Only Her- ON HOLD

Chapter 30.

Noah's POV

I took a seat beside Eli on the grass as he observed the others training around us. "I love watching my pack work together and train. It helps me to see where our strengths are as well as our weaknesses. I can see who excels at which skill so I can best help them in their roles here while advancing my pack as best I can."

I nodded listening as he spoke lowly. I could feel his pride radiating off of him as he looked over his pack. He was proud to be their Alpha.

"When you train, it reveals so much more about you than your fighting skill. It shows your character, your emotion, your control, and your perspective on your opponent." Eli's voice was smooth and even.

"I can see that you care deeply for Crescent. You treat them as family, not subordinates and I respect that. Truly." I met his gaze and spoke firmly. "I respect how you lead Crescent. My grandfather was an enforcer with alpha blood who had challenged his Alpha and won. He taught my father to be equally ruthless and to rule with a harsh and firm fist. I'm ashamed to say that those lessens made their way down to myself and my brother as well."

"Your father and the reputation of Ember pack is one that is known far and wide. His goal was achieved and for him, he will always feel that is the most effective way to lead. But I've found that my pack grows stronger with respect. I can't say I've never had to use my Alpha authority because that will never be true. A firm hand is often needed in situations to ensure the proper actions are taken. But it is always done for the good of the pack." Eli replied.

"I know Dani hated me when she got to Ember. I can't say I blame her. What she knew of me from previous visits was a cruel and harsh alpha heir who treated everyone as if they were beneath him. I can honestly say she's changed me for the better." I felt a pang of guilt hit me for how I'd treated not only her but others in the past. I'd followed my father's example and I'm thankful that she pulled me off that path before I was unable to change it myself.

Eli let out a slow breath. "I don't see my Alpha role as ruling over them like a King among peasants. My job is to protect them, and to lead them. It is my honor and privilege to watch over this pack. Not my right."

I nodded in agreement and began to reply when I noticed that Dani was engaging in a drill with the two other women with her. Dani backed into a defensive stance and I couldn't stop my eyes from taking in her form. Her lean muscles may have not been as obvious as the other two, but I could see the strength radiating from within her. She held power inside of her that didn't show to the outside and she moved with a sureness that spoke for itself to her skill.

"Oh, they're very good at this one." Eli said with a knowing smile, motioning in his daughter's direction. "Sloane and Lo will attack by flanking her. They'll try and hit her blind side but my daughter is very good at seeing things coming and defending them." He says watching as it unfolded and I sensed his confidence in her.

Sloane began to engage Dani from in front, drawing her off balance and pulling her towards her as Lo flanked her from the other side. As Sloane engaged, Lo stepped closer. Finally, as Sloane backed away from a movement, as Dani was resetting her position, Lo lunged for her. Dani felt her behind her and ducked, sweeping her leg and causing Lo to drop to the ground.

Dani was about to jump to where Lo lay on the ground but Sloane wrapped her arm around her neck to trap her. Dani immediately shoved her feet beneath her and pushed hard, causing them to roll and landed on top of Sloane. She pinned her with her leg and dodged as Lo made an attempt to grab her, causing Lo to fall bc forward losing her balance. As she fell beside Sloane, Dani pinned one with her arms and one with her knees and pressed hard on their pressure points, waiting for them to pass out or submit. Finally, they both tapped in submission and rolled over gasping for air when Dani jumped off. Dani sat back taking large breaths as she smiled at them triumphantly.

"Damnit Dani. One day we will get you you know." Sloane mumbled as she massaged her neck where Dani's knee had been firmly planted.

Dani laughed and helped her to her feet before slowly extending her hand to Lo. Even though both women seemed to be more muscular in build than her, she easily beat not one but both of them without breaking a sweat.

"I taught her that." Eli leaned over with a smirk.

I chuckled and nodded approvingly. "She did well. I've never seen her fight."

He nudged me knowingly. "She's always been a leaner build, all her life. And sparring with her brother who was an Alpha's very large first born was a recipe for disaster if she never learned to not only defend herself but beat it. So we taught her to harness that same Alpha strength she holds within her and learn how to use her size and speed to her advantage. It seems to have worked for her thus far." Eli said with a quiet laugh.

"I would say so." I said and smiled as I watched as she walked up to Lo.

"You got it babe. Just talk to her. You'll be glad when it's over." I said to her through our link.

She looked over her shoulder and caught my eyes across the field before turning back to Lo. "Thank you Noah."

"I'll be waiting when you're done." I replied.

She stepped forward and I saw Lo hesitate, but finally she followed as Dani lead them aside from the group out of earshot.

"This has needed to happen for a while. I'm glad she's finally found the determination to do it. Lo has always been an asset to her. They need each other." Eli muttered before standing to his feet and offering me his hand.

I took it willingly and stretched my already aching muscles once on my feet.

"You ready to go again?" Eli challenged, giving me an expectant look.

I smirked back and stood taller. "I'm always ready for a challenge. And this time I'll win."

He laughed heartily before clapping me hard on the back, knowing how I would feel it. "I appreciate your confidence. It will make it much more enjoyable when I win. Again."

"We'll see about that old man." I laughed and we made our way out onto the field.

Everyone began to gather around once more to watch the duel of their Alpha with their future leader. I guess it was time to give them a show then.