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Chapter 16
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2020-11-13 02:45:17Chapter 16
>War room. Night<
I look around the room, at the whole pack. Expectant gazes are staring back at me. I just announced that I want to fight for the Alpha position. “I need to take control of my life. I need to straighten out everything that´s happening around me. I feel like these deaths wouldn´t have happened had I stepped up. I´ve avoided being the Alpha because I´ve always felt afraid. I have never wanted to admit it. I´m afraid to fail. I´ve studied to become a doctor to save lives, but being a werewolf is a whole other ball game. Nothing could have prepared me for this. I had to live not knowing my true heritage. But now I realize that I have to own it. I have to take responsibility for being the Alpha because that´s what I am. That´s who I am. But before I can achieve that, I have to prove to all of you that I´m worthy. So, fight me. Don´t pull your punches. Don´t hold back. Give me everything you´ve got, each and every one of you. Fight me like your life depends on it.”
I gaze at each of their expressions as my words begin to sink in. (Lucas) “I know I don´t have a snowball´s chance in hell of winning against you, Laura. But you can bet your ass I´ll fight you like it´s the last fight of my life.” I smile at Lucas. “I´m counting on it, Luc.” (Patrick) “I´m proud of you, Laura. I´m glad I didn´t miss this moment.” Nolan steps up to me. “You do know I won´t make it easy for you, right?” “I expect nothing less from you, Nolan.” I turn to Liam, who walks towards me. “I´ve waited for this moment for a very long time. I get to fight you for real.” “I´ll be sure to make it a good one then.”
I notice Amelia standing to the side. She smiles at me. I excuse myself and Lucas offers everyone drinks. I saunter over to Amelia. “The guys are all over you. I didn´t know how to butt in.” “Want to go for a walk?” “Sure.”
Amelia and I walk out of the war room. We make our way through the living room to the gardens outside.
>Gardens – Night<
We stand under the light of the almost full moon. “Tomorrow is the full moon.” “The eclipse...” “Stella will become immortal.” I nod, dreading the moment. Amelia probably sees the fear in my eyes. “You´re afraid. That´s good. You shouldn´t be overconfident when you confront Stella. A lot of men have fallen due to pride.” “Good thing I´m not a man then!” Amelia smiles softly. “I´m worried about my mom, though. I haven´t heard from her in a while.” I take out my phone. I decide to send my mom a text message. “I should text her.” “You should.” I tap my phone to write a text: `Mom, please call me as soon as you receive this text. I love you.´
I put my phone away and turn to Amelia. Amelia reaches out and squeezes my hand reassuringly. I give her a smile. “Fancy going for a run in the woods?” “Sure. Let´s go!” We run towards the edge of the gardens and into the woods beyond.
>Woods – Night<
With the help of my werewolf vision, I can see clearly in the dark as if it´s almost daylight. Amelia sprints besides me, dodging the outcropping rocks and roots. “You and I are so much alike. I like going for runs sometimes just to clear my head.” “Yeah. It´s therapeutic.”
I decide to give it a burst of speed, leaving Amelia a few yards behind me. “Laura, you´re too fast!” Our laughter mingles with the sounds of the woods. I skit to halt and turn to face Amelia. Amelia is too late to stop in her tracks. We collide and she falls on top of me. We both laugh at the little mishap.
Suddenly, becoming aware of our position, we stop laughing and stare into each other´s eyes. I climb to my feet and Amelia helps me up. “I think we should go.” Amelia nods. “Before we go, I just want you to know one thing. I want you to know that, if it comes down to it, I´ll do everything to protect you from Stella. She´s not going to win against you because you have all of us. You have me.” “Thank you, Amelia. It´s reassuring to know that you have my back.” “Always, Laura. Always.”
We smile at each other; the moon casting shadows on our faces. “I think we´d better head back now before they wonder where we´ve gone.” “I´d like to retire early today anyway. It´s going to be a long day tomorrow.” “Good luck, Laura. Not that you need it!” “Good luck to you too.”
>Lucas´s house. Guest room. Day<
The next morning I wake up to the soft knock in the door. “Who is it?” I hear Patrick´s voice on the other side of the door. “It´s me, Laura. Can I come in?” “Come in, Patrick. It´s open.” Patrick opens the door and steps inside, balancing a tray of food in one hand. “Thought I´d bring you breakfast in bed.” Patrick´s gesture warms me up inside. “Oh, Patrick. You shouldn´t have.” “Well, tonight´s the Alpha fight. You need a healthy breakfast.” Patrick places the tray on the bed. It´s a breakfast of pancakes with wild berry compote and a glass of orange juice. “Why are you so good to me?” “Because you deserve it.” Patrick begins feeding me the pancake. “Oh, you have a little something--” Patrick wipes the stray wild berry off my lips with his thumb. I take the fork and feed him pancake myself. Patrick smiles and looks at me with his beautiful eyes. My eyes stray to his lips as he chews his food. I feel the desire swell up inside me, the lust taking hold. I try with all my might to resist him. “Well, this has been lovely. But I think you should go. I still need to prepare for the fight tonight.” “I understand, Laura.” Patrick stands up. “But before I go, there´s one more thing I need to say to you. I just want you to know that whatever happens, whatever the outcome of the fight... I´ll stand behind you no matter what. We´ll defeat Stella together.” “Thank you, Patrick. I really needed to hear those words of encouragement.” “No problem. I guess I´ll see you later.” “I´ll see you.”
>Training room. Day<
That morning, I head to the training room to prepare myself for the fight. Apparently, Liam had the same idea. He´s already there when I enter the training room. Upon seeing me, he stops hitting the punchbag. “Laura.” “I can come back later.” There´s no denying that there´s still a little bit of awkwardness between Liam and I, especially after everything that´s happened. “No, it´s okay. You can stay.” I hesitate. “Unless it´s you who doesn´t want to be in the same room as me.” “No, that´s not the case at all.” Liam saunters over to me. “Laura, once and for all, I want to clear the air between us.” “The air is clear.” “It´s not and you know it.” “I think I´d better go.” I turn my back to him and walk towards the door. “Fight me.” I stop in my tracks. “Take your anger out on me. Punch me. Kick me. Do whatever you want. You can break my bones. I just hope that after that we can go back to the way we used to be. I get it. You still hate me. So take it out on me now. Fight me.”
I feel the rage building up inside me and I just can´t keep it at bay. Without another word, I wheel around and drive my balled fist forward to punch Liam. Liam catches my fist, just within a few inches of his face. I stare on in surprise. “How is this possible?” “You´re overestimating your strength. I am a hybrid, remember? I can draw power from my wolf side and my vampire side. The part of me that you hate.” I punch him again, which Liam blocks. But this time, there´s a quick follow through with my leg. It swings up rapidly to kick the side of his head. Liam stumbles to the ground. Liam shakes his head, probably trying to get rid of the ringing in his ears. “Good. That´s it.” I trade blows with Liam. “Use your anger.” My fist connects with his chest and Liam staggers back. I clock him in the face, bloodying his lip. I land blow after blow until his face is all bloodied up. “Bring it all out. Let me take away the anger.” I punch Liam some more. I punch him until I can no longer feel the anger. Until the tears start running from my eyes. Liam locks his arms around me in a tight embrace. “Let it go. Let that anger go.” I cry in Liam´s arms. “I´m here now. It´s not going to happen again. I promise you that.” Liam rubs my back with his hand as I cry on his shoulder. I cry until I feel solace in his arms. No words are needed. The anger is gone. I forgive him completely.
>Lucas´s house. Living room. Day<
Everyone is using the afternoon to prepare for tonight´s Alpha fight in their own way. The members of our pack are either meditating or training. Nolan, on the other hand, is in the living room, drinking. “So this is how you prepare for a fight?” Nolan is standing by the French doors looking out into the garden. When I enter, he turns to me with a smile. “Drinking happens to have a calming effect on me. Helps me clear my head. Focus.” “Wolfsbane?” Nolan nods. “Don´t you think you´ll be at a disadvantage if you can´t use your abilities.” “Well, the wolfsbane will wear off by the time of the fight. Would you like a drink? No wolfsbane, of course.” “Sure.” “What will you have?” “I´d like a scotch please.” “All right.” Nolan pours scotch from a decanter into a glass. He hands it to me. I look at the drink in my hand. “I used to enjoy drinking. Now I can´t even get drunk anymore without taking wolfsbane.” “Life is full of changes. Sometime the simple things are what you miss the most.” “I do miss the simple things.”
“If you were offered the chance to return to your previous life, would you take it?” “I don´t know. Part of me wants to regain what I lost, but another part wants to hold onto the things I´ve gained. I think I can never tell which path I´m going to take until I´m right at the crossroad.” Nolan moves closer to me. “Whatever path you take, I hope I can be right there beside you.” For a moment, I´m at loss for words. “Nolan, I--” “You don´t have to say anything. I just wanted to get it off my chest. I have feelings for you, Laura. And one day, when this is all over, I´m going to mark you. I hope you choose me, Laura. I´ll be the happiest man on earth when you finally choose me.”
We stand there, staring at each other. I know I can´t make the decision right now. Nolan steps away from me. “When you´re ready.” Without another word, Noland walks away, leaving me to my thoughts.
>Gardens – Night<
The werewolf pack, all in human form, is gathered in the gardens. The full moon, high on the horizon, provides us with ample illumination in the dark of the night.
“Let´s get this done! Who´s the first challenger?” Lucas steps forward. “I am.” “All right, Luc. Show me what you got.” I summon the wolf within me, not to transform but to tap into its strength. I feel the power within me rising to the surface. Lucas charged forward and I sidestep him, landing a punch on his face. Lucas quickly recovers and counters with a right hook, which I easily avoid. Frustrated, Lucas showers me with a flurry of blows. I block each one. I counter by spinning around and driving my elbow to his face. Lucas goes down, dazed. Lucas readies himself to attack again, but I know he´s clearly no match for me. If he continues like this, he could get seriously hurt. Lucas throws a punch but I catch it in my hand and twist his arms, hearing bones breaking. Lucas screams in pain. But then Lucas intentionally dislocates his shoulder to twist our f my grip. Lucas leaps backwards to get away. He resets his shoulder, making the bones crack. “I´m not about to make this easy for you, Laura.” I smile at Lucas. “Too bad I´m going to end it now.” “Bring it.”
Lucas lunges for me but I stop him with a roundhouse kick to the face. He goes down, unconscious. Nolan walks towards his twin brother and carries him away.
Amelia walks towards me. “I´m ready.” We nod at each other. Amelia goes on the offensive by swinging her leg in a roundhouse kick. I dodge the kick and counter by sweeping her off her feet with my own foot. She lands on her back but quickly recovers by rolling on the ground. Amelia leaps into the air. I dodge Amelia and she lands on the ground, crouching. I bring my foot down and knock her out.
Lucas, who has apparently regained consciousness, moves to his siter´s side.
“Next.” Nolan moves forward. “I´m here.” Nolan smiles at me menacingly. He paces from side to side, like a wolf waiting for his chance to move in for the kill. I just stand there, preparing myself for anything. Nolan charges forward. I am ready to counter with a punch, but Nolan abruptly changes direction. He leaps into the air and lands behind me, locking my head in his arms in a sleeper hold. Using his own weight against him, I jump and pull with all my might to throw him over me. Nolan lands on his back, but he rises to his feet in an instant. We trade blows. With each fist that connects, I counter with a harder punch. Nolan´s face becomes a bloodied mess. His healing ability can´t keep up with the constant barrage of punches. I leap into the air and land a punch on his face. Nolan is knocked to the ground, blood splattering. “I yield. You win, Laura.”
Nolan climbs to his feet and, trying to maintain a modicum of dignity, stands up straight and walk away.
I turn to Patrick and nod at him. “Don´t go easy on me.” “I won´t.” Patrick assaults me with a series of kicks. I block them easily, coming to the realization that it doesn´t even affect me anymore. Is Patrick doing this intentionally? “Don´t hold back!” “I´m not! I´m giving it my all. You´re growing stronger by the second!” Patrick continues with his attack. It´s evident that his attempts to attack me are hurting Patrick more than they´re affecting me. I dodge Patrick as he swings his leg around in a kick. I counter him by backhanding him across the face. The force of my blow sends him flying several yards, and he lands on the ground. Patrick lays on the ground, motionless. I can still hear his heartbeat. He´s unconscious. But he´s okay.
Suddenly, I realize that my senses are heightened. I feel stronger. I look at my hands, feeling the power flowing through me. Then I turn to face Liam. “Fight me like the hybrid that you are.” “Laura. No.” Lucas spoke up. “It´s okay. If he wins, we´ll have to accept him as Alpha. But I´m not going to let that happen.” I give Lucas a hint of a smile. Then, without warning, I charge at Liam. Just as I get right in front of him, intending to punch him in the face, he disappears before my eyes. Before o get my bearings, I´m knocked to the ground with a blow from behind. Liam is tapping into his vampiric abilities, using skills that I don´t have to his advantage. I grunt in pain as an invisible hand claws at my face, drawing blood. I feel the laceration heal instantly. Liam attacks again, unseen, cutting my back.
Perhaps he´s too fast for me to see him...But all my other senses are heightened. I just need to focus.
I close my eyes, straining to hear, feeling the movement of the air against my skin. I try to determine which direction Liam´s going to come from. Suddenly, as if my instincts have taken over, my hand shoots up to my side and catches Liam by the neck. Liam chokes. “Laura. I yield!”
His neck feels fragile against the palm of my hand. I realize I could snap it as easily as I could a twig. What sort of power is this?
I look up at the full moon. It has turned red. (Lucas) “The eclipse!” (Amelia) “It´s a Blood Moon!” I turn to look at Liam. “Liam.” I let him go and he drops to the ground, coughing. I can feel it in my veins. An immense power is coursing through me. “What´s happening to me?” The pack converges around Liam and I. (Lucas) “Laura, what´s wrong?” (Patrick) “Are you all right?” I can´t describe what I´m feeling. “I think so.” (Nolan) “It´s the blood of the First Wolf. You have unlocked your true potential. You are now a true Alpha. Now you can defeat Stella.”
(Amelia) “Stella is becoming an immortal at this very moment.” (Liam) “Well, now we´re ready for her. Laura is ready for her.” I gaze up at the Blood Moon. I have now become a true Alpha, and Stella is in the process of becoming an immortal. The great battle is near.
