The Forgotten Wolf Kin

Chapter 2 – The Arena

Chapter 2 – The Arena

Malachi’s POV

The Blackfell pack was the third pack in our alliance, and between the three packs over the years, we had each excelled in one key element of survival, making sure that between the three of us, we could offer something to the others and help each other out.

There was a time many years ago, when there were four packs in our alliance, and they excelled in fighting. Crossfell had the best and most proficient warriors. Unfortunately, the pack was dismantled. To this day, the reason is never really known, rumours distorted the facts, and as no one from our packs had been there, it was all conjecture.

“Right, but when the demise of the Crossfell pack occurred, we had no lead warrior, so we each agreed we would train our own and be self-sufficient in this skill.”

“Okay, but that doesn’t explain why you know so much about fighting. Surely your Gamma is in charge of that?”

“Oh dear goddess, how the hell are you going to be Alpha certified in two days? Yes, the Gamma should be the most skilled and trained, and as such, his job is to lead training and oversee the warriors. But as Alpha, I must be able to fight and protect my pack with my life should it come to that, and I am not going to do that if I don’t train with the best. Nor will you! Would you go into battle if your Alpha wasn’t confident?”

He shot me a look and frowned slightly. Had he paid any attention to the training we have just spent a year of our life on! This man was unbelievable.

“Right, yes, I know, but we haven’t had a single attack from anyone the entire time my Dad has been Alpha, and his Dad before him.”

“So, you think that gives you the right to become complacent? Just because it hasn’t happened in years, doesn’t mean it won’t happen. Then what will you do?”

“Apparently I would call you! Mr. Warrior Sir”

I shook my head in mild disbelief, unable to control the laugh that boomed from me, solely due to his idiocy. This annoyed me because I hate to find him funny, whatever the reason. I prefer it when I can be irritated by him. He ran his hands through his mop of curly, reddish-brown hair that fell just over his hazel eyes and sighed heavily. His ivory skin pinked lightly in his cheeks as he was clearly now in deep thought.

He pursed his lips “When I take the Alpha title, will you help me and my men? My Dad’s Gamma is everything you said he shouldn’t be. He is weak, complacent and has become lazy. We are vulnerable, and honestly, it has worried me for some time. Dad doesn’t listen, they are old friends”

His change of tone and demeanour shocked me momentarily, but I agreed without hesitation. As an alliance, we needed them to be strong enough to hold their own, so we didn’t have to hold it for them, if ever that time occurred. I got the feeling, after spending all this time together, we were finally beginning to see ways in which we could help each other, grow our pack's knowledge and skill, and become stronger, both individually and as an alliance.

Us being stuck here together may have just ended up being the best thing for both our packs. By the time we had finished talking, we had made it to the training field. We buddied up and started to do some light stretches and warmups. The fights would commence in an hour, and we needed to be ready. There would, without any shadow of doubt, be bloodshed and I’d be damned if it was going to be mine!

The other Alphas all took up spaces on the training field and started to prepare themselves for the competition. The atmosphere was thick with testosterone, bravado, and anticipation. More than once, I caught looks of pure disdain thrown my way.

“Ignore them” Avery caught my attention.

“They think they can intimidate me with a look” I laughed. “they will know nothing but fear when they meet Eero.”

I could feel Eero being smug in the back of my mind, he was also preparing in his own way.

“Oh, you don’t have to tell me! I’m glad you are on my side”. Avery chuckled “These guys are fools; you’d think after a year of training they would know better than to make an enemy out of you.”

“Let them, they will soon realise their mistake.”

I wasn’t being arrogant, but confidence was key to fighting, and I was confident. I knew both me and Eero were strong, intimidating, calculating and proficient fighters. It’s being aware of this that made me thoughtful and appeasing when speaking to others. I didn’t want people to fear me because of my size, I was a social person and confrontation was not something I liked or sought out.

Unfortunately, it always came looking for me. Something about me made males want to be confrontational, and it was difficult not to hurt them when I was provoked. Even the mildest of punches could clean KO someone.

It was when this first happened, at just 15, when I was still learning how to control my emotions and Eero, that my Dad made it his mission to teach me, and quickly, how to remain calm and composed in any situation, dance my way out of a fight and make it clean, quick, and as painless as possible when back into a corner.

At the time, I resented the hours he spent with me, pushing, goading, and training me. Now, I am eternally grateful.

A short, sharp ear-piercing whistle got our attention.

It was time.

We all made our way over to the arena. Standing proudly just outside the training ground, the Arena stood tall. With bleachers running around the entire internal oval shaped space, there was enough space for over a thousand men and women, only ever full when “The Games” were on, an event held once every 5 years where wolf packs from all over the country came together to compete in sporting events. It was a prestigious and much looked forward to event, but right now, no one was thinking about the games, all eyes were on the sanded dirt fighting circle which we all now stood around.

The women all took the stands to cheer on their men. Avery and I were the only unmated males. We saw this as an advantage; we had no distractions. We were put into pairs, losers took the stands, winners stayed on to the next round.

The rules were clear.

1. No killing

2. No maiming

3. Play fair or be disqualified

4. Submission or KO ends the fight, whichever comes first.

That was it. It was time to commence the first fight. The two young males entered the area all hyped up and ready to go. Both average in build for Alphas, they seemed fairly well matched. It was over quicker than I had anticipated.

“If that’s the level of fighting we are against, this is going to be boring” I whispered to Avery, who kept his eyes forward and snickered.

“Speak for yourself, the sooner this is over the better. I’m a lover not a fighter and I like my face just the way it is!”

I rolled my eyes; this man really was the definition of an i***t.

“Well, let’s hope you’re not up against me then, because now I am going to go straight for that pretty chiselled square law line of yours.”

“Aww I’m flattered you have taken the time to notice my handsome features, Alpha Milner.”

“From all that, that’s what you focus on, not that I am going to destroy your face!”

“Oh, come on Malachi, I know you are all talk when it comes to me. Admit it, you like me!”

I shook my head in mild disbelief. I don’t really know why though; I should have expected it from him by now. I would never admit it, but he did make me laugh. He was a good, kind, and likable guy, even if somewhat irritating.

Several fights had been and gone, all relatively boring, but it was now getting to the last few fights, which is where, for me, it got interesting. Left to fight were 6 men and Ashton and Freeman were next. They were well matched, large and broad in stature, about 6”2 apiece and packed.

They entered the area and circled one another, eyes focused and breathing steady. I watched as they found each other’s pace and stepped in line with one another’s moves. It was slow, steady, and calculated. These men knew how to fight.

Freeman’s fist connected first, throwing Ashton out of kilter, and within seconds both men shifted into large dominating wolves. Eero perked up and came forward in my mind. I permitted him to take control of my sight, allowing him to gain an understanding of the fighting style of both Wolves.

I had no intention of losing my first fight, this was too close to call, and either one could potentially be my next opponent. Having the upper hand was always preferable. As Freeman’s dark brown wolf leapt, hoping to ground Ashton’s rusty and beige-flecked one, Ashton’s slid beneath him, causing Freemans to come crashing into the sandy ground below.

As the large brown wolf shook himself, trying to gain his composure to make another attack, Ashton had already turned and circled back. Before Freeman’s wolf had a chance to think, Ashton’s was on top, pinning Freeman’s down. With no way out, Freeman’s wolf submitted. Ashton won, shifting back, Aston shook Freeman’s hand, but it was clear he was smug and entitled. I didn’t like that man one bit.

Making his way back to the Winners circle, Ashton looked like the cat that got the cream.

For an oversized dog, you sure do like your cat connotations

Shut up Eero and concentrate. Next is Grey and Avery, which means I’m against Harley.

Of all the impertinent and arrogant males, Grey was the nicest. I use the word nice in the loosest sense, he wasn’t nice, he just wasn’t as much of an ass as the others. It seems perhaps this was to his detriment, as Avery, despite his lack of training, made light work of making Grey submit.

He was right, although I would never tell him, for a hunkering great lump of a beast, his wolf was agile, and Grey underestimated him, as I would have done. He must have held back on the few hunting trips we had done, as I had, the sneaky bastard.

Sneaky is right, but I got Enzo’s number. That wolf may be quick, but he has an obvious tell.

Really?

Weren’t you paying attention, Malachi?

No need to be smug, maybe I just missed it.

He twitches his nose before he makes his move. When he’s toying, he doesn’t.

Nicely noticed, perhaps I should tell Avery so Enzo can work on his poker face.

Maybe later! And thanks, now come on, our turn!

I could feel Eero’s excitement, and it was contagious. Eero loved to fight, even for fun. Sometimes I wonder if we should have been a warrior not an alpha.

We are the definition of Alpha Malachi. Don’t ever forget that. This, this is just good fun! Now get your game face on. Time to kick some ass!

We entered the Arena as Avery took his place in the winner’s circle. He gave me a small nod as he passed me, which I returned, but now it was time to put my game face on. Towering over Harley, I kept my expression neutral.

He didn’t look in the least bit intimidated, as he glared at me sneering. I was impressed with his confidence, but it was misplaced, he was about to go down. I had no intention of going easy on him.