The Gamma's Choice

CHAPTER ONE The crunch of snow underfoot is the only sound in the winter woods, a rhythmic accompaniment to the ragged breaths that cloud the air between us. I dodge an ice-coated branch, my heart racing as Melody’s lithe form darts ahead of me, her red hair a fiery comet against the stark whiteness. "Come on, Ava! Pick up the pace!" she calls over her shoulder, green eyes gleaming with challenge. I push harder, muscles straining, but the distance between us widens. A growl of frustration builds in my chest, threatening to escape, but I clamp down on it. It's not just pride on the line — it's every unspoken word, every look shared with Kyle before he disappeared. Every reason I have to become stronger. "Is that all you've got?" Melody taunts, agile and confident. "Shut up," I pant, forcing a smile. Our sparring is more than training; it's a dance we've perfected since childhood. She's my best friend, my fiercest competitor, the one person who can push me to my limits without breaking me. Or so I tell myself. We reach a clearing, and Melody shifts into her auburn wolf form mid-stride, an elegant whirl of motion that leaves me breathless. I follow suit, my bones reshaping with a familiar ache, fur bristling against the biting cold. As wolves, we are equals, but today Melody's grace outshines mine, her instincts sharper. She pounces, and I tumble into the snow, her weight pinning me down. We're both panting, mist rising from our warm bodies into the frigid air. Her green eyes lock onto mine. "Yield?" she asks, words now growls and whines that I understand all too well thanks to our pack connection. "Never," I manage through bared teeth, though the fight has left me. Her muzzle inches closer, her breath hot against my fur, her sharp teeth a threat. “So be it,” she snaps. Melody lets out a triumphant yip and releases me, stepping back with a swish of her tail. "One day, you'll beat me, Ava. But today is not that day." As we shift back into our human forms, I brush snow off my clothes. The memory of Kyle, with his enigmatic smiles and whispered promises, creeps into my thoughts, sharpening the sting of defeat. I can't afford distractions, not when every fiber of my being yearns to prove that I'm worthy of the title Gamma warrior — worthy of Kyle's memory. "Next time, Mel," I vow, brushing snow from my hair. "Next time, I won't go down so easily." "Looking forward to it." Her grin is infectious, and despite the loss, warmth spreads through me. Together, we head back to the village, our laughter echoing through the silent woods, carrying dreams of victories yet to come. The howl slices through the crisp mountain air, sharp and demanding. I freeze mid-stride, my boots sinking into the snow, and Melody halts beside me. Our eyes lock—a silent exchange of urgency. Guests are rare, especially in the deep chill of winter. "Race you," Melody challenges, a spark igniting in her green eyes. "Last one there is a mewling pup," I retort with a smirk, feeling the familiar rush of adrenaline. We burst into a sprint, our breaths billowing out in white clouds. Snowflakes whirl around us as we dodge trees and leap over frozen streams. The village is close, but the anticipation makes every second stretch. Kyle's face flashes in my mind—those warm brown eyes that seemed to see right through me. Five years, yet his memory clings to my heart like ivy. "Think it's him?" Melody pants, her voice laced with skepticism. "Who knows," I reply, though hope surges foolishly in my chest. We skid into the clearing, our arrival marked by the crunching of snow beneath our feet. Villagers gather around the guest, their murmurs weaving a blanket of curiosity. My gaze darts frantically over the heads, searching for that familiar head of brown hair. "Would he even recognize you now?" Melody teases, elbowing me gently. "Of course, he would," I shoot back, stronger than I feel. "I haven't changed that much." "Except for becoming a fierce Gamma-in-training." She winks, nudging me forward. I try to smile, but inside I’m a mess. It’s foolish to get my hopes up and think it will be him, the wolf who stole my heart when we were just pups. Yes, five years have passed. I’m eighteen now, on the verge of adulthood. And still waiting for him. Still waiting for the howl that signals he’s come back to me. I freeze as everyone parts, and it’s as if all the years and worried nights collect and come to this very moment. “Kyle?” My voice cracks.