He just gave me a vicious smile.
I stood tall, my gaze locked onto Enzo's intense eyes, refusing to back down.
“Hey, you’re new in the pack?” Alpha Enzo approached us, his words flared with sarcasm. His face bright with a sardonic smile, directly looking at Cassidy.
I answered instead. “No, we are not.”
“Oh really?” He crossed his arms.
“Yes.” Indeed we are not.
“Why didn’t I notice you before?”
“Because… we’re just unnoticeable, Enzo.” Addressing the Alpha of the Volatile Hounds Pack by his first name is a risk indeed, not to mention I am powerless here—no authority and no right considering we are just at Enzo’s mercy that we aren’t butchered yet.
“I’m talking to her, young man.” Alpha Enzo stalked towards her, hiding the hint of anger in his voice. “You’re so beautiful. You could pass as the Luna of this pack. Are you interested?”
“She’s not interested because she’s my mate,” I lied, though not entirely sure yet.
“So?”Alpha Enzo challenged, now intrigued with my presence. Cassidy felt the growing anger inside me too so she stopped me by grabbing my wrist. But nothing could stop me now that he wants my woman.
I wouldn’t let him do that.
“I suppose you don’t know the difference between mate and lover?”
“You think you can just waltz in and demand what's mine, Enzo?!” I growled, my voice thick with anger and determination. “Cassidy is under my protection, and I won't let you touch her.”
“Who said about touching her?” Enzo's face twisted into a wicked grin, his canines glistening in the moonlight. “Oh man, I think I like you already. What’s your name? Someone, finally, is brave enough to challenge me!” He announced to the crowd that was already forming around us.
“What’s your name?” Alpha Enzo asked again, a saccharine smile spread across his features. I have taken enough sarcasm from Brandon and Hestia. Dealing with Enzo will not be different.
“His name’s Zarion.” I clenched my jaw and was about to answer another sarcastic remark when Cassidy faced him instead, “Please, Zarion, let’s just go. Don’t fight him.”
And where we’ll be going? I asked her silently. She just shrugged her shoulders.
Alpha Enzo smirked and thanked Cassidy with a mocking bow. I pushed his chest when he tried to touch her. “Ah, Zarion, always so possessive. But perhaps it's time for a change of leadership in this pack,” he waved a hand around him as if he’s just merely passing his responsibility to me now that he’s bored with it. “Consider it a challenging gift—you, for the title of Alpha if you win. You can have the Volatile Hounds Pack. But if I emerge victorious, Cassidy will be mine, and you will let me kill you in front of her.”
Brave. I am too brave to challenge this lunatic. But there’s no harm in trying, at least.
His audacious offer fueled the fire within me, intensifying my desires. I knew that accepting this challenge would put everything on the line—my life, the pack, and Cassidy's safety. My pride. Yet, I couldn't allow Enzo to manipulate our fate any longer.
“Very well, Enzo,” I replied, my voice steady and filled with unwavering determination. “I accept your challenge. But remember, the consequences of your actions will be on your own head.” Then I reflected back to him the sarcastic smile he gave me a while ago.
A ripple of excitement coursed through the pack as the news spread, anticipation thick in the air. The challenge of Alphas was a rare event, a clash of power that would determine the course of this pack's future. Every member awaited the outcome, sensing the potential shift in dynamics that loomed on the horizon. This is more than politics. More than entertainment and arrogance.
This. Is. Everything.
***
As dawn broke, we stood in the center of the pack's territory, surrounded by a circle of expectant spectators.
The weight of their gazes bore down on us, magnifying the gravity of our clash. Enzo's eyes bore into mine, full of malicious intent. I remained steadfast, drawing strength from the pack that believed in me.
I know that they, too, are eager for someone else to call Alpha.
I looked up at the sky, golden light gilded the packhouse and everything erected here. Beautiful, dawn is always beautiful—the beacon for a new beginning, new day. I inhaled, then exhaled when Cassidy only offered me a nod. I inhaled again, hoping this will not be my last time to do this. White light erupted around me and I am now in my wolf form, exhaling, blinking at the Alpha just a few paces from me.
Then with a mighty roar, Enzo lunged at me, his black wolf—like Brandon’s—seems to be a living pouncing shadows.
I dodged his attacks rippling with raw power. I swayed from his blow, narrowly avoiding his sharp claws. We moved in a lethal dance, each maneuvering to gain the upper hand. Each eager to win.
Black wolf wounded the white, then the white wolf bit the tail of the black one. My instincts kicked in, guiding me through this ferocious battle that ensued even with my recent loss.
This is for Elliot.
The clash of our forces echoed through the forest, marking the fight for dominance. I could feel the adrenaline coursing through my veins, propelling me forward. The sounds of snarls and roars reverberated, creating a symphony of primal fury.
In the midst of our savage struggle, I caught glimpses of Cassidy watching from above the ring. Her eyes filled with a mix of fear and hope. That sight only fueled my determination, for her safety will be determined with my victory.
This is for Elliot and Cassidy.
Time blurred as our battle raged on, blows traded and wounds inflicted. Enzo shifted and threw a punch in my stomach but his face met my mighty fist as soon as I was in my human form as well.
Enzo immediately landed on the floor, struggling to rise again.
This is for Cassidy.
In the end, it was my unwavering spirit and unyielding resolve that triumphed. With one final surge of energy, I pinned Enzo to the ground, his struggles ceasing beneath my dominance.
Then he never rose again.
As the dust settled, the pack erupted in a chorus of cheers and howls, their loyalty shifted with my victory. I released Enzo, now defeated, and stepped forward. I’m bloodied and battered, but victorious. The taste of triumph was indeed sweet—bittersweet knowing that Enzo's fate now rested in my hands. He’ll be a good Omega I think. Or perhaps he’ll fit more as a Rogue.
Approaching Cassidy, I extended a trembling hand, stained with the crimson remnants of battle. “It's over,” I breathed, my voice filled with a mix of exhaustion and relief. “We're safe now.”
We will be safe from now on.
Cassidy's eyes softened, a glimmer of admiration and gratitude shining through. She took my hand, intertwining her fingers with mine. We stood there, united in our triumph against the darkness that threatened to consume us. We stood here, as Alpha and Luna.
As the new Alpha of the Volatile Hounds Pack, I knew that challenges lay ahead. But I also knew that with Cassidy by my side, my Luna, our pack would weather any storm. I would forge a new era—one that celebrated loyalty, love, and the unbreakable spirit as all packs should have.
A man approached me, probably the Beta. His suave and red hair unfaltering as his whisper reaches my ears. “Welcome to our home, Alpha Zarion.”