Chapter 69:
I considered their words, feeling the weight of the task settling over me. Osric was right; strength alone wasn’t enough. I needed to show them that I was their Alpha in every sense—that I would protect them, fight for them, but also care for them in times of peace.
“Thank you, both of you,” I said quietly.
“I’ll spend more time with them. And I’ll make sure they know where my loyalty lies.”
I left them and made my way toward the training grounds, where the younger wolves were sparring under Dante’s watchful eye. As I approached, I saw Lyle and a few others gathered, their faces tense with concentration as they practiced their stances and strikes. Dante noticed me, a flicker of surprise crossing his face before he nodded in acknowledgment.
“Alpha,” he greeted, his voice carrying an undertone of respect that I hadn’t expected.
“Dante,” I replied, nodding back.
“Mind if I join?”
He stepped aside, gesturing to the group of young wolves with a slight smile.
“They could use the extra challenge.”
I smiled, stepping into the sparring circle and drawing the attention of the group. Lyle’s eyes widened, a mixture of excitement and apprehension flickering across his face.
“All right,” I said, addressing the group with a firm yet encouraging tone.
“Show me what you’ve got.”
The wolves exchanged nervous glances, but they stepped forward, each one determined to prove themselves. I sparred with each of them, giving pointers, correcting their stances, and pushing them to dig deeper, to channel their strength with precision. The drills were intense, but I could feel the tension easing, replaced by a sense of shared purpose, of unity that I hadn’t felt in days.
As the session ended, Lyle approached me, his expression hesitant.
“Alpha… thank you for training with us. It means a lot.”
I nodded, placing a hand on his shoulder.
“Lyle, I know things have been tense lately, but I want you to know that I believe in each of you. You’re the future of this pack, and I will do everything I can to protect that future.”
He smiled, a flicker of pride in his eyes, and I felt a surge of hope. If I could inspire this generation, if I could show them my commitment, then perhaps the divisions in the pack could begin to heal.
As the wolves dispersed, I stayed behind with Dante, who had been watching the interactions with a faint smile. He crossed his arms, leaning casually against one of the posts surrounding the training grounds.
“You were good with them,” he said, his tone admiring.
“They respect you, Elara. They just need reminders like this now and then.”
I looked at him, feeling a mixture of gratitude and lingering caution.
“Thank you. I’m trying to show them that I’m here for more than just battles. That I’m here for them.”
He nodded, his expression softening.
“You’re doing that. But you should know there are still rumors circulating… about an imminent challenge to your leadership. The loyalty of a few pack members remains divided.”
I took a deep breath, fighting the frustration that threatened to rise.
“I know. I’m doing everything I can, but some seem to think that just because Silas is watching us, we’re already weakened. They’re looking for any reason to believe I’m not enough.”
He hesitated, his gaze searching.
“And if they do challenge you? If they make a move?”
