Winter Rose

Chapter 15: The Challenge

The atmosphere was heavy among my family as we rode back to the ranch. I could feel the pressure of the challenge like an elephant on my chest. I knew from the beginning that losing would mean relocating, but to have it laid out in council like that. The only way to redeem my pack's reputation is to win. No one said anything as we entered the house, no matter what they said it wouldn’t make the situation better. I sighed and went to my room locking the door behind me. I filled the tub with scalding hot water and watched as the bath bomb fizzed and clouded the water with it’s pink bubbles and flowers. I tied my hair back, stripped down, removed my bandages, and sank to my nose in the tub, the essential rose oils filled my senses causing me to relax a little. I leaned my head back staring up at the ceiling wondering what the hell I was going to do. Win obviously. My wolf told me with pride. I groaned and rubbed the bridge of my nose and my temples. The hot water soothed my muscles, though my cuts stung a little. I shrugged off the pain feeling the water ripple around me. Finally, the water became cold, I stood wrapping myself in a plush towel and watched the water drain. I cleaned my wounds with hydrogen peroxide and rubbing alcohol before putting on underwear and collapsing on my bed to let my wounds air out and heal. My stab wounds were just minor scratches now, but the bullet hole made me grab my medical kit. I had managed to pull my stitches during the meeting, so I had to sew myself back up. Using a lighter to sterilize my needle I bit down on a leather belt to suppress my cries of pain as I felt the needle and stitch slide through my flesh. It wasn’t the prettiest dressing but the three stitches would work to assist my naturally fast healing process. Groaning I wrapped a bandage tightly around my thigh, careful to leave it loose enough I could still move and wouldn’t lose feeling in the leg. I looked over my seventeen cuts and didn’t bother to wrap them back up. Instead I threw on a loose sweatshirt and sweatpants before heading downstairs. 

My mom sat by the fire, Malcolm in her lap as she read a book to him. My grandmother was working on dinner with Clara and Diane’s help. I could hear the children playing in the yard, and Em lay in wolf form napping in a window seat, the sun shining on her dark blonde fur. Everything seemed so normal, so natural. Even with my mother there. I walked through the dining room to get to the kitchen and noticed my placemat returned to the head of the children’s table as my mother’s placemat was restored. I traced my fingers over her name letting it all sink in before heading to the kitchen. 

“Who’s on patrol?” I asked. 

Mimi gave a little jump, “Oh Alex honey, you scared the bejeezus out of me! What did you need?” 

“Who’s on patrol?” I repeated. 

“No one right now. Your mother and Francis are going out next in a couple hours.” She said frowning, “Why?” 

“I want to go for a run.” I said. 

“Oh. Well you better check with your grandfather first or take Em with you.” Mimi said, “He was really worried when you didn’t wake up after the fight.” 

“Alright. Where’s Papaw?” I asked. 

“In the woodshop with Damien.” Diane answered, “They’ve been there since we got back.” 

“Thanks.” I said taking an apple from the fruit bowl as I walked out. I ate my apple as I walked to the woodshop on the other side of the yard. I threw my core into the woods as I approached. I was met by the smell of fresh sawdust and the sounds of the circular saw and wood planer both running. I put on a pair of safety glasses hanging on the wall by the entry before I walked in. The machinery immediately stopped. “Hey, Papaw.” I said, “Can I talk to you real quick?” 

“Sure thing honey.” He said following me out. Damien continued his work as we closed the door. 

“Mom and uncle Frank are going for a patrol in an hour, would it be okay if I went on a run before then?” I asked, seeing the hesitation in his eyes I reiterated, “Mom and Frank will not be far behind me and I swear to check in, I just need some time to think.” 

“I suppose that would be alright, you sure you don’t want to take Em just in case?” He said glancing at my leg. 

“I’m sure.” I answered. 

“Well you just be careful and be sure to check in.” He said. 

“I will.” I gave him a hug before shifting and taking off into the forest. 

Finally, I heard Theo’s voice sigh exasperatedly into my mind, Do you know how long I’ve been waiting out here for you? 

Probably an hour or two. I answered seeing his wolf form stand from the brush shaking pine needles from his coat. 

Try four. He said, beginning to walk across the property line towards the pond. We lay in the moss under the shade of a tree. 

I’m resting at the pond. I thought to papaw. 

Good. Thanks for checking in. Tell Theo we say hi. Papaw responded. 

I shifted to my human form and rested my head on Theo’s fur. Want me to shift too? He asked in my mind. 

No. You’re cuter this way. I teased back into his mind. He huffed, and scratched at me with a paw. Act like a normal dog, and just listen would you? I asked him. He huffed again but dipped his head in a nod. So I used up my hour laying there with my head on him. Sharing all of my worries and stress while he sat there silently listening. I ran my hands through his fur and scratched his chin and behind his ears, despite the dirty looks he gave me. He licked my hand in return, I made a face as I wiped his drool back into his own fur. 

Can I shift back now? He asked when I’d finally been silent for a while. I nodded and sat up so he could change back into human form. “Do you feel better after talking?” He asked. I nodded again. “Good.” He took me into his arms. “It’s normal to worry in the situation you are in, but even wounded there is no way you are going to lose this fight. You have trained so hard, and honestly Jessica just doesn’t want it as bad as you.” 

“You’re kidding right?” I asked him. 

“No, I’m serious. Jessica wants to make her pack happy, but she doesn’t have as much riding on it as you. She doesn’t have as much to fight for, plus it’s not like her family has been training her.” He snorted, “All her training she does on her own or with the house staff who all go easy on her because she’s their boss. The fight at the council meeting was the first test of her strength and she barely managed to take down two of the hunters.” 

“But she wants you just as bad as I do. You’re all she has.” I was still shocked. 

“Yeah, but she doesn’t have to worry about losing me if she loses the match like you do. Plus you’re my natural mate so you’ll fight even harder for me than she ever would. Whereas she doesn’t have to leave her home, and would still be able to keep the both of us as friends if you win.” 

“Isn’t she in love with you?” I asked him. 

“Yes, but I don’t think she’s in love with me romantically. I just don’t know if she’s realized that yet.” He answered. I pondered his words and thought about her. The relationship I saw at school definitely didn’t seem romantic, but then again at the party she was attached to him like a leech. 

“I guess we’ll find out in two weeks.” I said, and we sat in silence staring at the small pond and the fish eating the bugs who dared land on the water. 

“Hey Alex, how are you feeling?” Uncle Frank asked, coming up around the tree as he shifted. My mom on his heels. She shifted quickly and sat next to me. 

“I’m feeling better.” I answered. “It’s just nice to come out here and think.” 

“This was my favorite spot too.” My mom said, as Frank nudged Theo and they shifted to continue the perimeter round together. “Everything is going to be okay hon.” My mother said leaning into me. 

“I know mom. I’m just ready for it all to be over.” I shifted back into wolf form as a November breeze blew through the spot we were resting. 

“Snow is coming.” My mom said, still in human form, “We should head back too.” She shifted and I nodded trotting after her. My pace was slowed from the wound in my leg, but it felt as though my stitches were holding up. 

Brad, Damien, and Papaw were surrounding the smoker as they began preparing the meats for tomorrow’s feast. Mimi, Diane, and Clara were still preparing their dishes for tomorrow making sure everything would only need to be warmed up in the oven. Crystal and Brittany were putting the extra leaves in the tables while Em, Steph, Faye, and Malcolm brought in the extra chairs for the Winter pack to use during the Thanksgiving feast. I followed my mom and helped grab the extra placemats that didn’t have names stitched in them beginning to place them in among our pack. I noticed one had Theo’s name stitched into it and put his across from mine at the kid’s table with a smile. Theo had already explained the Ebony pack travels to their Florida condo for the Holidays so his pack would be honored to accept our invitation. With my mom still alive that put our pack number at 25 strong, Theo’s immediate pack is 22. The extended pack members don’t gather until the weekend of Thanksgiving for their feast. Which we were invited to this weekend. I was looking forward to a four day weekend of eating delicious holiday meals. Especially Aunt Diane’s mostaccioli, and sweet potato casserole. Theo shared his mother made deviled eggs worth selling your soul for that I was excited to try. And of course a holiday meal hosted by wolves had many meat options to choose from.  Tomorrow’s options included Uncle Brad’s deep fried turkey, Spiral ham, smoked venison neck roasts, smoked turkey, smoked pork loin, not to mention the rabbit, squirrel, and quail provided by the pup’s hunts. I continued dreaming of the food tomorrow would bring as I helped with the place settings, and cleaning of the ranch so everything would be prepared for tomorrow. 

“Are we going to train again tonight?” I asked Mimi hopefully, “I’m a little concerned I went three days without this week.” 

“Absolutely not.” Papaw said as he entered the house. “You’re not training until that leg is healed.” 

“Papaw” I groaned, “We have a lot riding on this, I can’t afford to get out of shape.” 

“Exactly, which is why we can’t risk you hurting yourself more by training in that state.” He shot back. “Plus you should be healed by Monday which will give you four days of training before the battle.” 

“Yes sir.” I mumbled as we all made our plates and ate at various spots throughout the kitchen and living room. After dinner we all went to bed in order to prepare for waking up early and finishing the food prep, and getting everyone ready tomorrow. I offered my mom’s old room back to her, and returned to my old bed next to Em. Theo, aware of the new arrangement, did not visit.

I awoke and went to shower in my mom’s room since all my clothes and towels were still over there. By the time I was ready and went downstairs the food was warming in the oven, and everyone sat watching the Thanksgiving Day Parade. I joined them sitting in a bean bag chair. The kids were excited at the giant inflatable cartoon characters, and I enjoyed watching the different performers. Before we knew it the knock at the door came. I rose with my grandparents as we welcomed the Winter pack into our home. 

“So this is where Theo’s been spending all of his time.” Henry said with a smirk, “I can see why.” Our packs were already well acquainted and broke off into their normal cliques. The little girls all ran around the yard, the Rose pups showing their Winter friends their tree house with the sign saying “NO BOYS ALOUD” in red marker. The boys were around Malcolm’s age and allowed E.J to come with them to play video games. Mary, Hannah, and Jennifer joined Mimi, Diane, and Clara in the kitchen. Ruth and Lilly conversed with Britt and Crystal outside as they kept an eye on the pups and Susan cornered my mother as they discussed Theo and I’s future wedding. The Rose and Winter men stayed outside minding the smoker’s until dinner time. Finally, we all wound our way through the kitchen loading our plates with food as we took our places at the tables. Papaw said his prayer to Artemis and we ate. 

“We apologize for the council meeting.” Adam said, “It was just a formality, and we are looking forward to Alex winning the fight to put all that nastiness behind us.” 

“We understand.” Papaw said. 

“And it’s not like there is a doubt in our minds you’re going to win honey.” Susan said to me. “It’s an honor to know that such a strong alpha is going to be our daughter-in-law one day.” 

“Thank you.” I said, as I got up for seconds. I had already eaten a BBQ squirrel, venison neck roast, mostaccioli, and loaded mashed potatoes. This time I attacked the dessert table bringing back sweet potato casserole,  buckeye candies, brownie bites, and pumpkin pie buried in whipped cream. 

“How are you healing by the way?” Ruth asked me, “You were taking out those bastards left and right like a hound of hell.” She gave me a respectful nod. 

“I’m alright. The leg still has a hole in it, putting a damper on my training.” I shrugged. 

“Well even with that I’m sure you’re going to win the challenge.” Ruth said, “You took out the most hunters out of everyone there, and a third of that number you took out after you were injured. If you decide to be a cop let me know. We could use a force of nature like you on the team.” 

“Thanks.” I laughed, “But I’m actually thinking of going into social work.” 

“That’s an honorable profession.” Mary said, “I work with a lot of social workers at the health department and really like them.” 

“Pays more than being a teacher.” Hannah nodded, “Plus you have the right personality for it.” 

After dinner the Winter and Rose pack men gathered in the woodshop to watch the football game while the women split into two groups one to watch the pups the other to help clean up. Theo went back upstairs with the boys to play video games. 

The rest of the weekend went the same just at the Winter’s house, and with twice as many people everywhere. Theo tried introducing me to them all but it just made my head spin. Em started hanging around Britt and Crystal more. I ate so much I put myself into a happy food coma each night, and when Monday came I was excited to find my leg mostly healed. It still hurt a little, but it was bearable.

School was back in session and at night my training started back up. No one went easy on me but by my fourth match I fell back into the swing of things and was starting to win consecutively again. My mom’s dark blonde wolf entered the ring challenging me and I beat her within minutes the first time, due to her still not being in sync with her wolf yet. She snarled then sneezed in approval towards me. By Friday morning I awoke feeling confident in my battle skills once again, but could not shake the knot of anxiety that had wormed its way into my gut. 

I attended school and the shaky truce Jessica and I had formed was completely shredded as she went back to playing the mean girl at lunch, as she clung to Theo. I sighed paying more attention to Xander than them, let her have her final moments. I worked hard all week and got A’s on all my quizzes that helped boost my grades back up from the hit they took in the fall. I threw myself into designing and making the ornaments for my family’s Christmas gifts during shop class, too nervous to talk to my friends as I knew the challenge drew closer. After school Theo drove us straight to the council meeting. I paced as the others continued to trickle in, when all three packs were present we made our way to the forest behind the town hall. I shifted first, my wolf antsy. Jessica shifted, her sandy colored wolf growling at me. She began pacing, and I followed her lead, curious to see what her fighting style was like. She flinched with every move I made, even though my leg was still sore, a faint red line was the only indication of the bullet wound left.  She noticed me limiting the pressure I put on it, and decided to charge. 

Her teeth sank into my recently healed wound as she pulled the leg out from under me causing me to yelp as I fell into the fresh snow that powdered the ground. She dragged me by the leg leaving a trail of dead leaves and pine needles overturned. Growling I rolled onto my back and used my other leg to kick her in the face leaving deep scratches along her cheek. She let go in shock and I used the opportunity to roll back onto my stomach pouncing on her. I sunk my claws into her back and bit her scruff. She bucked me off but her head went down with me and bounced off the ground. I scrambled over her grabbing her by the throat, and she used her back legs kicking them towards my reopened wound. I growled deeply, and she whined. Squirming she managed to wrap her jaws around my front leg and roll on top of me. I used my hind legs to launch her off of me, whining at the pain it caused my re-injured leg. I snarled as she ran at me going on her hind legs. I put my front paws on her shoulders and knocked her to the ground so she was laying on her back, my one paw under her neck, the other over her neck. I tightened my front legs together so she couldn’t pull out. She tried wriggling free but she was unable to free her head, her teeth couldn’t reach any part of me for her to bite. Her front legs tried scratching me in the face but I pulled my head back out of her reach. After struggling for a while longer she finally tapped out. I let go and she rolled out from under me shifting back to her human form. I shifted back as well. 

“Congrats. He’s all yours.” She said, shaking my hand. There was a sadness in her eyes, “You truly deserve each other.” 

“Thank you. You put up one hell of a fight.” I said as the blood from my leg started seeping through my jeans. 

“Sorry for the cheap shot to your injury.” She said, “But after being told how good you were, I figured it was my only shot.” 

“It’s all good. All is fair in love and war.” I smiled at her as I took a seat in the snow. 

“Well. I guess I’ll see you at school Monday.” She smiled, as she walked back to the town hall. The rest of her pack stood glaring at me until they realized she had left. 

I did it. I actually did it. I thought to myself as I rolled onto my wound letting the snow chill the wound through my jeans. “Oh no you don’t.” Theo said picking me up and holding me to his chest as we walked back to the town hall. The elders took their places at the head table pulling a new chair up for my grandfather. 

“Well the victor of the fight is Alexandria Mae Rose. She is now promised to my son Theodore Winter.” Andy said. “Do you young love birds have anything to say to your future packmates?” 

“Yeah. I, Theodore Jamison Winter, claim you Alexandria Mae Rose as my natural mate, in this life and the next.” Theo said. 

“I, Alexandria Mae Rose, accept your claim Theodore. In return I claim you as my natural mate, in this life and the next.” I responded. He kissed me then, and placed a small promise ring with an alexandrite stone in it on my left hand. 

“Just until we get the real ones in a couple years.” He whispered to me. My eyes locked on Jessica who stood in the back of the hall starting to clap and cheer, while everyone from our packs followed her lead. The rest of her family sat stone faced and silent, but no one seemed to mind. 

“Well this meeting is adjourned.” Andy said, with a bang of his gavel. “There will be an engagement party to follow at our house, everyone is invited.” 

“Well done, pup.” Papaw said, clapping me on the back, “Although if you were natural mates you didn’t have to go through the whole challenge you know?” He asked me, “You could have just walked in and claimed him during that first meeting.” 

I rolled my eyes, “I know Papaw, but I wanted to do this the honorable way.” 

“That’s my girl.” He said with a wink and ruffled my hair before walking off.