Single Mother of a Werewolf Baby
Chapter 91: The Raynor Way to Duel

Chapter 91: The Raynor Way to Duel

News spread like wildfire across werewolf society that day... Lucian Greymoore, the Young Master of the Greymoore Clan, had officially challenged Ethan Raynor of the prestigious Raynor Clan to a duel over a business dispute.

It had been six years since the last official duel between werewolves had taken place, making this announcement not just rare but thrilling. Werewolf society, always hungry for action and power, buzzed with excitement. Whispers floated through every clan meeting and gathering, each member speculating whether Ethan Raynor would accept the challenge. Most were confident he would... after all, how could a Raynor back down from a public duel?

Even across oceans, the news couldn’t be ignored. In Vancouver, Margot Greymoore, Lucian’s aunt and a respected elder of the clan, nearly dropped her teacup when she received a call about it.

She called Lucian immediately, her voice sharp with fury the moment he picked up.

"Lucian! Are you out of your mind? What possessed you to challenge someone from the Raynor Clan to a duel? Do you have any idea what you’ve done? We’re not strong enough to bear their wrath if things go wrong!"

Lucian, composed as always, took a deep breath before responding. "Aunt Margot, I understand your concern. But you’ve been living your comfortable life in Vancouver. You’ve been away too long to understand the dynamics back here. I promise you, every step I’ve taken has been discussed and approved by Father."

Margot paused at his words, her temper quickly giving way to anxiety. "Your father agreed to this?" she asked, voice dropping an octave.

"He did," Lucian confirmed. "You know him. He’s cautious but not fearful. He sees this duel as an opportunity, and so do I."

"I suppose if your father’s on board, he must have considered all the risks," she muttered. "Still, be very careful. The Raynors are no joke. They’re one of the council families. That kind of influence doesn’t come without power."

"I’m aware," Lucian replied. "But don’t worry. Ethan is the only one in their clan around my age. I know the limits. I’m not risking the clan’s future... just staking my own pride."

Margot sighed. "You’ve grown a lot, Lucian. But the Raynors might still have tricks up their sleeves. Be prepared for anything, even a sneak attack during the duel."

"I will. Thank you for worrying about me, Aunt," Lucian said sincerely.

He ended the call and stared at his phone for a moment. Dozens of missed calls and messages were waiting from other clan members. Some criticized him; others showed concern. But after he clarified that the clan leader had authorized the duel, the noise died down. Oddly, the overwhelming concern made him feel a deeper connection to his people.

For once, he wasn’t just a young master. He was their representative in an ancient tradition. And that made him... proud.

***

Eleanor learned about the matter from Sebastian Blanc in the evening. She was in her study, going through some files sent by US companies. She immediately called Ethan, and he confirmed the news.

"Is it true? You’ve been called out for a duel?" she asked, concern lacing her voice.

"Yes," Ethan said calmly. "But it’s nothing to worry about. I expected something like this sooner or later."

"A duel can be deadly, Ethan," she pressed. "Why didn’t you resolve the issue at the negotiation table? Business disputes don’t belong in an arena!"

"I tried. But they were already planning something," he explained. "Their delegates acted like they were giving me orders... betas behaving like alphas. That kind of boldness doesn’t come without a push from higher up in their clan. They wanted the fight. I just accepted the inevitable."

"But..."

"I’m at Grandma’s villa now," he interrupted softly. "She wants to discuss our strategy. Relax, okay? I’ve got this."

Before she could protest again, he ended the call.

Ethan’s car stopped in front of Fiona Elizabeth Raynor’s villa. As expected, shadow guards quickly scanned the vehicle. The gates slowly opened, and the driver pulled up to the circular driveway. Ethan stepped out, adjusted his cuffs, and walked into the house.

Inside, Fiona was reclining on a plush velvet sofa, phone in one hand, a porcelain coffee cup in the other.

"Good evening, Grandma," Ethan greeted, bowing respectfully with the signature werewolf gesture.

Fiona glanced up and smirked. "Why the sudden formality? What are you hiding?"

"I assume you summoned me because of the duel?" Ethan said as he took a seat across from her.

"Are there any other disasters you’ve created recently that I should be aware of?" she retorted, raising an eyebrow.

Ethan chuckled. "No disasters, Grandma. I’ve been busy with work and getting Freya settled into school. I honestly thought the Greymoore Clan would mind their own business. I didn’t expect such boldness... especially here in Manchester."

"You’re slacking," Fiona said sharply. "You’ve been spoiled by your little vacation from the council. I let you off the leash because I thought you deserved to enjoy your youth. But it seems I’ve been too lenient. I should call Eleanor and tell her you’re banned from seeing Freya for the next six months."

"Please don’t," Ethan said instantly, sitting up straighter. "I’ll work harder. Just... don’t do that."

Fiona sipped her coffee with satisfaction. "Good. Then here’s your punishment: every day before the duel, if you’re in Manchester, you’ll spend the nights training with Elder Bedivere."

Ethan groaned internally but nodded. "Understood. Now... can you tell me what’s really going on?"

Fiona leaned forward. "You asked to be out of the council, so you missed key information. The Leroux family has been interfering in the Kingdom’s economy. I don’t know what kind of relationship they have with the Greymoores, but it’s safe to say all smaller clans are benefiting from it. Someone in the council is backing Lucian, that much is clear."

Ethan’s eyes narrowed. "So it’s not just about a business dispute anymore."

"Exactly," Fiona said. "Lucian wouldn’t dare challenge you without significant support. I suspect the Fenroth Clan has trained him. That would explain his sudden confidence. Word is, his father named him vice leader recently... likely to give him standing in this duel."

"Let them do whatever they want," Ethan said. "I’ll win."

Fiona shook her head. "This isn’t just about winning, Ethan. This is about prestige. The Raynor name has stood unchallenged for centuries. No one has seen our true strength in generations. The last time I duelled publicly was over 300 years ago... against Stellan Fenroth. I humiliated him so thoroughly that he still carries a grudge."

She paused, her expression hardening. "If it were Eleanor in the arena, I wouldn’t worry. That girl could rip Lucian apart in under a minute. Her Elizabeth bloodline is fully awakened. But you... though strong... haven’t shown the world your potential yet. Lucian is no fool. He’ll use his clan’s Earth-based bloodline, his rank, and possibly Fenroth techniques."

Ethan’s expression darkened with resolve. "I’ll still win, Grandma. I don’t care how strong he’s become."

Fiona’s smile turned cold. "I have no doubt that you will win. But as a Raynor, the fight should be completely one-sided. Your opponent should do all the work in the arena while you stand in the middle and simply defend. He should cry blood and question why he ever challenged you. The duel should drag on so long that he surrenders out of sheer exhaustion. Everyone will expect you to make a decisive move to end it... but you never will. You should frustrate the spectators, make them hate you, and yet compel them to come watch. That’s the Raynor way to duel."