Chapter 6

“Take a seat.” Alpha says as he takes a seat behind his desk, my father and I both take a seat opposite, waiting.

Alpha sighs loudly, “Listen. I know how hard you worked for this position, but you won’t be going to the Lupa Elite competition.”

I swear time freezes, everything I’ve ever worked for, I’ve earned this!

“What!” My father stands, shouting at the Alpha. He raises his hands in a calm down motion. “Had I thought for one second she could have won, I wouldn’t have let it go this far.”

Does he think that’s an explanation.

My father’s body shakes with anger, “Why? She’s put in the work. She’s earned this. She won this!” He shouts.

Alpha sighs again, “We can’t have a human representing our pack. It’s honestly embarrassing that a human beat all of our wolves.” He explains, and my mouth falls open. “Why even let her compete?” My father argues, and the Alpha’s head shakes, “I didn’t think she’d win! Sam told me she was fast, but there’s no way she’d beat everyone. I took his word for it.” He answers, and my eyes slide to Sam.

His pathetic face fills with pity and guilt, “Thea…” He starts but I shake my head and look away. “You can’t do this.” I whisper to the Alpha. His face falls, then hardens and he sturdies his spine, “My decision is final, Natalie and Sable will be the two representing our pack for the Savage Speed race portion.”

I stand, turning around and walking out of the office, not bothering on waiting to be dismissed. He only has so much control over me. Without my wolf he can’t Alpha command me, so I’m going to have to just figure something out.

I storm through the party till I reach the doors and walk into the fresh air. I don’t wait for my father; I just start running home.

My phone doesn’t stop ringing, even after I get home. My father beat me here, him having taken the car, and me taking the long way home. I reach into my back pocket as my father paces the floor of the kitchen. “We’ll figure something out, Thea. He can’t take this from you.” He growls, not looking at me, just staring at the floor in front of him until he figures out a solution.

I look down at the phone and see Sam’s name, a stupid red heart next to it. I answer, “Stop calling me.” I tell him before gently placing the phone back into my pocket.

The ringing finally stalls, and I feel like I can think again.

“The shadow Alpha wanted me to compete. If I show up, I’m sure he’ll find a way to make it happen.” I tell him, and he stops pacing to look at me, “I don’t like the idea of trusting that Alpha with anything.” He snarls, and I shake my head.

“He wasn’t as bad as everyone says, he was actually… Nice to me.” I tell him and his eyes narrow, “So, he wants something from you.” He growls, and I sigh, “I don’t know dad, but I don’t have many options here. I need to do this. I’ve trained my whole life for this. I can’t just stop now.” I beg, and his eyes close while he sucks in a deep breath.

“Going against the Alpha’s wishes could get us both killed.”

My heart sinks.

He’s right. I might be able to get away and prove my worth, gaining me protection, but even if my father came with me, he’s still a member of this pack. He still has to follow the rules laid out by his Alpha.

He sighs heavily, “I’m willing to take the risk. If you want to do this, Thea. I’ll stand behind you.” He tells me, stepping closer to me to grab my hand.

I’m not sure my hearts ever felt so full before, I smile, squeezing his hand then dropping it. “You’re right. It’s not worth the risk. I need to start thinking smaller. I’ll figure out a plan. I guess I’m no longer going to the Lupa Elite. I won’t lose you.” I tell him, then head up the stairs and to my room.