Alpha Rolan’s POV
Midnight draped the forest in shadows, the moon casting a silvery glow that illuminated the trees around me. I felt a thrill of excitement as I shifted into my wolf form, the transformation igniting my senses.
The earthy scent of damp soil and fresh pine filled my nostrils, and the crisp night air was alive with the sounds of rustling leaves and distant nocturnal creatures.
Tonight was the night of the hunt, a time-honored tradition in our pack, and I was ready to prove myself. As I stood among the trees, the pack members shifted alongside me, their powerful forms creating a small sea of fur and strength.
Each wolf’s coat gleamed in the moonlight, and I could feel the collective energy pulsating around us. Beneath that exhilaration lurked an unease that gnawed at my instincts.
Something felt wrong, a tension in the air that didn’t sit right with me.
“Rolan!” Pandora’s voice broke through my thoughts, a reassuring presence amidst the chaos in my mind. She approached me, her wolf form sleek and powerful. “You’re going to do great. Just focus.”
I nodded, but the unease lingered. I knew every pack member was watching, judging whether Griffin’s accusations of my supposed weakness held any weight.
The pressure weighed heavily on my shoulders, but I pushed it aside. Nothing could possibly go wrong, not on a night like this.
With a quick glance at the sky, I steadied my heart. The moon was full, casting an ethereal glow that promised a successful hunt. I needed this victory, not just for our bellies but to reinforce my position as Alpha.
As we began to move through the underbrush, Pandora’s presence beside me was a comfort, her confidence radiating warmth. She had been my anchor through the chaos, and I silently vowed to keep her safe.
Before long, we caught sight of our prey, a small herd of deer grazing by the stream. I motioned for Caleb, signaling him to get ready. The two of us would flank the herd and drive them toward the pack.
Just as we were about to spring into action, Griffin leaped ahead of us, a flash of black and gray, his wolf form agile and quick. I barely had time to process what was happening when he pounced on one of the deer, sinking his teeth into its neck and bringing it down with brutal efficiency.
A low growl of frustration rumbled in my chest. It was customary for the Alpha to make the first kill, a sign of strength and leadership. But Griffin had jumped the gun, taking that honor from me.
Anger simmered just beneath the surface as I watched the pack gather around him, congratulating him for his kill while I stood on the sidelines, feeling diminished.
“Rolan, don’t let it get to you,” Caleb said to me, nudging my side with his muzzle. “Focus on what’s next.”
I forced a smile, masking my irritation. “Yeah, I’ll be fine. Just a minor setback.”
While Griffin basked in the attention, I noticed Pandora approaching me, her expression fierce. I stepped forward, meeting her gaze. “What’s wrong?”
“I can’t believe he did that,” she said, her voice low and fierce. “You should have been the one to make the first kill, Rolan.”
I brushed it off, though I felt a flicker of warmth at her protectiveness. “I appreciate it, but I need to keep calm. We have to play this right.”
Pandora didn’t relent, her eyes narrowing. “This isn’t just about appearances. It’s about respect. You’re the Alpha; you deserve that respect.”
“Trust me,” I replied, my tone firm yet gentle. “I’ve got everything under control. Just watch.”
Griffin approached me, carrying the deer in his jaws, blood still glistening on its fur. He knelt before me, offering the kill as if it were a trophy. “Alpha Rolan,” he said, his voice slightly strained. “I meant no disrespect. I just wanted to help.”
A laugh escaped my lips, partly genuine and partly forced. “You’re a capable hunter, Griffin, but I don’t need anyone to hunt for me. I can handle my own kills.”
Griffin’s ears flattened against his head, a hint of shame flickering across his features. “I didn’t mean to undermine you,” he said quickly, his tone earnest.
“Don’t worry about it,” I replied, dismissing his apology. “Just learn from this.”
As I watched the pack cheer for him, my heart sank. I could see the flicker of dissatisfaction in Griffin’s eyes. He had stolen my moment, and I could feel the pack’s perception shifting as they cheered for him instead of me.
I took a deep breath, focusing on the hunt. I would show them my strength. With renewed determination, I prowled forward, scanning the area for more prey.
In the distance, I spotted another group of deer drinking from the stream, their backs turned to us.
“Let’s do this,” I said to Caleb, who nodded, his eyes glinting with excitement.
We moved silently through the underbrush, our bodies low to the ground as we crept toward the unsuspecting animals. The adrenaline surged through me, pushing away the anger and frustration. I focused on the task at hand, my instincts taking over as we closed in.
With a swift motion, I launched myself forward, breaking through the underbrush and barreling toward the deer. The startled creatures scattered, but I was ready.
I chased after five of them, my muscles coiling with power, the thrill of the hunt surging through my veins. I caught the first deer by its flank, sinking my teeth into its flesh and bringing it down.
It was a quick kill, and I felt a rush of triumph as I stood over it, my heart pounding with exhilaration. The remaining four had been quicker than the first.
As I turned back to the pack, I saw them watching, their expressions a mixture of surprise and admiration. I had reclaimed my place as Alpha.
I glanced over at Griffin, who stood a distance away, his earlier bravado gone. He forced a smile, but I could see the frustration bubbling just beneath the surface. I felt a pang of sympathy for him, but I couldn’t afford to show it. Not tonight.
“Come on, everyone!” I called out, my voice booming through the trees. “Let’s make this a night to remember!”
The pack erupted in cheers, their spirits lifting as they gathered around. I’d made my mark, but I could sense the undercurrents of tension still simmering in the air.
Tonight was not just about the hunt; it was about establishing my authority in front of the pack, especially with Griffin’s lingering resentment.