Chapter 4- First meeting

ETHAN

"Excuse me," she finally said, breaking the silence.

I blinked.

"You're a participant?" I asked in a deep voice, making her look up.

"Yes, Alpha."

I glanced at the identification card hanging around her neck.

"Olivia Norwood. Crescent Moon Pack."

She nodded.

"Yes."

My eyes flicked to the left sleeve she was holding.

"Which category are you participating in?"

"Combat, Alpha."

One of his eyebrows rose.

"Combat?"

"Yes."

I studied her for another moment. She wasn't particularly muscular, and she didn't look like someone who had spent years training to fight.

"Are you confident in your abilities?" I asked.

She hesitated before answering.

"I'll do my best."

The corner of my mouth moved slightly. She'll do her best?

Nothing wrong about that, but she doesn't look more than 5 feet 6. She wore loose clothes that covered her physique.

"That's not an answer," I replied. She looked at me.

"Then I suppose you'll have to watch the competition to find out, Alpha."

For a brief moment, silence settled between us. She might have realized how bold her response sounded.

"I'm sorry. I didn't mean to be disrespectful."

But I simply stared at her.

Then, unexpectedly, I let out a low chuckle.

"Interesting."

She lowered my head.

"Excuse me, Alpha. I should go."

I stepped aside, giving her way.

But before she could move very far, I stopped her.

"Olivia Norwood."

She turned around.

"Yes, Alpha?"

"Good luck with the competition."

She gave me a small nod.

"Thank you."

Then she continued walking.

I didn't know what I felt then, and I had no intention of entertaining the possibility of another connection, especially with someone like Olivia who looked so young.

Besides, I had already lost my mate.

And had a daughter.

Whatever strange feeling I had experienced was probably nothing more than an unusual reaction to meeting someone I thought was fragile.

She joined the competition when I don't think she had a wolf. How could she fight with the others?

I watched the young woman disappear around the corner.

"Olivia Norwood..."

I repeated her name quietly.

Something about her was really unusual.

I couldn't quite put my finger on it.

She addressed me respectfully, but unlike the other participants who practically trembled whenever I looked at them, she didn't seem particularly intimidated.

She was nervous, certainly.

But something else shone in her eyes.

Determination.

I had seen that expression countless times among warriors who had fought their way to the top.

Yet seeing it in someone who looked so delicate was unexpected.

"Alpha?"

I turned around.

One of the council members, Marcus, was approaching me.

"You're here. We've been looking for you."

"I needed some fresh air."

Marcus glanced toward where the young woman had disappeared.

"Who were you talking to?"

"A participant."

"Someone important?"

I shook my head.

"Olivia Norwood. She's from the Crescent Moon Pack."

Marcus seemed to recognize the name.

"Norwood? Isn't that the Gamma's daughter?"

"I believe so."

"Interesting. I heard she's an omega who can't shift."

My eyes narrowed slightly.

"An omega?"

"Yes. Apparently, she's been unable to transform since turning sixteen."

I glanced toward where Olivia had gone.

Someone who couldn't shift had registered for a combat competition?

That was certainly unusual.

"Why would the Crescent Moon Pack allow her to participate?" I asked.

Marcus shrugged.

"Perhaps they simply want to get rid of her."

I didn't respond.

For some reason, the thought didn't sit well with me.

Something about that young woman made me curious.

And I intended to find out what it was.

"Come on, Alpha. The opening ceremony is about to begin."

I nodded and followed him.

But even as we walked toward the main building, my thoughts briefly returned to the young woman with the quiet eyes.

It was strange.

I hadn't experienced that kind of sensation in three years.

Since my mate died, I had convinced myself that I would never feel that way again.

I had my daughter, and she was more than enough reason for me to keep moving forward.

I had no intention of finding another mate.

Nor did I believe I could ever love someone the way I had loved her mother.

So why had a simple encounter with a stranger stirred something inside me?

I dismissed the thought.

It was probably nothing.

OLIVIA

The opening ceremony was about to begin when I returned to the main courtyard.

Grace spotted me immediately and hurried toward me.

"There you are! I've been looking everywhere for you."

"Sorry. I was just walking around."

She grabbed my arm.

"Come on. We need to gather with the other participants."

I followed her toward the designated area.

As we approached, I noticed several familiar faces.

Doel and Dina were standing with the other Crescent Moon Pack representatives.

The moment Dina saw me, she smiled mockingly.

"Look who's here. I hope you enjoyed your little sightseeing tour."

I ignored her.

Doel chuckled.

"Make sure you enjoy the opening ceremony. Who knows? It might be the only memorable part of your participation."

I didn't answer.

Instead, I focused my attention on the stage.

The university president was already standing behind the podium.

A few moments later, the three council members entered the venue.

The crowd immediately quieted.

At the center was Ethan Blackwood.

His presence alone commanded everyone's attention.

He walked toward the stage with the same cold expression I had seen earlier.

When he reached the podium, he briefly surveyed the participants and the audience.

For a split second, his eyes stopped on me.

I quickly lowered my gaze. I didn't know why I felt the need to avoid looking at him. Perhaps I was simply uncomfortable remembering our earlier encounter.

"Welcome, everyone, to the Annual Regional Werewolf Competition!"

The university president's voice echoed throughout the venue.

"Today marks the beginning of seven days of intense competition, where the strongest and most skilled representatives from our regional packs will demonstrate their abilities."

The crowd erupted into applause.

He continued introducing the guests and the members of the Werewolf Council.

When Ethan's name was announced, everyone stood to acknowledge him.

I followed suit.

The president then stepped aside.

"May I invite the Head of the Werewolf Council, Alpha Ethan Blackwood, to deliver the opening address."

Ethan approached the microphone.

"Good morning."

His deep voice immediately silenced the crowd.

"Seven days. That's how long each of you will have to demonstrate your strength, discipline, and abilities."

He paused, looking at the participants.

"However, remember this. Winning isn't simply about being the strongest. A true warrior knows when to attack, when to defend, and when to protect those who cannot protect themselves."

His gaze swept across the crowd.

"This competition is not an opportunity to settle personal grudges or humiliate your opponents. Anyone who violates the rules will be disqualified, regardless of their rank or the status of their pack."

His expression remained stern.

"May the best warrior win."

The crowd applauded.

I looked at him again.

Something about the way he spoke was admirable.

He didn't need to raise his voice to make people listen.

He simply commanded authority.

"Let the Annual Regional Werewolf Competition officially begin!"

The university grounds erupted into cheers.

And just like that, the first day of the competition had begun.

I glanced at my hands, then slowly curled them into fists.

This was it.

I had no idea what challenges awaited me over the next seven days.

But I wouldn't back down.

I came here for one reason.

To win my freedom.

And I would do whatever it took to achieve it.

For the first time in my life, I wasn't fighting to earn someone's approval.

I was fighting for myself.