<span class="bbc_size" style="font-size: 12pt;">Four weeks ago</span><br/>Alex had been seeing his 'adopted' father getting weaker for the past few years now, but the stubborn man refused to accept help. "An Alpha needs to stand on his own, or he's no longer worth the title" Stephen would say, to wave away any offer of help from Alex or his mom. "Perhaps," Alex's mom had said "it is time for the old man to retire". It was still funny, she was only 10 years  Stephen's senior, but yet like all the others, she always referred to her lifemate as the old man whenever he wasn't around. "I can't do it Mayi" he said softly. "He's been my father ever since I was born. I can't take his pride from him"<br/><br/>Suddenly, a loud bang could be heard from outside, and it was soon followed by screaming. Alex and Mayi went outside to see what was going on. As they came outside they saw Stephen lying on the ground in one of the Corrals, his foot stuck on under the feed trough. One of the Steers was loose inside the corral, and might go for Stephen at any second. Alex shifted without hesitation, his clothing falling around him. And he headed into the corral, driving the steer back, away from Stephen. Mayi and a few others rushed to get Stephen out. Later, as Alex was sitting outside the corral, resting from the run with the steer, Mayi sat beside him. "You say you don't want to take his pride. You're stupid. This illness is taking his pride." She shook her head "If you challenge him, he can leave the position with his head held high, knowing that you lead the pack."<br/><br/><span class="bbc_size" style="font-size: 12pt;">Five days ago</span><br/>Alex was in wolf form as he walked up to the lodge. He walked up to Stephen, dropping the hare he'd held between his teeth in front of the old man's feet. Those around gasped at the sight before them, and looked at Stephen to see his reaction. Once it had been the greatest insult. I bring you food because you cannot hunt. But over the centuries it had became a symbol. Whenever someone wanted to challenge the alpha for leadership, he'd drop a hare in front of the leaders' feet. That was all, no words were needed.<br/><br/>Stephen looked at the hare, then at Alex, then back at the hare again. "You don't want to fight me boy" he said "You're not ready" but Alex remained still, showed no sign of deference. Finally, Stephen relented. "Okay. We will meet in the circle five days from now." Then he turned to face the people around. "Spread the word that I have been challenged. That on Friday there will be a fight in the circle. Let all who want to bear witness join us there." With that he walked off, muttering under his breath about stupid boys and insolence. Alex waited until he was gone before shifting back to human form. Mayi came over to him, looked him in the eye, and hugged him, like only a mother could, feeling the sadness he felt for what he'd just done, for what he had to do.<br/><br/><br/><span class="bbc_size" style="font-size: 12pt;">One hour ago</span><br/>Alex stood in the circle, his teeth bare, and his muscles tense. Stephen might be sick, but he was still bigger than Alex, and had forty years of experience as an alpha. He waited for the old wolf to make the first move, knowing that his only chance was to be defensive. He'd playfought with Stephen before, and it had never ended well for him. Every time he'd been too eager, to quick to attack. Every time, Stephn had taken him down. But this wasn't a playfight. This was a duel, and in front of most of the pack. If he'd lose this it'd all be over. He'd never be alpha as long as Stephen lived. And so he waited, hoping that Stephen would make a move soon.<br/><br/>Suddenly a flurry of movement as Stephen jumped towards him. The force of the old man was beyond unbelievabe, and it took every ounce of Alex's strength and will to not get knocked down. He managed to stay upright though, and dodged Stephen's enormous jaws. Quickly, he turned around, and snapped at Stephen's hind leg, but the old man was too quick. Another run up, but Alex was prepared this time. He moved left, bent down, and snapped at Stephens leg. Just a bit of fur, but the old wolf was warned now, Alex wasn't messing around. And so the circling around started again. Suddenly, he saw an opening and went for Stephen's left flank. Too late he realised it was a trap, as Stephen zigzagged and bit Alex's right leg. Pain coursed through his body as he landed on the now bloodied leg.<br/><br/>He'd fallen for it, hook line and sinker, and he'd paid for it. If it looks too good, it probably is. He looked at the old wolf who was looking at him expectantly. He probably thought that the wound would anger Alex into attacking. But Alex wasn't going to fall for that. Then he realised. Perhaps he should give Stephen exactly what he wanted, and see if he'd take the bait. He feigned an attack to Stephen's right flank, and exactly as Alex hoped, the old wolf jumped away from it. The split second was all Alex needed. He changed direction and hit the now airborne wolf square in the gut, tipping him over. As the old wolf landed on his back, Alex clenched his jaws on his exposed belly.<br/><br/>And just like that, the fight was over. \though the wound was minor, the rules were clear. a wound to the belly meant the fight was lost. And so Alex was the new Alpha. He limped to his defeated opponent, the adrenaline now leaving his body meant the pain was coming back with a vengeance. He nuzzled Stephen's neck as a sign of respect, son to father. Then as tradition dictated he moved away, out of the circle, and towards the lounge where the packmembers would have an opportunity to talk to him. He shifted and sat down on the steps outside the building.