The Challange

Darina changed into black leggings, a black tank top, and sneakers. A warrior came to escort her and Will to the training ground. A crowd had already gathered there, having heard about the challenge and eager to watch the show. The King and Queen had already taken the front row seats in the arena along with other high-ranking members.

Darina was introduced to the current Beta, Thomas—the father of Reed and Jackie—along with Gamma Ben and his lovely mate, Camilla. Camilla was a doctor at the pack clinic and seemed warm and kind. They agreed to meet later for a tour of the clinic and to discuss Darina’s potential involvement in its operations.

Jackie was seated next to a petite redhead, Larissa—the Gamma’s daughter—and Cassandra, the daughter of the head warrior. Cassandra was a thin blonde with short hair, fake eyelashes, and acrylic nails. The three of them—Jackie, Larissa, and Cassandra—looked more suited for a nightclub than a training ground, and they all eyed Darina with open hostility and arrogance.

The remaining seats were mostly filled with warriors who had come to see their prince teach the arrogant newcomer a lesson.

Finally, Kai entered the arena, wearing sweatpants and a tight, sleeveless shirt that left his chiselled muscles on display. The girls in the crowd were practically drooling—he truly was a masterpiece. But Darina didn’t spare him a glance; her focus was entirely on her performance.

Kai raised his voice so everyone could hear. “Since Miss Kovac claimed she’s skilled with weapons and tactics, I propose we compete in three challenges: shooting, an obstacle course race, and sparring.”

The crowd erupted in cheers, and Darina gave a calm nod.

They were each handed a gun and given targets. They had three shots each.

The challenge began. Darina felt a wave of nerves; this wasn’t just a game—it was her chance to prove herself, to gain respect, to fight for change. If she lost, it wouldn’t just be her failure—it would be a blow to all the women who wanted more, who craved opportunities.

She focused—and fired. Kai shot as if it were effortless, relaxed, and confident.

When the targets were brought forward, everyone gasped. Kai’s three bullets hit the centre... but Darina’s were all perfectly in the middle, so close they tore a single hole in the paper.

Kai blinked and looked again, clearly in disbelief. The crowd was stunned into silence.

Then Reed began to clap, joined by a few warriors—and Camilla.

Next was the obstacle course. Kai was confident—no one in the pack had ever beaten his record. The whistle blew, and they took off. Kai gave it his all... but to his shock, Darina’s toned figure was already ahead of him. She ran, jumped, and climbed with astonishing speed and grace. To everyone’s surprise, Darina won the second challenge as well.

More people began to cheer, and applause spread through the crowd.

There was a 15-minute break before the final challenge—sparring. Kai and Darina used the time to recover and prepare.

Kai took time to have a closer look at his opponent. He saw that Darina looked stunning even without makeup and wearing only a tank top and black leggings. Her toned body exuded grace, strength, and discipline. Her inherent beauty was so alluring—fierce, unvarnished, and genuine—that it was hard to turn away.

Jackie glanced around and noticed that some of the guys were looking at Darina with respect—some even with admiration.

“She can’t gain support here. It would ruin everything,” Jackie thought bitterly.

She turned to Larissa and whispered, “At least this Corina knows how to do something besides whoring around.”

“What do you mean?” Larissa asked, startled.

Jackie raised her voice just enough for the rows behind them to hear—thanks to sensitive werewolf hearing.

“Didn’t you know? Our future Luna was the pack slut. Even her own mate rejected her. Her daddy used his money and status to arrange this engagement, because no one in her pack wanted to marry her.”

“Oh my, poor Kai,” Larissa exclaimed.

“Yes,” Cassandra chimed in. “She acts so arrogant and bitchy—already eyeing some guys as her next target.”

Jackie smirked. Now the gossip would spread like wildfire.

Suddenly, an alarm pierced the air. A breach at the border. It was the third rogue attack in a week.

The King, Beta, Gamma, and Reed shifted into their wolves and took off with the warriors.

“Escort our guests to the safety room!” Kai shouted to his mother and Jackie, then shifted into his massive black wolf, Blake.

“Like hell I’m staying there,” Darina said to Will. They both shifted and followed the warriors toward the border.

Once they reached the border, everyone shifted and put on the T-shirts kept in a basket nearby. Before Darina could shift, Kai threw her a T-shirt and pointed to a bush, silently telling her not to shift in front of everyone. Werewolves weren’t shy about nudity, as shifting was a regular part of life, but he didn’t want anyone seeing their future Luna naked.

“Someone’s getting possessive,” joked Blake in his mind.

“Not at all.”

“She’s gorgeous. I like her more and more,” purred Blake, but Kai quickly blocked him out.

The border patrol had killed four rogues. Unfortunately, they hadn’t managed to capture any for questioning.

“Looks like they’re scouting the area, trying to find a weakness in the border defense,” said Darina, who had changed and moved closer to the scene. She wore a white male T-shirt that reached mid-thigh, still leaving her long, gorgeous legs on display.

“Miss Kovac,” Kai said sharply, “this is not a place for a woman. You were supposed to be in the safety room.”

“Please, call me Darina. And I’ll never sit back and hide when I can be useful at the frontline.”

Not even Luna yet, and already trying to set her own rules. Great, Kai thought, but he didn’t want to start an argument in front of his father, who seemed rather fond of Darina. So he just chuckled and walked away.

Soon after, they wrapped up the investigation and returned to the palace.

“Darina, I think we can call it a day for you, as I have other urgent matters to attend to—rather than babysitting a stubborn woman. Tomorrow, I’ll arrange a tour for you around the palace. Good night,” Kai said, then stomped away, leaving a speechless Darina behind.