The Forbidden Alpha

Adea

I hope it works. I have this gnawing fear in the back of my mind telling me I’d miss her face completely. I think I’d die of first-hand embarrassment. Korra insisted I wouldn’t miss her face but I focused on my opponent’s face just to be sure.

My skin tingled and my heart was pounding as I cocked my arm back. She lunged forward and I watched her eyes widen as she realized my fist was about to fly into her face.

I don’t think I’ve ever hit someone but as I put all of my strength into propelling my fist forward, I knew I could do it. I gasped when my fist slammed into her face and a sickening crunch sounded.

My brows dipped, my forehead wrinkled, and my face screwed up as I grabbed the fist that just connected with her face. I felt tingles and the pain vibrated in my knuckles before shooting up my arms.

“Fuck that hurts!” I howled.

Korra whined.

“Is it broken?” She asked.

“No, I’ll be fine,” I groaned.

“Come on, let us see what the damage is,” Korra said, sounding hopeful. I looked towards the girl and my jaw dropped when I found her lying spread out on her back. Her hair spread out around her head and her eyes were half-open but rolled into the back of her head. I grimaced at the sight of her nose bent at an odd angle and the blood that oozed from it.

“Oh shit,” I whispered.

I could hear ooh’s from the pack members who were seated and witnessed the whole thing. I flushed and looked away. I held my wrist to my chest as I watched the other matches. I watched the victor’s smile proudly and the defeated walk to a section next to the seated members.

It felt amazing to still be undefeated. I climbed to my feet and a jolt of excitement shot through my body. A glimmer of hope welled up in my chest whispering words of encouragement. It felt good seeing the look of respect in their eyes, well, in most of their eyes.

I watched as the last of the fights ended and the winners were left standing on the field. I looked at the others and made eye contact with them. I noticed one other female in the group of victors. I felt a sense of self-worth knowing that I’d earned my way to Tier 1.

Darci and Ethan stood side by side and I looked at him proud of what I’d accomplished today. He gave me a slight nod before Darci made her way in between the victors and the defeated.

“From now on, those in Tier 1 are the best of the best here. In order to become Tier 1, you need to defeat someone from Tier 1 to take their spot at the top,” Darci yelled.

I locked eyes with Leo across the way and he smirked at me. He pointed at his chest and then jabbed his finger in my direction. I rolled my eyes and mouthed sore loser before looking back to Darci.

I’d earned my spot today and I wouldn’t let this asshole ruin my parade. If the time came again to face Leo, I would be more than happy to kick his butt again.

Ethan stepped forward and all eyes turned to him. The other female purred and I had to bite my tongue to stop from growling at her and claiming Ethan as mine.

Tier 1 straightened their back and stood tall while their Alpha’s eyes roamed over us.

“Well done,” he said smiling, “You’ve done well.” His eyes landed on me and I couldn’t fight the blush that warmed my cheeks. His eyes darkened for a second before he dragged them away from me.

“If you aren’t standing up here,” he started and looked out to the members seated in the dirt, “Figure out where you went wrong, pinpoint your weaknesses. Your defeat here today is a sign you need to step up your game and you have the chance to better yourself. Out there, a defeat means death for you and for everyone you love.”

The defeated hung their heads.

“All three tiers will run five laps around this field before leaving today. You will not shift and your wolf is not allowed to assist you. Anyone caught cheating will add on another lap for everyone,” Ethan yelled.

“Everyone will meet back here on Wednesday, if you’re shy I’d suggest bringing a change of clothes. We will be running along the territory borders in our shifted form,” Ethan said.

He started taking off his hoodie and shirt. Before I could protest he ran past me giving me a lopsided grin. The pack members shuffled and those who had outerwear threw it to the floor. I could feel my fist healing and I inhaled deeply before shooting off after Ethan.

***

I was so close, just a hundred feet. A laugh escaped my throat as I charged through it, running as if my life depended on it when really I just wanted it to be over with.

My body was in so much pain, I could feel it begging me to stop running. I’ve never run so much in my life and as I finished my last lap, my body gave in and I threw myself into the soft grass.

My chest felt like it was collapsing and the cold air felt like pins and needles stabbing at my lungs as I dragged in air. My heart hammered rapidly as it pumped blood faster than it ever has through my veins.

“You did it!” Korra said, laughing.

I sighed happily as I looked around at everyone else.

“You’ve done great today Ady!” She singsonged. My heart warmed at the pride in her voice. I closed my eyes and inhaled breathing in the smell of the grass and earth beneath me.

“Congratulations,” a male voice boomed from above me making me freeze.. My eyes flew open and his expression was dark as he peered down at me.