The Fall

Chapter 7

Zoe- 2016

As the picnic winds down, I mostly stay quiet, basking in the warmth of the sun. However, I can't help but sense the lingering attention of both Eero and Kamden. Their intense gazes make me feel exposed, yet strangely, they also k****e a simmering heat in my belly, especially every time I lock eyes with Eero.

Kari, takes charge and directs us back to the field, announcing that new events are about to unfold. The atmosphere is charged with anticipation as we make our way back.

Around 4 in the afternoon, a hunting event is organized. Pigs have been set loose, and some of the wolves are tasked with hunting them down for a roast. Large fires are lit, and the fighting circle for the Alphas is prepared. It's fascinating to watch these confrontations unfold. Betas openly challenge Alphas, and the responses vary. Some Alphas decline with laughter, while others take a few minutes to assert their dominance, eventually forcing the beta to yield. I watch as Alpha West effortlessly knocks out a beta with a single punch, displaying his formidable power. Alpha Porter also participates in a few matches, showcasing his prowess.

Next in line for challenges are the Alphas in waiting, and Logan takes the opportunity to explain the intricacies of the hierarchy to me. He mentions that when a son can defeat his father in this arena, the father may choose to abdicate the Alpha role, effectively retiring from leadership. It's an interesting insight into their pack dynamics.

Kamden decides to challenge his father, and while it's a good fight, it becomes evident that Porter is still a much more dominant Alpha. None of the Alphas in waiting manage to defeat those they challenge.

The next round of challenges takes a different turn, with Alphas challenging each other. I don't recognize some of the alphas involved, but one fight particularly grabs my attention. Alpha West challenges Alpha Porter, and the two engage in a brutal battle, both becoming bloodied and bruised. Eventually, West yields, acknowledging Porter's superior strength.

My focus drifts momentarily, but I snap back to attention when I see Eero stepping into the ring. He's being called to fight? The surprise prompts me to ask, "Eero is an Alpha?"

Logan, who seems preoccupied with the unfolding spectacle in the ring, barely spares me a glance before replying, "Sort of." He doesn't seem inclined to elaborate, his focus firmly fixed on the match, and the entire field falls into a hushed silence as everyone's attention shifts towards the center of the ring, eagerly awaiting the outcome of Eero's challenge.

"What's the big deal?" I whispered, perplexed by the intensity of the crowd's reaction. However, Logan remained silent, his focus fully absorbed by the unfolding spectacle in the ring. The fight itself concluded rather swiftly, leaving me somewhat disappointed and with a sense of unfairness, reminiscent of the earlier challenges involving betas against alphas. Eero hardly seemed challenged, dispatching his opponent in a matter of seconds.

Before Eero even had a chance to step out of the ring, another Alpha was already calling out his name. A palpable silence descended upon the field, and I, too, held my breath, rapt in anticipation. I only exhaled once the fight concluded, which, like the one before it, lasted mere seconds. The Alpha charged at Eero, seemingly relying on his weight to knock him down. However, it was like colliding with a solid wall; Eero didn't budge. Instead, he countered with a rapid barrage of punches to the ribs and gut, causing the Alpha to crumple to the ground, blood spewing, as he clutched his stomach in agony.

Eero extended a hand to help the fallen Alpha to his feet, but even before the injured wolf could respond, another challenger was already in the ring, shouting Eero's name. Eero nonchalantly shrugged and shook the hand of his next opponent.

Unable to contain my curiosity, I leaned over to Logan and inquired, "What is he?" However, my question was met with more silence. The entire audience remained fixated on the ongoing challenges, with Eero effortlessly dispatching each challenger in rapid succession. While Eero didn't possess a significant physical advantage over his opponents, his unmatched speed, precision, and reaction time were nothing short of extraordinary, bordering on the inhuman—qualities not typical even for wolves.

"I've got one more, anyone want it?" Eero called out, spinning around to address the spectators. His arms were outstretched as if inviting another challenger. The entire field remained motionless, all eyes locked onto Eero. Even Alpha Porter, who still bore the marks of his earlier fight, shifted in his seat but made no further move. Eero appeared every bit the champion, displaying an effortless victory that left him looking undaunted and remarkably composed, exuding an undeniable allure. He didn’t even break a sweat, he looked hot and sexy. Perfect for breeding. A voice purred. Huh? I was startled, the words were whispered in my ear and when I looked around no one was there.

As he lowered his arms to his sides, I found myself clapping instinctively. It was an immediate reaction that lasted only a brief moment before the rest of the wolves joined in, adding their cheers and applause, echoing with howls. However, during that fleeting instant before the crowd joined in, Eero's eyes fixed on me. He cast a gaze that seemed to penetrate to my very core. It was a look that sent shivers down my spine – sinister, devious, and undeniably dangerous.