“Kill or be killed,” Jyn said, laying out the rules.
“Or just knock her out?” I questioned, mulling over his words.
“Elaine, try to relax. You’ve been on edge since you got back from the stall,” Blaze chimed in, earning a sharp look from me.
“Alright, enough. Go on, Elaine. You’ve got this,” Regulus encouraged. I took a deep breath and sprinted up the stairs to the platform where my opponent waited.
I stretched, feeling the satisfying pop of my joints. Once I was ready, I gave the announcer a nod. He began his speech, introducing us to the crowd.
My strategy was simple: two swift kicks and it would be over.
I wasn’t in the best mood, thanks to Connor. He always knew how to get under my skin.
The horn sounded, signaling the start of the fight. I flashed a smile at my opponent before launching myself at her.
A quick dash across the platform, a kick to her leg, and a swing that sent her head crashing into the ground. That was all it took to knock her out.
“WINNER: ELAINE WOODS!”
A smirk spread across my face as the thrill of victory washed over me. I was one step closer to my goal. I turned and descended the stairs, greeted by the cheers of my brothers.
“Great job, sis!” Arye cheered, slapping me a high five. I laughed and turned to Jyn, who gave me a nod of approval.
I was buzzing with anticipation for the final round.
The blare of a horn drew our attention. I frowned as we turned to the announcer.
“Rest. We’ll call you when it’s time,” Regulus instructed, but I shook my head.
“No way!” Arye protested, trying to stop me. He was so stubborn.
“What?” I snapped. “I’m not resting. I need to change my gear.”
I could see the tension building between my brothers. They were getting upset, and I could sense an argument brewing.
“You’re going to use that gear?” Regulus asked, sighing heavily.
“Yes, I have my black gear ready,” I replied, grabbing my things.
“Alright, but you know you’ll have to shift this time, right?” Jyn whispered as we all hurried off.
“No need,” I muttered.
When we reached our tent, my eyes immediately found my special black gear. My brothers turned their backs to me, forming a protective barrier against any prying eyes.
Only a fool would dare to look my way.
“I don’t need to shift to win,” I stated, turning my back to them as well.
“Dad’s going to be pissed, if he isn’t already,” Jyn finally said.
I rolled my eyes.
Alpha Atlas, our father and the second strongest alpha in our pack, was as stubborn and determined as I was.
The most fascinating part was that our family had two alpha kings who ruled centuries ago.
But he had other plans. He wanted me to find a mate because our pack, like all others, was lacking in females.
He wanted me to continue the line and produce she-wolves, which was difficult since only males were typically born, resulting in a population dominated by males and very few females.
“Ready,” I announced, turning to face them. My gaze landed on Jyn, who looked worried.
“Can we talk before we go to the arena?” Jyn asked, glancing around. He gave a silent command and everyone cleared out, giving us some privacy.
Once we were alone, Jyn locked eyes with me, sending a chill down my spine.
Jyn was usually quiet, only stepping in when he felt it was necessary.
“Elaine, forfeit,” Jyn said bluntly.
“What?” I growled, taken aback.
“Brother?” I asked, confused by his words. His face was filled with a deep concern that tugged at my heart.
“I don’t want you to get hurt,” Jyn said, his voice choked with emotion. “I can’t lose you.”
I smiled warmly at him, reaching up to touch his face.
I appreciated his concern, but what I really wanted was his trust. I wanted him to believe that I could handle this fight.
With a sigh, I pulled away. I understood his worry, but couldn’t he have a little faith in me?
I bit the inside of my cheek, trying to keep my emotions in check. I didn’t want to say anything that might hurt him.
I looked up at him again, meeting his sad emerald eyes.
“I know,” was all I said before turning and leaving the tent.
“You’re stubborn,” someone commented as I paused. I turned to see Regulus watching me.
Without a word, I walked away. It was time for the final round.
The crowd’s excitement filled the air as I stepped onto the platform for my fight. I scanned the area, my eyes landing on a familiar figure approaching me.
“Ready to give up, Woods?” Connor taunted. I tried to ignore him, but it was easier said than done.
I waved my brothers and me off, heading towards the platform. Connor, my brother, didn’t say a word to me.
“Connor still can’t stand you, huh?” Blaze, another brother, remarked. I shot him a look, and Arye, my third brother, punched him in the gut.
“Don’t listen to Blaze,” Regulus, the last of my brothers, said with a smile. I gave a half-hearted smile in return, then turned to face the crowd.
I didn’t care about Connor. We’d never seen eye to eye, and I didn’t plan on starting now.
I dropped my gear and made my way up the platform, ignoring the crowd. Connor had managed to get under my skin, and now I was in a bad mood.
Trying to focus on my upcoming fight, I spotted Pam, my next opponent.
“Elaine Woods,” Pam greeted me with a smile.
“Good to see you here,” I replied with a smirk, earning a chuckle from her.
Pam was a warrior from the Blue Hue Pack. She was agile and smart, a real challenge for anyone. But not for me. I knew her strengths and weaknesses.
Even though she was older, it was an honor to fight her.
The fight started off well, with both of us moving quickly. I attacked her without shifting, while Pam shifted midair and aimed for my head.
I dodged her attacks, moving around the platform. I crouched and punched her in the gut. Pam stumbled back, whimpering.
I watched her circle me in her wolf form.
The decisions I had to make now were tough. I wasn’t one to kill or be killed, but to leave my opponents unconscious so they could live to fight another day.
Most would prefer death, considering it a dishonor to be defeated. But not me.
As the fight continued, Pam bit down on my arm. I winced as she applied pressure.
There wasn’t much I could do, so I let her claw and bite me.
I kneed her in the snout, and Pam whimpered. I saw my chance to end this and hit her in the eyes, drawing blood.
Swallowing hard, I decided to end this before she realized she was getting to me.
I charged at her and attacked, but Pam dodged. I grabbed her leg.
She snapped her head around, reaching for my neck. I flipped us over and hit her in the face, knocking her away.
That was close.
I found another opening and attacked her left side, aiming for her wagging tail.
I yanked it and threw her against the platform. Then I grabbed her neck and slammed her down, over and over, until I saw red.
Suddenly, the announcer called my name, making me stop in shock. Pam was already unconscious. What was I doing?
I dropped her to the ground and stepped back. I took a deep breath. Without waiting, I turned away in shame when I heard my name called again.
My brothers quickly came to my side as we all looked at the stranger running towards me.
“What can I do for you?” I asked. The man bowed his head, surprising my brothers and me.
“Thank you for not killing my mate,” he whispered. My eyes widened, confused, but with a vague idea of why.
I glanced at the unconscious Pam, then back at the man, who was looking at me with tear-filled eyes.
“Thank you,” he repeated before turning and walking away.
We all stood there, stunned, before I smiled and turned away.
“Wait, wasn’t that guy the one who found his mate recently?” Blaze asked, rushing to my side, his eyes shining with excitement.
“Yes, he is,” Jyn answered for me.
I thought back to my fight with Pam. If I’d known she had a mate, I would have tried to convince her to forfeit. It wouldn’t have been fair if she’d died just after finding her happiness.
I lowered my head, biting my lip awkwardly. This was troubling.
“Harder, Elaine,” Jyn commanded. I groaned as my leg hit his hands. “Steady kicks.”
It was early morning, and we were in the woods warming up before my final fight tonight.
“Focus,” Jyn growled. I ignored him and continued training.
“Enough,” I said, out of breath. Jyn nodded. I stretched and looked around, realizing we were alone.
“Don’t get hurt today,” he whispered. “Just do as I say, please.”
I shook my head and turned to leave.
“Where are you going?” Jyn asked.
“To the river. I need to think,” I called over my shoulder. Jyn looked like he wanted to say more, but I ran off before he could.
The clear water flowed down the beautiful stretch along the mountains surrounding our pack. I took off my gloves and made my way down the steep slopes.
I walked for a few minutes before reaching the rocks and skipping them—my favorite warm-up, and one I enjoyed.
I reached the highest rock, stopped, and sighed.
This was my last fight, where the new alpha would be determined by strength. I knew my brothers were worried, but I was confident that I would win tonight, no matter what.
I sat down, crossed my legs, and closed my eyes, heightening my senses. The wind, the birds, the flowing river, the distant excited yells… I could hear them all.
“Now, this is unexpected,” a voice said, breaking my concentration.
I clenched my fists as I slowly opened my eyes to see who was standing before me.
“Elaine,” he said in a soothing voice.
“Connor,” I replied, my voice filled with distaste. We both stood there, silent, just staring at each other. “Don’t you have somewhere to be?”
“I was out for a run,” Connor replied. “I need you to give up.”
The nerve of him. First, I didn’t sense him approaching, and now this?
“Quit dreaming, Elaine. You’re not taking this one,” Connor taunted, poking at my patience.
The wind was a chorus of howls as I rose to my feet, my gaze locked on him, a fire of defiance burning in my eyes. “Scared I might just beat you?”
“Last time was a fluke,” Connor retorted with a chuckle. “This time, I’m not going easy on you.”
“Going easy? Is that your idea of a warning?” I shot back, laughter lacing my words.
My eyes flickered to his bare chest, a sight I’d been trying to avoid since he showed up. Deciding to play his game, I closed the distance between us and traced a finger over his chiseled torso.
His skin was a warm canvas under my touch.
“That crown is mine,” I murmured, my finger leaving a trail on his skin. “No matter how many times you tell me to back down, I won’t.”
“You—”
“Save it,” I interrupted him. “It’s just you and me.”
Stepping back, I gathered my things. “See you tonight.”
