Alpha Games

Raven’s POV

“Raven!! I have something to tell you!” I hear my name being called across the Great Hall. I look up and see my brother Stark running towards me. He is out of breath as he gets up to me.

“What is it?” I ask.

“I just put my name down for the Alpha Games,” he says proudly. I am stunned.

“Are you sure that’s a good idea?” I ask slowly. I don’t want to hurt his feelings, but I’m not sure if Stark can survive this. He was exposed to Wolfsbane as a baby and got very sick. They weren’t sure he would live, but he did. He has never been the strongest wolf in the pack, and sometimes has trouble phasing or communicating with his wolf Storm.

Stark seems annoyed. “Of course it is. The Games are open to all wolves.”

I have to be gentle with him, but I don’t want to see my brother hurt - or worse, dead. “I know, but they are very dangerous. Wolves have been killed in these Games.”

“I know that,” he snapped. “I’m tired of being seen as the weakest wolf in the pack. I want to prove to everyone that I can fight. I don’t expect to win, but I do expect to show everyone they were wrong about me. I don’t plan to die. I know I won’t be Alpha but I am strong enough to play. I can quit before anything bad happens.”

I’m still worried. These Games are supposed to be intense - the hardest physical tests you can imagine. But I can tell there’s no arguing with Stark. He’s the most stubborn person I’ve ever met in my life, and he’s only 17. I can’t imagine how much worse it will be when he’s older. “Well, I guess I should tell you that I also submitted my name then,” I say.

Stark smirks. “Of course you did. I never expected anything less. That’s part of the reason why I put my name in - so I could get a front row seat to you getting your ass kicked by Marcus.”

My wolf growls. Marcus is the only other wolf in the pack as big as me, now that our Alpha and Beta are gone. He is 2 years older than me and he’s tough. He and his mate Becky ruled our pack school. He’s always come after me with everything he has, probably because he’s intimidated by the fact that a female wolf is just as big and strong as he is. “I’m not worried about Marcus,” I growl at Stark. “He should be worried about me.”

Stark laughs and takes a step back. “Sure, whatever you say. He’s going to have a whole cheerleading squad out there though. I heard Becky and her squad of harpies were making posters,” he sticks out his tongue and makes a face.

“Oh yes, I’m terribly frightened of the impact their arts and crafts will have on my performance,” I say, deadpan.

Stark laughs again. “Well, with me playing the Games beside you, who’s going to be there to root you on in the crowd?”

“Nobody, I guess,” I grumble. Our parents passed away three years ago from an illness, so they won’t be in the stands watching. It’s mostly just been me and Stark for our whole lives. Neither of us made many friends. Stark was too busy feeling ashamed, and I was too busy training to be the strongest Gamma the Silver Moon pack has ever seen.

Before Stark can respond, Elder Mason stands up from his new spot at the head table. Elder Mason has been acting as temporary Alpha before the Games finish, because he is the oldest wolf in the pack and has the most experience. He calls down to everyone eating breakfast. “Today is the last day to submit your name for the Games! If you plan to join, please see me before the end of the day.” Everyone is quiet, looking around and trying to see what others are thinking.

Suddenly, the door to the Great Hall bangs open. An unfamiliar wolf strides in, smirking. “Sounds like I got here just in time, then.”