Chapter 4: Elaine Woods

CONNOR

Elaine Woods was a sight to behold. With her fiery red hair, piercing blue eyes, and a body that could make any man weak in the knees, she was a force to be reckoned with. But I wasn’t just any man.

Elaine was more than just a beautiful she-wolf. She was an alpha, one of the strongest in our pack. Her skills were unmatched, and her determination was unyielding. She was a woman who could outrun you without shifting and could take you down in an instant. But she never killed without reason.

I watched her, my eyes tracing her every move as she sparred with another warrior. We had grown up together, surrounded by the same people, the same environment. But Elaine was different, especially when it came to fighting.

I couldn’t help but scoff at her tactics, even as I watched her intently. This was the fight everyone had been waiting for, and I had a feeling that Elaine would be my final opponent. She was relentless, and even though she had her moments of weakness, she always came out on top.

Once the fight was over and her victory was announced, I left the arena and headed back to my tent.

“Alpha Connor?” Leo, my friend and future beta, called out from the entrance. I gave him a nod, signaling him to come in. “How’s it going?” he asked.

“Good,” I replied curtly. “And you, Leo?”

“Good. Can’t wait for tomorrow,” he said, a hint of excitement in his voice.

I smiled at his enthusiasm and took a seat on my bed.

“I heard Elaine’s been winning all her fights.”

“And?” I asked, my tone icy.

“Aren’t you worried about her?” Leo pressed.

I growled at him, but he didn’t flinch.

“Connor, you said it yourself. Elaine could be alpha of the pack.”

I looked away, scoffing at his words. It stung my pride to admit it, but Elaine was a strong contender for the alpha position. She was determined, and she had proven time and time again that she could lead if she wanted to.

“Why don’t you talk to her?” Leo suggested out of the blue.

I turned to look at him, taken aback. “About what? How to surrender? I can do that.”

“Connor,” Leo sighed. “You weren’t always like this.”

I held his gaze, my expression unchanging. He sighed again, louder this time, and stood up.

“I’ll see you in the final fight.” With that, he left, his shoulders slumped.

Talk to Elaine? Was that even possible? I had tried before, but she always seemed unfazed, unbothered. That stubborn woman had no sense of fear.

***

~THE DAY BEFORE…~

“WINNER: CONNOR REED!”

I let out a low growl as I descended from the platform. My opponent was dead, a clear message to anyone who dared to challenge me.

“Alpha Connor!” Leo called out from the sidelines. I glanced at him and pulled off my gloves. “That was incredible. Congratulations.”

“Thanks,” I replied.

My ears perked up at the sound of cheering from a nearby platform. Hearing Elaine’s name, I couldn’t help but smile. So she wanted to meet her end at my hands.

“Looks like you two are vying for the same throne,” Leo observed.

“More like she’s courting death,” I growled. Leo shook his head and clapped me on the shoulder.

“Hungry?” he asked, changing the subject. I nodded, and we left the arena together.

The food stalls were bustling with pack members. I scanned the area, deciding where to eat. Leo suggested a few places, but I was in the mood for something sweet.

I spotted a line of about a dozen pack members waiting at a stall. We joined them, and I could feel the curious and fearful glances of the others. I ignored them, my attention drawn to the platform where Elaine was fighting.

“Isn’t that Jyn?” Leo whispered. I followed his gaze to see Jyn, Elaine’s older brother and a respected member of the pack, approaching us.

“Connor Reed,” Jyn greeted me.

“Jyn Woods,” I replied, nodding in acknowledgment.

“Congratulations on your win,” he said, a smile on his face. I met his gaze and scoffed. Leo nudged me in the ribs, quickly apologizing for my rudeness.

“I know you and Elaine have your differences, but be careful,” Jyn warned, piquing my interest.

“Careful of Elaine?” I asked, feigning ignorance.

Jyn studied me, his concern for his sister evident. “I don’t understand why you two can’t get along, but whatever the reason, be careful. Elaine may not have killed anyone in her last fight, but she might not hesitate to kill you.”

I clenched my fists, my wolf stirring within me.

“Is that a threat?” I snarled. Jyn stepped closer, his icy blue eyes meeting mine.

“A warning. I believe you can be reasonable,” he said, stepping back. “Sometimes, I think you two are in love.”

I growled, silencing the chatter around us. Everyone was watching our exchange, and I knew they had heard his words.

“Watch your mouth!” I warned, my voice fierce.

Jyn didn’t flinch. “I don’t care who you are. I won’t tolerate such disrespect.”

“Disrespect? Sounds like you’re the one who’s offended,” a voice chimed in from behind.

Everyone’s attention shifted to the newcomer. My father had joined our group, and I couldn’t help but scowl at his presence.

“Leo. Alpha Jyn,” he greeted them, his voice carrying a certain authority.

“Alpha Martell, it’s good to see you,” Jyn responded, giving a respectful nod. I watched their exchange, my eyes narrowing slightly.

“Likewise, Alpha Jyn. It seems my son is causing you some trouble,” my father said, his gaze meeting mine.

“No, Alpha, everything is…fine.” Jyn offered a smile before excusing himself. Leo looked a bit out of place, so I dismissed him too.

My father moved closer, his imposing figure stopping right in front of me. Despite my youth, we were nearly the same height, so I held his gaze evenly.

“You still despise her, don’t you?” my father taunted.

I growled in response.

“Elaine is quite the catch. If you were smart, you’d make her your queen.”

“My queen?” I laughed, feeling a sting of insult. “Elaine could ~never~ be my mate.”

“Because she once bested you in front of the entire council and all the packs?” my father shot back.

I clenched my jaw, anger simmering beneath the surface.

“Still stings, doesn’t it?”

“I don’t need your commentary,” I retorted, turning my back to him. My father moved to stand beside me, his gaze fixed ahead.

“Let Elaine win,” he muttered.

I whipped my head around to stare at him in disbelief. Was he really suggesting that?

“Elaine will win anyway, and you know it.”

“Great show of faith in your son,” I said, my voice choked with hurt. My wolf was seething, so I closed my eyes, trying to keep it under control.

“That’s your problem. You’re not thinking clearly, and your ego is blinding you,” my father scoffed. “At least Elaine is rational and can think straight. Unlike you and your wolf.”

My eyes twitched, and I bared my teeth at him. Everyone around us recoiled in shock, and my father looked taken aback.

I had never shown him such disrespect, but he was pushing me too far.

“I won’t fucking stand for your bullshit. All I wanted was ~your~ support, but you’re backing her?” I roared. “If you’re so fond of her, why don’t you make her your daughter!”

There were several gasps, and everyone backed away. My father stood his ground, silent.

The whole situation was making me feel frustrated, betrayed.

“You’ll regret this,” my father said before walking away. I clenched my fists, my anger simmering.

Deciding to forget about the feast, I bolted into the forest for a run.

***

After a long run and a quick dip in the nearby river, I rushed back to my tent and flopped onto my bed. My mind was filled with thoughts of that infuriating woman.

Everyone’s words echoed in my head like a cruel mantra, blaming me as if I were the one at fault.

I sat up in bed and rubbed my face. Sleep was out of the question. So, I grabbed my cloak and headed back out.

“Here, try these on.” Leo handed me a pair of new gloves. I raised an eyebrow in thanks.

“Is everyone on the platform?” I asked, my curiosity piqued. There was a pause before he answered.

“Yes, except for your opponent,” Leo muttered, his gaze fixed on the crowd.

That didn’t surprise me. If it were Elaine, she would always make a grand entrance just minutes before the fight.

I nodded at Leo and climbed onto the platform, starting my warm-up. Sensing a presence behind me, I turned and smirked at Elaine, who was staring back.

“Elaine,” I greeted, my voice dripping with disdain.

“Connor,” she replied with a smile.

A surge of anger welled up in my chest at her calm demeanor.

The announcer began to read out our names as we took our positions. Elaine stretched, completely ignoring me.

I scanned the crowd, noting the council, the alphas of every pack, and even my family. My gaze returned to Elaine, who had her eyes closed.

Her confidence was grating, and it irked me to no end.

“I warned you,” I said, causing her to open one of her blue eyes.

Elaine didn’t respond, just shrugged. As the announcer instructed us to get ready, I steeled myself. For this fight, I wouldn’t shift. I was going to face it head-on, just like she did.