayed a solemnity I had seldom observed in our occasional encounters. Had it always been this way and they had hid it from the people, or were things worse than ever?

If the damn eastern king's strategy was simply to slowly wear us down, were we at the breaking point? If so, something would have to change. Most of us would never kneel and the idea that we might be eradicated like the Rocky Mountain Wolves was intolerable. I would sooner join a hopeless attack directed at the heart of the king's pack than quietly accept such a fate.

* * * * * * * * *

Sean manoeuvred Nick's truck into a parking space near the door of a long building with a plain sign that labelled it a community centre. The parking lot was rather empty, but there were a few people either milling around or walking determinedly to their destination.

I jumped out and walked straight towards Serge's truck. Elise was just opening the passenger side door, so I pulled it open the rest of the way for her and offered her my hand to help her get out. She took it and slid out of the vehicle.

Her hand trembled slightly and her skin was cooler than it should have been. Even though the sun was setting, the temperature was still well above freezing and she was wearing a jacket over her sweater and leggings.

I glanced across the truck and saw Serge was looking at us with a blank face and an inscrutable look in his eyes. I frowned in response, but he simply turned and walked into the building.

Elise trailed after him in a manner I found disturbing and I matched my speed with hers.

Sean caught up with us. "So, are we just waiting for the results now?"

Elise nodded. "The v-votes are being counted and recounted and th-they're set to announce in an hour or two," she explained.

"So are you officially of this pack, then? Did you vote?" Sean asked.

Elise nodded her head again. "I am a m-member now." She paused and met Sean's eyes with a challenging gaze that reminded me of who she was before the curse. "I v-voted for Se-Ser..." She swallowed and straightened her shoulders. "Since you're obviously curious."

"Dad won't like that," he commented.

"Dad's n-not the one who might end up in a worse situation," she pointed out. "I don't know L-Landon."

Sean considered. "Maybe it will be better. Maybe if Serge loses the vote and dies in the fight, you'll be free."

She froze like a terrified animal and Sean almost bumped into her. I glared at him for his lack of caution. "I d-don't think it works like that. The c-curse fights against anything that might fr-free me."

She swallowed and shivered before she continued. "I can tell, now. I c-can't th-think of h-h-his d-d-death, or m-mine, or s-self s-s-sacrifice as an esc-escape. I-it d-doesn't like if I'm h-happy. R-right now, all I c-can f-feel is c-cold and f-fear, because I'm ch-challenging it again."

Sean scowled, before his face smoothed out into its usual expression of relaxed indifference.

I pulled her closer to my side and put my arm over her shoulder so my heat would flow into her cold form.

"I-I've just gotten used to l-life with Se-Se-Ser... I'm afraid of L-Landon," she admitted.

I paused. "Even if you do end up as his thrall, I'll never let anything happen to you."

She smiled at me, but the disbelief in her eyes nearly broke my heart.

* * * * * * * * *

Between Sean and I, we manoeuvred Elise into a large hall with a stage at the front. There was only a scattering of people inside, but I knew we were early. We found chairs that were against the far wall across from the entrance where we could see the stage, but were tucked out of the way. I thought it was better for her to be where she would not be passed by countless pack members as they entered.

I watched the people who came in through the main doors. I recognized quite a few faces of other fighters I had met through shared exercises. I nodded in response to a couple who acknowledged me.

I also noticed how many curious glances came in the direction of Elise. No one approached her, but it was obvious that most of them were cognizant of her role in the current troubles of their pack.

While the timing was bad for the war effort of the Trifecta, it was good strategy on Landon's behalf to challenge Serge right now. Serge was weak and if Landon wanted power, the time was ripe.

As if thinking of him conjured the devil himself, Landon strode into the room and began mingling amongst the crowd. I observed his behaviour with a critical eye. His self-assuredness set my teeth on edge and did nothing to improve my opinion of him. I hated Serge, but I did not want a flippant asshole like him to be in charge of Elise's well being, either. The bastard had better persevere and keep her safe.

My belief on the matter of Landon was solidified when I looked at Elise and saw her watching Landon with hollow brown eyes. Though she jumped and trembled when Serge was nearby, I had never seen such an empty expression before.

I did not know where the bastard was, but surely he was somewhere nearby, because Elise seemed to be functioning somewhere around her new normal. I did not like that it seemed he was hiding, but I supposed his presence was not necessary, or even desirable since I was here to care for Elise and it was too late for him to further influence the vote one way or another.

I felt Elise jump at the sound of the squeak of the loudspeaker. I turned my attention to the stage and watched as a severe woman held a microphone.

"The votes are being recounted to ensure accuracy and the final tally will be announced in approximately twenty minutes."

The woman strode away and disappeared somewhere behind the stage.

The largely filled audience had quietened for the announcement, but the chattering soon resumed. I saw Landon say something with a wide smarmy grin to the group he was speaking with before he disengaged and left the hall.

The low murmur of voices filled my ears. Elise leaned on me and my feelings were a swarm of affection and anxiousness. I just wanted to shred anyone and anything that would dare to threaten or harm her.

The minutes passed by. Sean spoke a few times, but his words were little more than a buzz that faded into the noises around us.

Finally, I saw the woman return to the stage, along with Serge and Landon. I felt Elise stiffen next to me.

The woman spoke. "The final tally has been calculated."

She paused and I wondered with annoyance if it had been for dramatic effect. The hall was dead silent.

"Our incumbent pack leader, Serge Eckstein obtained five hundred and thirty votes."

"The challenger, Landon Stokes, obtained six hundred and twelve."

Elise let out a pathetic whimper as she understood the results. Her trembling increased and I felt like pummelling the smug smile off of Landon's face.

I could only hope he would not end up ruling over the ashes of our lands.

Hushed whispers sounded out amongst the assembly as they came to the same realization. Some faces looked upset, others looked pleased with the conclusion.

"Landon Stockes' challenge has been accepted by referendum of the people. The fight to secure victory will be staged in the training grounds tomorrow, May tenth at three in the afternoon. All are welcome to witness. Further information will be available at the pack office."

* * * * * * * * *

I filed out of the building, holding on to my trembling friend, her brother falling behind us. He was talking quietly with a short girl I did not recognize, but I could not care less.

I scanned the crowd for Serge and could not see him. Perhaps the best strategy would be to wait at his truck. Sean and the girl followed me as I pushed through the crowd, using my body to block anyone from coming too close to Elise and upsetting her further and keeping her from their sight as much as I could manage.

Sean and the girl hovered nearby. Sean looked towards me. "Once Serge gets here, I'm going to give Jodi a ride home."

I raised an eyebrow to show him my disinterest. "Do what you want. I'm staying here."

It was Sean's turn to look doubtful. "Where?"

"Serge's couch, or I'll sleep in the woods if he refuses."

Elise shivered again.

"Whatever you want," Sean said dismissively.

Jodi glanced at me. "You can crash on mine if he says no."

Sean did not look overly impressed by the offer.

"I might take you up on that," I said, sort of glad that Sean was annoyed.

As we waited, the crowd slowly dispersed.

Finally, Serge came out. Though his back was straight and his face was an emotionless mask, I could see the strain on his face. I might have pitied him in a different world where he had not enslaved my friend.

"I'm going to crash on your couch tonight, if you have no objection," I informed him, adding the second part only for Elise's comfort.

"Very well," he agreed. His voice was flat, as if he did not care.

I gritted my teeth. As he was now, the bastard was going to lose the fight and then what would happen to Elise?

* * * * * * * * *

We returned to Serge's house and I helped Elise get settled in her room. The sight of her shaking under a mountain of blankets while clutching her old stuffed animal caused my heart to ache unpleasantly.

I shut off her light as I left the room and I made my way to the living room. Serge was sitting on the couch up against the wall, looking blankly out towards the window with a beer in his hand.

He brought the can up, took a swig, and met my eyes.

"Help yourself," he offered, returning his gaze to the window.

I considered, then backtracked to the fridge and grabbed a can for myself. I cracked it as I walked back and sat on the other couch. I eyed him, but he seemed content to pretend I was not there.

"You look like shit," I informed him to break the silence.

He almost grinned. "Yeah? I don't doubt it. It's been a hell of a week."

I gritted my teeth. The fact he seemed not to be taking this seriously irked me. Could he not see the state Elise was in?

"I never wanted the leadership. I accepted it, but I didn't want it."

"Why are you telling me this?"

"I don't know. Maybe because you're not one of my pack. Maybe because it doesn't matter now."

I scowled. "You don't have room for the luxury of self pity."

He was still looking out the window as if he could find some sort of answers in the darkness of the tree line. "I never do, but perhaps I indulge from time to time."

I frowned. It went against my every inclination, but I responded, "You're a good leader, in spite of everything. We both know that's why Nick did not act against you. What do you think the odds are that Landon will be as competent as you?"

"Not great, I'm afraid."

"We both know, everyone knows you screwed up, Serge. You owe Nick and you owe the Trifecta and every defenceless person under our protection."

He did not answer.

"Maybe you even owe yourself."

"Perhaps I do."

"And if you can't bring yourself to care about anyone else, think about Elise. She's your responsibility," I said, although my words tasted like bile. "You harmed Elise, but she does seem to feel safe with you now. She was fighting, gaining ground before the challenge."

He still did not answer.

"I don't know Landon Stokes or how he would treat her and none of us know what will happen to the curse if you lose the pack leadership."

I would make him see reason.

"If you're not going to give it everything tomorrow, then Elise would be better off if you died tonight."

The bastard finally swung his gaze towards me. His blasé expression made me want to hit him again, but I remained firmly seated on his couch.

"Are you offering to do the honours?"

There was something about his blank gaze that aggravated me beyond reason. His calm acceptance of my words, his apparent lack of fear. I gritted my teeth. "No, but if I see you in the morning, you damn well better win. That's what she wants and that's what you owe her, Serge."

I stalked away, leaving my beer half drunk on the coffee table. I went outside and ran into the forest, transformed and ran with until my exhaustion overwhelmed my urgent anxiety.

* *  *   *   *   *   *  * *