Chapter 5

Leo pounce on a wolf who entered his range and fiercely bit it. Blood ooze from his mouth but he made sure that the wolf is still breathing before he throw it off. The remaining wolves instinctively back away while whimpering. He knocked down the group of wolves who are encircling around him until they are unconscious or lose their will to fight. Now, there are only four contenders left on the center.

The other three are on a standoff. However, compared to Leo, they are not in a good shape. So, even if one of them wins, they still won't have a chance to go against their brother.

Feeling the oppressive aura coming closer, they raise their head and turned to look at the huge domineering black wolf walking closer to their side.

Bailey look at Leo fiercely. But the other two gave way to the black wolf after losing their will to continue the match against someone giving off a great pressure. They are clever enough to know that they don't stand a chance against him.

Even before their change, he had been domineering. Their wolf instinct tells them to recognize who the alpha is.

Bailey was panting heavily. He tried to resist the pressure coming from his brother. He knew from the start that his brother is the strongest among their generation. The four of them inherited the quality of an alpha that's why they are bigger than the other wolf cubs. However, Leo's growth is superior to them. Since they were still kids, he had been cowering in his threats. Playing along with his demands and following all he says.

However, after receiving the blessing of the Moon Goddess and being able to shift instantly into his human form which usually take a month to adapt made him think that he might be special. Suddenly, a hope blossom in his chest.

He thought that maybe after his change, he can defeat his brother. Maybe this time, he protect the things precious to him but it was all for naught.

He glared at the huge black wolf in front of him. He was hoping that today will be the conclusion of all his pent up frustrations.

He failed. Just the pressure coming from his brother is enough to render him hard to breathe. He closed his eyes tightly and slowly lost the strength in his knees. He's body became heavy.

All he can do is surrender. He lost.

Leo stared at his brother coldly. Remembering the scene earlier made his expression darker. The girl was trembling in front of him. She was scared of him almost losing her life because of how terrified she was.

He wanted to understand her. He thought that maybe she was just shocked and frightened of what she witness. He tried to believe that it was like that!

But when he saw how close she was to his brother he lost it. She smiled genuinely to Bailey but with him she was terrified?! She accepted the change in his brother but to him she didn't?

It's been like that since they were little. She harmed him before but he forgive her. He tried so hard to grow strong and healthy to make her happy. He knows how he like soft things so he tried to get plump. Even if it was awkward he would let her pet him but she never did! She would hug the other three but neglect him! Bailey will always be her favorite. Bailey will always be the closest. The apple of her eye. He never had a place in her heart.

He saved her and he thought they grew closer. He thought he opened her heart to him after spending time together but it was all wishful thinking on his part.

A dangerous glint passed through his eyes. No one can take away what's his. No one!

He took a quick glance where the girl stands. Her face was flashed with worries while looking at the unconscious wolf in front of him.

He gritted his teeth and let out a loud growl.

Looking at the reaction of her son Eleonor can only lament inside her heart. She already knew that this will be the result of match but deep inside she hope her children wouldn't fight.

She could hear the pain and hatred from his son's voice. She knew what he is thinking but she can't stop him from those emotions.

She only have her daughter and four sons. They're already at the critical stage of adolescence when she lost her husband. She thought that if only her husband did not die early, maybe she didn't have to put her sons under her brother's care. They would have grown with him instead.

Female wolves are very delicate that's why she had to protect her and focus everything on her daughter especially during her estrus cycle. She had no choice but to let her sons move with her brother.

The human girl treated her sons sincerely. She filled the gap she should have been the one responsible for. Now, they grew attached to her and they ended up fighting over her.

If she was only a little more stronger and dependable. The little guys will never met the little girl before they shifted. They shouldn't have develop an affection towards a human girl like her.

She took a deep breath and cast away her unnecessary thoughts. There's no point crying over spilled milk.

She just hope that the little girl is strong enough and doesn't break in the process.

---

Ayesha's POV

I wanted to run over and check if Bailey's okay but Leona the white she-wolf stopped me.

"Don't cause unnecessary trouble for yourself. My brother is just unconscious. If you have time to worry, worry about yourself instead of others."

"What do you mean by that?"

"You will know later."

She walked to the center and lined up with the other wolves. I was left thinking about what she said but I had no idea what she meant. I'm not familiar with their rules or anything!

I saw Hector walk closer to Leo. He looks hesitant but still slowly handed him a ring on his finger. It was carved with a wolf with a diamond on topmost corner.

I remember the detail because I always admire it as a child whenever I see Hector wearing it. Now that I think about it, it looks like a wolf under a full moon.

Since Leo haven't been able to change into his human form, the ring was made into a necklace. He accepted the ring a huge force was created. I almost stumbled fortunately I grab on a tree near me.

Everyone bowed to salute their new leader. I almost clapped in awe. They were all in-sync with their movements and words. I wonder how many times they practice it. I shook my head and copied them.

Don't do anything foolish, Ayesha. You're still in a wolf's territory! If you want to keep your life and body intact stop thinking about silly things!

I scolded myself in my head.

Right! It's because of these silly ideas that you cook in your cute little head you get into troubles! Imagine, if you didn't sneak out and followed your dad you wouldn't be here. If only you just stayed put and rest like Eleonor told you to do you wouldn't be in this kind of situation!

Maybe you could have continued your life and peacefully recuperate with your injury. Like they say, "ignorance is a bliss."

I sighed and looked at Leonor walking closer to where Hector and Leo are. She was assisted by a few females in their generation. They are the ones I saw guarding the way up to the stone formation where Eleonor previously stands during the ritual. They are wearing plain white dress that compliments Eleonor's long white dress drape in gold and silver.

"As the victor and new leader of the tribe it is by tradition to carry your command. Tell me... what do you desire." Eleonor's voice trailed off as if she was hesitant to finish her words but still she did.

Everyone was quietly waiting for Leo to speak. His eyes roam around the place as if looking for something. He's eyes stopped when it landed on mine. I broke the eye contact and immediately bent down to 45 degrees hoping that it's just passing moment.

He wouldn't be thinking of trying to eat me, right? He failed earlier but that doesn't mean he can do it again! No more second chances!

Oh my gosh! He wouldn't be thinking of getting his revenge on me right now because I accidentally threw him off when he was young, right?

That would be too petty! He's already a grown man! Damn it! I even cleaned their shed and fed them milk. How can he think of getting revenge and bite the hand that fed him?

I raise my head and tried to take a peak to see if he is still looking at me. My lips instantly formed an arc when I saw that he is not looking at my direction anymore.

I immediately heaved a sigh of relief and put my hands closer to chest and calm my abnormally beating heart.

It was all for a brief moment but my heart instantly fell apart as soon as I heard him.

"That human... give her to me."

Shit!