The Wanderer

Chapter 9

I recognize the girl as the one pack member who was staring at me with anger. Her anger is still shown, her face red and fists clenched. She growls her words out, trying to show her dominance.

Niko growls right back, trying to make her back down. As he said, disrespect to me is disrespect to him. "Do you wish to die?" He asks in a calm voice, though his direct threat is laced with fury.

"No, I wish to lead the pack beside you. This mutt is not worthy of such a position, she probably won't be able to protect us. I'm one of the best fighters in this pack, and I know I could help you and the pack become better." As Abby talks to Niko, I look her over, looking for weaknesses. She is fit, but not overly muscled. This means she is likely agile but still strong.

Just by looking at her, I can tell our fight will be a close one.

I also appreciate that she has the pack's best interests in mind, even if she thinks I'm not worthy. I may not seem strong, but I know a lot about fighting to survive, even if it's to catch a meal. When you are weak and can barely walk but you persevere to kill the deer, knowing you need to eat or you will die, it really awakens a part of you. A desperation. A desperation to survive.

That's how I know I will win. I have no doubt she has been through hardships too, but not only have I been through the emotional pain of losing everyone I've ever known, but I survived that pain to come out stronger.

Back in my old pack, the Rising Dawn Pack, I was training to become a warrior, being heavily influenced by my parents. They were the best warriors I've ever known, and I aspired to be like them someday. Only when I started training did I realize my heart was in helping peoples inner turmoil. The pain that wasn't visible was what intrigued me the most.

Now, I'm thankful for the part my parents played in my life. Their persistence to have me push towards my goals, whether that ended up with me being a warrior or a psychologist, made me a better and more well rounded person.

Snapping back to reality, Niko looks like he is ready to kill. I put my hand on his arm, enraging Abby all the more. Niko stands up abruptly, seeming ready to snap her neck at the disrespect she is showing.

Knowing what I need to do, I stand up with him, saying in a confident voice, "I accept."

Niko looks at me, disbelief crossing his features. He doesn't know what is running through my mind, or how sure I am that I can handle whatever Abby throws at me. I'm not underestimating her, I just know how hard I will fight for my mate and this pack. I will fight with everything in me.

Abby is slightly shorter than me but is a healthy weight. She smirks at me, looking me up and down, sizing me up. She thinks this will be an easy fight, but she doesn't know me.

I may be underweight, but I am anything but fragile. My mental and physical fortitude has made me who I am today. She has no clue what she's gotten herself into.

Niko grabs my hand angrily, pulling me into the surrounding forest, away from prying ears.

"How could you accept her challenge? I would have handled it, but now she is going to try to kill you," he spits, his voice shaking in anger.

"You may be my mate, but you don't know me or what I've been through. I got this." With that, I walk away from him, leaving him in shock, back to the impatient girl who is too cocky for her own good.

"Where is the challenge taking place?" I ask calmly, ready to get this over with. I just want to go to sleep, this day has been a long one. I'm not used to this much excitement, my days had become redundant before meeting Niko.

"In the middle of the territory, so everyone can watch as I become Luna." She smiles respectfully at Niko who walks into the clearing behind me, a frustrated look on his face.