Chapter 2
293 Words
The Alpha’s Shadow
Nova was halfway through morning drills when the call came.
“The Alpha wants to see you,” a guard said.
The training ground went quiet for a second. A few warriors glanced at her with curiosity. Being summoned alone was not common.
Nova wiped the sweat from her neck and nodded. “I’ll report now.”
She walked toward the pack house with steady steps. She did not rush. She did not slow down. Inside, her thoughts were sharp.
Why now?
The large wooden doors opened before she reached them. Two guards stepped aside. She entered without hesitation.
Ryder stood near the long table in the main hall. A large map of the territory was spread before him. Several patrol markers had been moved.
He did not look up immediately.
That was power. Making others wait without speaking.
Nova stopped three steps away and lowered her head slightly. “Alpha.”
“Report on the northern border,” he said.
Straight to the point.
“No rogue movement inside the line,” she replied. “But there are signs near the cliffs. Fresh tracks. Three wolves at least. They did not cross.”
Ryder’s finger traced a line on the map. “How old were the tracks?”
“Less than twelve hours.”
He finally looked at her.
“Why didn’t you send me a backup?”
“I handled it.”
A small pause.
“I did not ask if you handled it,” he said calmly. “I asked why you did not call for backup.”
Nova held his gaze. “Because they were testing the border. Not attacking. If we show fear, they push further.”
Something shifted in his expression. Not anger. Approval.
- Writer
