Chapter Two

Chapter Two

Melody’s POV (Two Years Later)

The entire pack, except my grandfather, has turned out to watch the finals of the New Moon tournament. Alpha Cecil, my grandfather, welcomed me with open arms two years ago, despite the scandal that tarnished my name at Silver Moon.

I never expected to find a home here, or be truly accepted. My guard was up for months, but my cousins helped me see that I do belong, and even when I kick their asses in training, they still push me to be better. Ralph, Rudy and Robert, or Bobby, as he likes to be called, are my closest friends and along with grandpa and Beta Thomas, I feel like I have a family again.

From the moment Bobby saved me from a rogue wolf when I accidentally strayed outside of pack boundaries, I have thrown myself into training. I won’t allow myself to be a victim ever again. Something Jenner is about to find out for himself.

The training ground roars with cheers as I dodge a poorly aimed kick by from Jenner. Heis big, broad, and burly, pure muscle and intimidation, but he lacks finesse. Still, he’s earned second place on brute strength alone, because first place is mine.

I dart forward, snatch the ball from his hands, dive between his legs, and rise behind him. With one swift kick to the back of his knees he comes crashing down like a felled tree. The crowd gasps as his leg bends unnaturally, the bone splintering through his

skin. It’s brutal but not unusual. Thanks to our wolves’ healing, he will be fine in a few days as long as the bone is set right.

The cheers and chants of my name fade into murmurs as Beta Thomas strides onto the

pitch. He glances briefly at Jenner who is red faced and groaning as he is stretchered away.

“That’s five hundred dollars in my pocket.” Beta Thomas chuckles with admiration in his tone.

“I knew you’d win, but I didn’t expect bloodshed. You are a brutal little thing.” He reaches up to swipe a finger over my cheek and smiles. “Dirty too.” His eyes gleam with pride as I bat his hand away.

“To be the best...” I start.

‘Yeah, yeah. I’ve heard it from your cousins. You have to beat the best.” He shakes his head and stuffs his hands in his pockets.

“Jenner’s reputation precedes him. Everyone fears him. Heading to the championship as the woman who toppled the mountain. That can’t hurt.” I smile up at him. I hadn’t meant to injure Jenner, but I’ll play the cards I’m dealt. Adapt and evolve. That’s what

wins tournaments and respect. That’s what will win me the Spirit Cup.

“You don’t always need to be so strong you know Melody. You have people here who would look after you. People who care...” Thomas reaches for my hand but I pull it away to swipe a loose strand of hair off my damp forehead. I don’t like having my space

invaded and when he touches me my wolf gets restless.

“I need to be able to look after myself Thomas.” I cut him off. I’ve heard the same speech from grandpa, everything time he tries to convince me to accept an offer of a chosen mate bond.

I can’t do it. My wolf won’t allow it. It’s better this way.

“The Alpha wants to see you in his office. And congratulations on your win. You deserve it, really.” Thomas nods and rests his hand on my shoulder making my muscles tense for just a second before he pulls away. The warmth that he leaves behind lingers for a moment and when I turn back to thank him he is already out of sight.

In grandpa’s office, he sits behind his desk, swirling whisky in a crystal glass.

“I hear you came out on top and sent Jenner to the hospital.” He raises one bushy eyebrow and his stern tone keeps me standing in the doorway, not knowing if this is going to devolve into a lecture about control and restraint, or another attempt by him to convince me that he won’t be around forever and he wants to see me safe and settled.

Neither option is particularly appealing.

“Yes grandpa. I think the warriors were running bets on who would place where in the top four. I was curious, so...” I attempt to shift his attention from me to the warriors running a betting pool.

“Yes. I know. I just made myself two thousand dollars betting on you to win. It’s the Alpha blood in you. Never a doubt in my mind that you would wipe the floor with the lot of them.” He grins with pride and knocks back his drink in one gulp.

“I promise I will keep working hard. I’ll win the Cup for you and the pack. I won’t shame New Moon or disappoint you.” I move closer as he gestures the chair for me to sit opposite him.

“Melody, you are worth more to this pack than a trophy. You’ve trained hard, and anyone can see the strong, proud warrior you have become. There isn’t a man in all of my warriors who can stand against you. The apple really didn’t fall far from the tree.” He

smiles proudly as he pours another drink for himself and one for me, then raises his glass.

“My granddaughter, the future champion of The Spirit Cup. And when you place on the leader board, as I know you will, I will name you New Moon’s lead trainer.” He downs the second drink at slams his glass down in anticipation of my triumph.

I don’t drink, I haven’t drunk since that night, I can’t stomach the stuff or the memories.

Lead trainer. That would put me in charge of all pack training, and on New Moons war council. I’ve led training sessions for months, but this title would let me make real changes. Like opening advanced classes to women, instead of keeping them locked

behind tradition,

“Grandpa, do you mean it? You don’t think the council will object to a female joining their ranks?” I barely dare hope.

“Times are changing Melody. If we don’t move forward, we will be left behind. The council knows that. You’ll be the first of many changes.” His half smile warms me. I’ve never hidden my feelings about gender injustice in packs. It’s everywhere, but that

doesn’t make it right.

“Thank you, grandpa. You won’t regret it.” I can hardly sit still. I need to tell Ralph, Rudy and Bobby. I wonder if Thomas knew this was what grandpa wanted to discuss.

“There is one more thing Melody.” He sighs as he leans back in his chair and strokes his beard as he does when considering his words. His eyes take on that glassy look and I know what’s coming. He is worried that my wolf will weaken the longer she is without a mate.

“The future Alpha of Silver Moon will be competing this year. The list came out this morning.” He studies me, watching for my reaction. Inside me my wolf whimpers at the mention of the mate who rejected us. All I feel is a numb kind of acceptance, I knew

couldn’t avoid him forever.

“Okay. I expected as much. It’s not a problem grandpa. Our history won’t stop me from crushing him like any other opponent.” I believe the words as I say them, mostly. I didn’t accept his rejection, he never gave me the chance before he walked out. The bond is weak but it remains, and even though my wolf is strong and hurt and angry, she is incomplete. No amount of pain will make her give up on him like I have.