Chapter Three

Ellie

Looking back, I might have been a bit too eager to take on border patrol duty, or more specifically, the challenge of taking down Seth. I was smaller than the average werewolf, being half human and all.

But what I lacked in strength, I made up for in speed. Seth, though, was a different story. He was bigger than most, being a Beta and all. But I had to try. If I didn’t, they’d never let me join the others, even for a simple border patrol. I needed to show them what I was capable of.

I needed to prove that I was more than just the Alpha king’s heir in name.

Usually, I could take down the other warriors pretty quickly. My grandfather had taught me that size and strength weren’t everything.

What mattered was finding your opponent's weakness and using it to your advantage.

As I squared off with Seth, I studied him closely. He was good, not giving anything away. He smirked at me. I didn’t return the smirk. This was serious. At least to me, it was.

“Are you going to make a move or what, little princess?” he taunted.

If he thought that was going to rattle me, he was mistaken.

“Why don't you, old man,” I shot back.

He made his move. Or at least, I thought he did.

As he moved forward, I tried to sweep his back leg. But his move was a feint. I realized too late that I’d been tricked, and now I was off balance.

Seth saw his opportunity and took it. He quickly changed his stance and swept my other leg. I didn’t stand a chance.

I grunted as my back hit the ground hard.

Before I could roll away or get up, he was on top of me. His weight pinned me down, his hands gripping my wrists above my head.

I arched my back, trying to use my hips to throw him off, but he was too big, too strong. His knees tightened around my hips, stopping me in my tracks.

“There’s no need to gloat,” I huffed.

Seth smirked at me.

“I’m not gloating, Ellie. I’m teaching you a lesson.”

I rolled my eyes.

“Right.”

Seth shook his head, his smirk fading. He looked serious.

“A lesson you don't seem to be learning. You’re not taking your training seriously. You lack focus,” he lectured.

I frowned and pouted.

“I was focused...You cheated,” I protested.

Seth shook his head.

“A feint isn’t cheating. If you had been focused, you would have seen it. If I was the enemy, right now you’d be dead. You need to think in the moment. Not about the end result. Do you understand?”

I nodded. As much as I hated to admit it, he was right. I was only thinking about beating him. Any other warrior, I would have noticed the feint.

“Words, Ellie,” Seth scolded, “right here, right now, you could be the Alpha queen. It wouldn't matter because you're a pup being trained by your Beta.”

I sighed heavily.

“Yes, Beta. I understand.”

He nodded and let go of my wrists, climbing off me.

I propped myself up on my elbows. Seth extended a hand to help me up. As much as I was angry at him and didn’t want to take it, I did.

He pulled me to my feet.

“I want you here at six am. An hour's training with Murdoch, then you’ll spar with me,” he ordered.

I narrowed my eyes.

“Six!” I exclaimed.

Seth nodded.

“Yes, Ellie, six. You won't be going on patrol or going into any sort of battle situation until I say so. What sort of Beta would I be if I sent my young warriors into battle when they weren't ready?” he asked.

I clenched my jaw. I was ready.

“I am ready,” I growled.

“Then prove it,” he retorted, “six am tomorrow, don't be late.”

I watched as he walked away. Then I looked over at Murdoch, who was grinning.

“You’re excused, Ellie. I’ll see you tomorrow.”

He headed towards a group of young warriors who were warming up.

I hated him and I hated Seth.

I stormed into Olivia and Murdoch’s home, grumpy as a bear with a thorn in its paw. I doubted that every warrior who went on border patrol had to beat the beta in a test.

I also doubted that any of the others were forced to train at six am. Everyone knew I hated mornings.

On the bright side, Olivia seemed to be in a better mood. I was supposed to be here to cheer her up, not complain about my own problems. She picked up on my mood right away.

“Ooh what’s got into you?” she smirked.

I closed my eyes and sighed.

“Are all fucking Betas assholes?” I huffed, “because your mate is definitely one, and so is our Beta.”

She looked at me, eyes wide. I was usually the calm one.

“What did they do?” she asked.

I told her about the morning’s events, mimicking the voices of her mate and Seth.

When I finished, she snickered.

“It’s not bloody funny,” I complained, “Now I have to get up at the crack of dawn. Dad won't let me leave the house without breakfast, and who knows what the pair of them will cook up if I’m even a second late.”

Olivia hummed.

“Sounds like Seth likes you.”

She wiggled her eyebrows suggestively.

“Who knows, he might even be your mate.”

I rolled my eyes.

“Well if that's all she has to offer me, the moon-goddess can kiss my ass,” I scoffed.

Olivia gasped.

“You shouldn’t talk about the moon-goddess like that Ellie, mates are a gift.”

I let out a laugh, glancing at the prominent baby bump she was carrying.

“Just remember you said that when it’s time for labor.”

She gently caressed her belly, letting out a sigh.

“I wish it would happen sooner rather than later.”

Tears started to well up in her eyes.

Damn. I was here to cheer her up, not make her cry.

I wrapped my arm around her shoulder.

“Hey, don’t worry. They’ll be here before you know it, and I promised to lend a hand if you need it.”

Olivia shook her head.

“It’s not that. I know you offered, and Murdoch keeps reassuring me he’ll help too. It’s just...” she paused, “what if the war reaches us? What if we’re attacked and I can’t protect my babies,” she broke down sobbing.

I pulled Olivia into a comforting hug. I was aware that everyone was in danger. Even the innocent children and infants. I didn't want to be the reason for anyone’s death.

“If it comes down to it, Livvy. If it’s me or your babies, or anyone’s babies for that matter, I’ll sacrifice myself.” I declared.

I quickly turned around when I heard a familiar male voice.

“You will not,” Murdoch growled.

Then his tone softened.

“Besides, we’re not going to lose this fight. And none of our pups, including mine, will be harmed.”

I stood up and mind-linked Murdoch.

~“You can’t guarantee that. I won’t just stand by and let anyone get hurt. I may not be a warrior, but I can still protect my people.”~

Murdoch looked at me and smiled.

“We didn’t mean to belittle you this morning. We just don't want to risk you unless you are the best warrior you can be. You will be our queen, and you will lead from the front.”

He walked over to Olivia, wrapping one arm around her and placing his other hand on her baby bump.

“You should be training,” she sniffled.

He smiled and planted a kiss on the top of her head.

“Not when I sense you’re upset, Livvy. You and my pups are my top priority.”

She nestled into him.

A twinge of jealousy hit me. Was this what having a mate felt like?

My birthday was only a couple of weeks away. Then I would find out if I had a mate within the pack. If I didn't, it was likely that my mate would be my enemy.

I made my way to the door, not wanting to intrude on their intimate moment.

“Wait!” Murdoch called out.

I turned to face him.

“I just came home to check on her, I still have training. Why don't you two watch a movie? There’s ice cream in the freezer...Chocolate chip.”

I walked back to the couch, as Murdoch gave Olivia a quick kiss on the lips.

“Do you always stock my favorite ice cream in your freezer?” I asked, glancing between the two of them.

Murdoch playfully tousled my hair, like I was a child again.

“Of course,” he joked, “especially knowing how grumpy you would be after our little training session.”

I grinned at him. Maybe he wasn't such a jerk after all.