- Caleb -
Nathan asked me to stay after practice, I have no idea what he wants. I tried telling him I couldn't because I must go home for pack training with Gregory, but he insisted, claiming that it won't take more than five minutes. I know it will take longer; it always does. I don't want to leave his side whenever I'm with him. My wolf urges for his presence. I always hate leaving him, it's so hard and saddening. So, I try avoiding being alone with him today, but here I am, waiting foolishly for his football practice to end to get five minutes alone with him. I walk through the bookshelves in the library, searching for a book that catches my interest. There are so many books here I don't even know what I want to read. I've read four books already. Petunia, the librarian, got a liking to me and greets me every day. She's very kind and sets aside some books she thinks I might like. She hasn't been wrong up 'till now.
I grab my phone and look at the hour: 5:07. I should really get going, Gregory is going to be pissed f I miss today's practice. I sigh and unlock the screen, looking at the conversation I had earlier with him.
Meet me at the library after practice (13: 56) – Nathan Bryce
Can't, have pack training (13: 57) – Me
It'll just be 5 minutes (13: 57) – Nathan Bryce
Nathan, I really can't (13: 57) – Me
It's really important. Pls... 🥺 (13: 58) – Nathan Bryce
Fine, but make it quick (14: 00) – Me
Always 😉 (14: 01) – Nathan Bryce
See you soon (14: 01) – Nathan Bryce
Where is he? I know football practice can run late sometime, but I can't wait for him that much. I'm not lying, Gregory might actually kill me if I miss today's training. He's been pissed because I haven't been able to train with everyone lately. Yesterday, he specifically told me to assist. He's been extremely strict lately, pressuring us even more than usual. I don't know what got into him, but the combat training got extremely demanding and rough. I get so clubbed from everything that I just go to sleep. I think it has to do with Nymeria rising to power, he wants to make sure we are ready.
I haven't told anyone about Nathan. It's been killing me, but there's no right moment; something always shows up. Last night I almost told my dad, but Convel showed up and they went off running somewhere. I'll have to tell him, but it's more difficult than I thought. I sigh deeply and stare at the screen, wondering if I should text Nathan. I start typing when I hear a voice from behind.
- I figured you'd be here looking for books. – Nathan's voice says, and I turn around to meet his face. His presence is so comforting, and his scent is so alluring.
- Hey, I was about to text you. – I say, putting the phone down and offering a small smile.
- Yeah, what were you going to say? – he asks, walking up to me and taking my phone. He looks at the screen reading my message.
- "Where are you?", wow Cal, so warm. – he jokes a little. I roll my eyes internally.
- I didn't mean to be warm. I told you I'm in a hurry. – I respond nonchalantly.
- You know what's worst? You have me saved as Nathan Bryce. What the fuck, Cal? – he complains, ignoring me. Normally, I would dismiss it as nothing, but I want to spend a little more time with him
- What's wrong with it? You saved your contact in it, remember? – I remind him.
- Well, yeah, but that was before... you know. – he says lower, just above a whisper.
We are speaking lower than usual partly because we are at a library, but mostly because we don't want anyone to find out about us. Not yet at least. The library is almost empty, just a couple of people come to the library this late on a Thursday. I can sense that most of them are humans, but we are still being careful.
- How do you have me saved, then? – I ask intrigued. He pulls out his phone and hands it to me with my chat on the screen. Callie 🐺.
- Seriously, Callie and a wolf? How creative. – I say sarcastically handing him his phone back.
- Would you prefer a heart? – he asks.
- Actually, yes. – I joke back, and he laughs.
- It's better than "Nathan Bryce". What are you, 60? – he says comically, I had to suppress a smile.
- That's your name, isn't it? – I defend.
- To Mr. Harrison yes, but not to you. You're my mate, so change it, and it better be something sweet and cheesy. – he sort of demands, acting like he's upset. He can be so childish sometimes.
- Fine. – I agree, grabbing the phone.
I start thinking of something creative and nice to change his name. Nothing comes to mind. Why am I stressing over some stupid nickname? Just put whatever comes to mind, Cal, I tell myself. For some reason, that nickname he gave me sounds familiar, but I can't quite remember why. I think deeper. Oh, right, it's what he called me the first time we hang out after school. Oh, I know what to call him. I type it down and hand him the phone proudly, with a smug on my face.
- "City Wolf 🐶". – he reads confused and a smile starts growing on his face. – How childish. Why the dog emoji, though? – he asks
- Well, you gave me one, it's only fair I do the same. Besides, you're like a little pup; all small and naive. – I say, messing around.
- Small? – he chuckles. - You're like four inches taller than me. –
- And don't you forget about that. – I tell him mockingly.
- Whatever. – he dismisses, satisfied with his nickname.
- What was so important you had to talk with me? – I ask, changing the subject.
- Oh, right. I almost forgot. – he sighs a little. – I broke up with Nadia. – he says a bit nervous.
- What? When? – I ask.
- Yesterday. I went to her house and told her everything. – he says, letting out a small gasp of air.
- Everything as in...? – I wonder if he told him about werewolves or simply broke up with her.
- Everything; about werewolves, my parents, my friends, and us. – he says so calmly.
- Us? What exactly about us? – I inquire more concerned.
- She knows we're mates and that you guys are werewolves. – he admits carefree. – But don't worry, she took everything extremely well, and she promised not to tell anyone. –
- Nathan, what the fuck. You can't just go telling people we're mates. – I complain. If people find out and my pack hears a word about it, I'd be in serious problems
- She won't tell anyone, trust me. – he says calmly.
How can he be so calm about it? Nadia is in love with him and she's a human. If she's upset about the situation, she could easily out us to Nathan's entire pack and, in consequence, mine as well. I thought we were waiting to figure things out between us.
- Nathan, we agreed to keep it undercover. – I tell him, trying to control myself.
- I know, but we can trust her. – he says. I listen to his heartbeat and his not lying. He truly believes in her. I sigh in frustration.
- Fine, but no more telling anyone other than your parents and maybe Mason, okay? – I tell him. Nadia already knows, there's no changing that.
- Why can Mason know? – he asks.
- He's your Beta in Command, I know firsthand how close a Beta and an Alpha are. I wouldn't forbid you from telling him. – I respond.
- Oh... how did you know he's the future Beta in Command. I don't remember telling you. - he says, confused.
- It's obvious, Nathan. – I tell him nonchalantly. – So, agreed? – I say.
- Sure. – he agrees.
We lock our eyes for a quick moment. I love the green in his eyes, it's always so alive and cute. Just feeling his presence is enough to calm me down. I get lost in his eyes and have to snap myself out of it before it's too late.
- Great, I must go now. –
- Wait, have you told anyone about us? – he wonders, looking expectantly at me.
- No. – I shake my head.
- Oh... - he says, his tone lower and a little sad.
- What? – I ask.
- Nothing. – he says dismissively, I can sense something's wrong.
- Tell me. – I insist.
- I... just thought you would have told someone by now. – he says feeling a little down.
- Don't do that. – I tell him.
- Do what? – he asks confused.
- Make me feel like crap because I haven't told my pack. – I tell him honestly.
- I'm not trying to make you feel bad. – he says innocently. The worst part is that he means it, that just makes me feel worse.
- Nathan... –
- I know it's difficult for you, don't worry. I didn't mean to push you, I'm sorry. – he apologizes.
I sigh internally. He has nothing to apologize for. We should be able to be together without worrying about what anyone thinks. If we didn't have such important positions within our packs, we could probably be together right now. I'm the worst mate ever; asking him to hide our relationship was wrong. I know it's only been two weeks since the mate bond appeared, but every day I can feel it grow stronger. I don't think I can stay away from him much longer. I must tell my pack.
I look around to make sure no one's seeing us, and I walk up to him and smash our lips together, sending electricity through my body. This feeling... this feeling of love and home is all that matter. It's what I must be fighting for. The kiss doesn't last too long, just a couple of seconds.
- No. I'm sorry. I shouldn't have asked you to keep it a secret. – I apologize, separating a little and looking him in the eye.
- It's okay. – he says, looking at me lovingly.
- No, it's not. It's not fair to you, to us. I'll tell my parents when I get home, I promise. – I tell him. I don't usually make promises, but he's the exception.
- So, that means... -
- Yes, Nathan, I'll come and live with you. – I tell him even though I hate leaving my pack. A smile grows from ear to ear on his face and he kisses me passionately.
- Great. My Goddess, I can't believe this is finally happening – he breaks the kiss and hugs me.
Even if Alpha Alaric permits me to leave, I would still like to stay a little to say goodbye and make sure the next Beta is in good shape before I leave. It's not like I'm going to never see them again, but it won't be the same. They'll be in the Lazarus pack, and I'll be in the River Valley pack. I still don't love the name, but I do love Nathan and that's all that matters.
- I think my parents are free on the weekend, so I'll tell them then. – he assures me. – I can't believe it's finally going to happen. – his voice is excited, making me smile in thrill as well.
He can be so childish, it's one of the things I love about him. How simple and easy he sees the world. It doesn't take much to have him happy. He worries for his pack and is determined to become better. The Moon Goddess chose right, he's the best mate I could hope for. I look at the library's clock a few feet away: 15:32.
- Shit. – I say under my breath.
- What? – Nathan asks.
- Gregory is going to kill me. Gotta go, I'll see you tomorrow. – I give him a quick peck on the lips before walking off.
As soon as I exit the library I start running toward the crossroad. I'm late, the training was supposed to begin at 15:30 and I still have 6 miles to go. I can feel my body hurting from the punches he's going to give me. I run as fast as I can, sweeping through the grass like the wind. Fortunately, I decided to change into my exercise clothes before meeting Nathan. I'm the fastest wolf in the Lazarus pack, no one even comes close to my speed and resistance when it comes to running. Normally I'd like running and enjoy every second of it, but, right now, I don't have time to appreciate it. There's only one thing on my mind, and that's to get home as fast as possible. I run 6 miles in less than 10 minutes, close to beating my record.
I slow down as I get close to the training arena. Gregory hasn't arrived yet and I feel my body relax immediately. I recognize everyone, there's Dyrus, Tyler, Brady, Tala, Dante, Gael, Luke, and Nymeria present and waiting for the third in command to appear.
- I thought you would chicken out, Brosme. – Dyrus comments naggingly. I don't bother responding and catch my breath.
- Where were you? – Nymeria asks me. Before I could respond I hear Lukes's voice speak.
- Where's Maya? – Luke asks. I didn't notice she was missing.
- I thought she would be here. – I respond and he shakes his head.
- She said she was going out with you after classes and that you'd meet us here. – he clarifies. That's odd, she never said anything to me.
- Uuuuuhh, sounds like blondie is skipping training. – Dyrus says in a higher mocking pitch.
- Dyrus quiet down. – Gregory's baritone voice catches our attention, making us all turn to face him.
Everyone immediately straightens up and puts their hands behind them in respect, even Nymeria. He's not alone, he has another Elite on his side. Gregory inspires so much respect and fear, almost as much as Alaric. We all remain quiet as he approaches.
- Where's Maya? – he asks with his deep voice.
- I'm here. – Maya says from behind, she's agitated. – I was changing, I'm sorry. – she apologizes.
Gregory didn't like it but let it slide for now because he continued speaking of something else. He started talking about how we're supposed to be the strongest wolves by now and yet we haven't been able to defeat the top elites. Nymeria and I take it personally. We've improved a lot since we started training with Gregory and the elites, but we haven't defeated any of the higher range. I know Gregory's enjoying beating our asses, but he still wants us to rise above him.
- That's why I brought Larissa today with me. You all know her, maybe you'll finally be able to win against her. – Gregory says firmly, and Larissa offers a kind smile.
Larissa Green is the top Elite, she's the strongest among them just behind Gregory, although, technically, he's not an elite because he's Gamma. So that makes her the strongest Elite to defeat. Gregory doesn't have children and he never married, or perhaps he did but they died. Larissa is the closest thing we've seen to a daughter for Gregory. They certainly act like father and daughter. Her family died during a hunter attack, and she was left alone. Gregory adopted her and trained her as soon as she could walk. She's incredibly agile and fast. Don't let her somewhat skinny body deceive you; she can punch just as hard as Gregory if not harder. She's knocked me out countless times.
- Today you'll fight in single battles. Maya since you were late, you're up first against Gael. – Gregory orders and both walk toward the center while we all watch.
I'm rooting for Maya, but I wouldn't underestimate Gael Frost one bit. He's not just strong enough to train alongside us, but he's incredibly talented as well. Since day one he's shown a lot of promise and he's improved a lot ever since. But if I had to choose, I'll go with Maya's fierce will any day. Both are in the center, prepared to fight. They don't engage until Gregory says so.
Maya was the first to attack, she rushed toward him and threw a punch directly into his ribs. Gael stepped back to dodge and threw a hit as well. The fight was rough, both exchanging hits and cornering the other several times. During the whole fight, Gregory was watching disdainfully and commenting along with Larissa about their lack of technique and discipline. Sure, both are making easy mistakes that put them at a disadvantage, but they're fighting very well. I can't focus on the battle because I'm more concentrated on listening to their conversation. They are right about a lot of stuff, especially about all the openings Maya skipped that could've ended the match. She's not concentrated today; she doesn't normally make these many mistakes. And why did Luke say we were going out, something's off. She's hiding something and I want to know why. They kept on battling and before I knew it, she had Gael on the floor under a headlock. He tapped the ground in surrender. See, I told you. Maya lets go of him and stand up, dusting herself off. They stand up straight and wait for Gregory to dismiss them.
- That was shameful. Maya, you're distracted, you could've won a long time ago. Gael, you still precipitate yourself on the offensive. Be smarter, not stronger. – he says hurtfully and dismisses them to the side. - Dyrus, Tyler you're next. – he says.
That was the only fight between wolves the same age. Tyler is 27 years old and an Elite, while Dyrus is 18. This is about to heat up quickly. I watch the fight while hearing Gregory's conversation about what they were doing wrong. It amazes me how I'm able to follow and understand exactly their comments. They're the pack's best and strongest. According to the elders, this is the strongest generation of Elites this pack has seen, and here I am, about to fight them. What surprises me, even more, is that I'm not nervous whatsoever.
The fight was over within five minutes and Tyler easily defeated Dyrus. It was obvious; he is more experienced and stronger. It was only a matter of time before he won. Dyrus is very strong, but when he gets angry, he starts making mistakes. Tala and Dante were next. She threw him around like he was an old rag, and I felt bad for him. Luke managed to put up a better fight against Brady. For a moment, I thought the twin had the upperhand, but the result was the same; the older wolf ended up knocking him to the ground. So far, the odds aren't really in our favor, the Elites are wiping the floor with us. They're just playing against us, making my blood boil with anger. It's honestly embarrassing to be humiliated like this.
- Nymeria, Larissa, you're up. – Gregory commands.
I can smell the hormones from the guys as Larissa takes off her jacket to fight, revealing more skin with a short shirt. I know the Elites admire her and would love to share her bed anytime. She has beautiful long brown hair and chocolate eyes, and she's tall. I think all the guys here have a crush on her. Even I admit she's hot. They'll have to get through Gregory first. Now that I think about it, it looks like I'm fighting him next. Great, just what I needed, I sigh internally.
Larissa is also very tall, almost my height; 6'1''. Nymeria barely reaches my shoulder; she looks insignificant next to her. Yet she shows no fear, her face and stand are confident and serious. She's focused, it's intimidating seeing her like this. Gregory initiates the fight but neither chooses to do the first move. They circle, studying each other. Then, Larissa strikes; she rushes in and throws a punch that Nymeria easily evades and steps back, getting some distance between them. The match continues more like this, Larissa constantly bullies Nymeria while all she can do is defend and dodge. It's harder for Nymeria to approach since Larissa is taller and has longer reach when punching. I feel tense just watching. It's hard to find an opening to her fighting style, and the few I've seen are extremely risky.
The stands are divided. The elites support their commander while the younger wolves cheer for Nymeria. The shouts and yelling could be heard a mile away. I see Nymeria and she appears unaffected, fully immersed in the fight. I've never seen her like this. Larissa continues with her attacks and lands a kick to the ribs that send the future alpha flying to the ground. That had to hurt. Nymeria immediately stands up, unfazed by the hit, and regains her fighting stance. I hear Larissa laugh under her breath before closing the gap between them, starting to pressure with a series of attacks. The blonde is doing her best to hold tight, but it doesn't look well. Then, out of nowhere, Nymeria lands a punch to the stomach, catching the elite off guard. She stumbles back but quickly takes the offensive again. Nymeria takes a more offensive play as well. She meets her attacks with some of her own, not allowing the elite to get away with so much anymore. This forces Larissa to be more careful with her attacks. Nymeria uses the momentum and keeps attacking. This fight just took a turn in favor of the young wolf.
I don't want to talk because I fear I might deconcentrate Nymeria. She's attacking fiercely, not giving an inch. I turn to see Gregory, he's dead serious watching the fight with a stoic face. He certainly didn't expect Nymeria to last long against Larissa, even less to put up a fight. They keep fighting savagely, the match turning even more heated. Then Larissa makes a mistake, she over-commits an attack, exposing her left leg a bit too much.
- Now Nymeria! – I yell. This is the opportunity she was waiting for.
Nymeria doesn't even hesitate and kicks her waistline, throwing her off balance. Then a jab to the face, followed by a series of strikes to the ribs and face. Larissa throws a punch to defend herself, but Nymeria saw it coming a mile away. She grabs her arm, kicks her knee making her fall to the ground, and then knees her face. Not letting go of her hand, Nymeria headlock her to the ground. There's blood everywhere, mostly from Nymeria, but it doesn't matter.
- Enough. – Gregor commands, signally the end. Nymeria let's go of Larissa.
That's it, she won. Maya and Luke erupted in cheers; the whole place is a mess. I'm so proud of her. She finally defeated a top elite. She looks around desperately and stops at my face, tears in her eyes. I wanna cry from happiness too, but Gregory quickly scolds everyone.
- Shut up. – he yells, quieting everyone. He turns to the blonde. – Well done, Nymeria. – he congratulates.
Nymeria's face brightens from happiness, and she runs toward me, tackling me into a hug. I accept it and lift her. I can feel her heart pounding strongly. She is holding me strongly, desperate.
- I did it. – she says in my ear still not believing it.
- You did, I'm so proud of you. – I tell her, and she chuckles.
This is a big thing. Nymeria didn't just defeat any Elite, she defeated Larissa the head Elite. This means she can finally become an Alpha. She just has to marry, and she'll finally become the leader of the Lazarus pack. This is happening. Maya and Luke rush to the hug as well.
- Okay that's enough everyone. We're not done yet. – Gregory says with his usual stoic voice. We all separate. - Caleb, it's your turn. You'll be fighting me. –
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Picture of Dyrus at the top.