"I'm not backing down!" came Kyle's deviant voice. "This is the only way we could sort it out, Dave. So, no matter what your excuses may be, you won't escape from this!" he sneered. "My question is, are you man enough? Are you that man who deserves to have Maggie as his mate? If you are that man, here is your chance. Prove it!.... Prove it in front of everyone in this council. I heard that respect and glory are earned. Here is your chance to earn both. But first, you have to go through me. That's the only way it can be achieved!"

Kyle hoped his words would spur...