Claimed by the Alpha || Bang Chan

Chapter 3: All or Nothing

"This troid is still happening, (Y/N). But you won't be fighting my guard."

Bang Chan moves in front of the pack, facing off against me.

"You'll fight me instead."

I stiffen at Bang Chan's challenge, feeling the pack's countless eyes on me.

"Fine...let's really test your metal against mine."

"It'll be far from a fair match, omega."

I narrow my eyes at Bang Chan.

Omega. A wolf without powers. He says it like an insult.

"Speaking of powers, let's make this interesting."

"How so?"

"By making it fair. Me against you. No supernatural wolfie tricks, Alpha."

A slow, delicious grin appears on Bang Chan's face.

"A clean fight. That's fine by me."

The sun rises over the trees as I and the rest of the pack follow Bang Chan out to an elaborate training ring.

Wow. This reminds me of the dojo.

With a pang, I remember my old life. My countless hours of martial arts training, my friend Jooe...

"Ladies first."

Bang Chan gestures for me to enter the ring. I do, shifting my feet in the dirt to get used to it.

"What do I get if I win?"

Felix laughs as if I said something funny.

"If you win, you're forgiven for the offense you made against me."

"What about me? I was attacked by Seungmin! He practically killed me back at the dojo."

"And Seungmin answered for that, believe me. Now, you answer for yourself and–" Bang Chan begins to say but is quickly interrupted.

"You said she was going to be part of our pack, Bang Chan!"

Little I.N suddenly squeezes out of the crowd and runs toward the ring.

"You said you were bringing back someone who was meant to be part of our pack."

Bang Chan's lip twitches, and I can't tell if he's suppressing a smile or a frown.

"She isn't pack yet." Bang Chan says softly.

"But she'll never be if we don't treat her like she could be.

"I.N, stop this."

Lee Know takes I.N's hand and tries to pull him back, but I.N shrugs him off.

"No, Dad! I met (Y/N) and she is good. She's my friend."

My heart swells when I.N marches right up to Bang Chan, as though he is just as tall.

"Tell him, (Y/N). Tell him you're my friend and you're pack."

I.N turns to me, his childlike eyes filled with as much intensity as he can muster. I feel Bang Chan's eyes, too. And the packs.

"I.N, we're friends. And I would be honored to call you pack."

I.N lights up like fireworks at my words, jumping up and down in front of Bang Chan.

"See? See? I told you!"

Over the bouncing boy, I catch Bang Chan's eye. His look is softer than I've ever seen it.

What's that expression on his face? It almost looks like he...respects me.