The Alpha and The Enforcer [TATE]

Chapter 7

Ellie's P.O.V

2 weeks of intense training had passed

The air was cool and crisp, with the scent of damp earth and pine filling my lungs as I stood in the center of the training clearing. The warriors had gathered in groups as we'd planned, and the anticipation was palpable. I could feel the buzz of excitement from the younger ones, their energy almost tangible, but I wasn't in a rush.

I wasn't here to overwhelm them with my speed or strength. I was here to teach them, to guide them, to show them how to work together. It was a different kind of battle. A test of patience.

I took a deep breath, allowing the calmness of the moment to settle into my bones. This wouldn't be a typical sparring match. This would be a lesson. And lessons, no matter how hard or frustrating, take time.

"Alright, everyone," I called out, my voice carrying easily through the trees, "let's begin."

Malik was the first to move, his body already shifting into a battle stance. I could see his eyes beginning to glow, his wolf wanting to take over. He was eager, his energy bubbling up, but I could already tell that he wasn't thinking. He was acting on instinct alone. He was rushing.

I waited for him to make his move, stepping back just enough to give him space. His speed was impressive, but his attack was wild, not controlled. He came at me, his fist swinging for my head, and I dodged it with ease, stepping to the side.

"Slow down," I said, my voice calm. "Think before you strike."

He hesitated for just a second, but it was enough. I used that moment to grab him by the wrist, twisting his arm behind him and guiding him into a controlled takedown. He hit the ground with a soft thud, but I wasn't done yet.

"Malik, it's not about how fast you can attack," I said softly, helping him up. "It's about being measured. Calculated. Don't rush in. You have time to think."

The rest of the warriors had been watching closely, and I could see them taking notes in their minds. This was what I wanted, this kind of focus.

I signaled to the next group to step forward. Two warriors approached me, one from the left, one from the right. They moved with more caution this time, their eyes studying me, trying to anticipate my next move. It was a good sign.

They came at me simultaneously, throwing punches in tandem, but their timing was off. I blocked the first, then ducked under the second, my movements smooth and deliberate. I wasn't trying to take them down right away; I was testing them, seeing if they'd adapt. They weren't there yet. Not even close.

"Use your surroundings," I said, my voice even. "Don't just focus on your opponent. Look around. Feel the space."

They both paused, their eyes scanning the area, and I knew they were thinking. That's what I wanted. Their next attempt was much better. They moved as one, working together. I could see the effort behind it.

But it still wasn't enough.

With a swift twist, I grabbed one of them by the arm, pulling him into a spin and sending him stumbling into the other warrior. They both hit the ground in a heap, but they weren't defeated. No, they were more determined now.

"Again," I said, more gently this time. "You're getting closer. But there's more to it. Don't rely on just strength. Rely on strategy. Trust each other. You can't do this alone."

They got back up, taking their positions again, this time with a bit more coordination. Their movements were slower, more deliberate. I watched them, not with impatience, but with curiosity. They had the potential, but they needed time to refine it.