The abandoned wolfless but true princess

CHAPTER TWO

ELEANOR’s POV.

My cheeks burned as laughter spread across the entire field. The sound made my stomach churn and my jaw clench together.

And the person leading that was—Xena. She tossed her hair to the side, smirking like the entire field belonged to her. I didn’t need anyone to tell me how well she was enjoying all the jabs being thrown at me. From the very first day she set her eyes on me, she made it clear I was her enemy and I had come to snatch what belonged to her—that has never even been my intention

I couldn’t even get upset at her. I knew exactly what was going on. I had seen how spoiled she actually was. Whatever Xena was doing, I understood it perfectly— I didn’t even hold a grudge against her. What mattered to her didn’t matter to me. There was nothing she thought I could take from her that mattered to me.

But then, since we both attended the same school, I knew I had no choice but to endure her constant jabs. The fact that no one knew we were related was already enough consolation for me.

“She thinks she fits in here,” her voice rang out again, dripping with sarcasm.

“How about you all keep your sarcasm to yourselves?” Kathy called out. Her voice calm.

“It’s fine, Kathy” I whispered to her but instead she turned to Branko.

“Isn’t everyone supposed to be treated equally, coach?” she asked him, “Why is Eleanor being treated like she doesn’t belong here? Isn’t this the main reason why we are all here, coach?”

“Kathy...” I pressed on, gently grabbing her hand but she wouldn’t listen. She was pissed.

“Everyone keeps acting like she isn’t doing a great job and you—

“How about we focus on training, Kathy?” Branko cut in sharply, giving me a quick glance, “and you Kathy, don’t you have a wolf to train? I think you should focus on that and let Eleanor focus on hers. Do you understand that? You have a wolf and she doesn’t—yet”

His words cut through me like a blade, my fists tightened harder. I was already used to their constant jabs.

“I think we should continue training, coach” my own voice surprised me. It was calm and steady like my insides were not churning at the moment.

“You don’t need to worry about me, coach,” I continued. I could feel eyes on me, but that was not my problem at the moment, “I am here to learn and become my own person. And I will.”

For a few seconds, he kept staring at me. Branko looked like he had a lot of say but instead he snapped his book shut and gave a little scoff.

“I hope so, Eleanor” he said dryly, “I will be waiting for that day.”

His words didn’t sting as much. I just took it as a stepping stone.

Branko went ahead to divide us into sparring groups. He said that was to build our core strength and agility. He called out the names of each team and when I found out he had paired me with Jorge, I wanted to yell.

There were so many people on the field but, somehow I got paired with that annoying jerk who thinks he is better than everyone else.

I didn’t say anything though...I accepted everything in good faith. Whatever was happening was helping to train me.

As I prepared, Kathy rushed over to me—a worried look on her face.

“You should complain, Eleanor.” she advised me, hands on her waist, “you cannot be paired with him. Everyone knows Jorge doesn’t let his opponent go until he draws blood. And he doesn’t even like you.”

I offered her a small smile, “he won’t kill me, Kathy,” I told her calmly, “and even if not him, I would be paired with someone else. It’s the same everywhere. I’m good, okay?”

“But—

“It’s fine.”

Kathy sighed, not fully convinced but she didn’t press further.

“Just...be careful, Eleanor and tap out as soon as he goes far. Okay?”

“Sure.”

With one last worried look, she turned and jogged back to her partner. I exhaled softly.

“Looking for me?” I could never mistake that voice.

I turned again and there he stood behind me. Jorge had already changed into combat pants but he looked rather relaxed like he was not expecting this to last.

His expression was neutral but I didn’t miss the tiny smirk at the side of his lips—how I wanted to punch that handsome face of his.

“We start in a few,” I announced, picking up my water bottle.

“You should sit this one out, Eleanor,” he murmured, leaning closer to me, his eyes staring deep into mine, “you will certainly get wounded and I don’t think your body would be able to handle that.”

I didn’t know if he said that because he cared or he was just trying to show off. I didn’t bother to answer him.

“I can talk to the coach and you—

“I am ready when you are,” I interrupted him.

A smile tugged at his lips, “your choice.”

The others had already started so I got into position, my muscles were already twitching in anticipation.

Jorge just stood there. He didn’t move. He certainly was not taking this seriously and he didn’t look like he was going to use his wolf.

I lunged at him but he caught me midair and slammed me into the ground. He was way stronger than I thought, the very first blow made me realize that. Pain exploded through me as my body landed but I didn’t wait—I got up and made for him again. Jorge grabbed me by the arm and twisted it—I spun around and he shoved me off again. I almost landed on my face but I quickly caught myself. Just as I was recovering from that, his kick came heavily against the back of my legs and I fell to my face.

“You should give up already,” he advised, “You haven’t even touched me once but you look exhausted already.”

Anger fueled my body. His arrogance was getting to me. The fact that he was one of the men my father chose for me aggravated me the most.

“We are in for the final round,” Branko called out and this time, I made up my mind.

I stilled and watched. Then I changed my approach. Instead of rushing towards him blindly, I slowed down and followed the movement of his eyes. Then I lunged, this time at full speed. Jorge steadied himself, waiting to grab me as usual but then I slowed down a few feet away from him.

Confusion spread across his face, then I moved.

I leaped into the air, higher than ever and as I came down, my fingers raked down his face.

“s**t!!” He groaned as he held onto his face, wiping the blood off. His golden eyes darkened as he locked it with mine again.

My face broke into a huge smile as I landed on my back. For the first time, I beat Jorge. The victory tasted sweet on my lips, adrenaline pumped through my veins but my joy was short lived when I heard the coach.

“Clawing his face?” Branko scoffed from behind me, “You really do know how to use your feminine abilities, Eleanor,” he added, his eyes peering deep into mine, “should I applaud that?”

“But I—

He didn’t wait for my response but his eyes held a lot of disappointment, he just turned and walked away.