Chapter 20

T he world’s top Alphas line a sweeping, grassy field behind the Community Center, their boasting pheromones forcing spectators to cover their noses. Front and center are Noah, Viktor, Tāne, Reid, and six other huge wolves—last year’s top ten Alphas.

A golden crest plate hangs over Noah’s chest to signify Greenfield Forest’s heritage, its emblem flashing in the afternoon sun. Just like the massive trees encircling the field today, embossed evergreens frame a shining full moon and a howling wolf’s head on the crest’s front—a long-standing signifier for Greenfield Pack’s prominence in the Pacific Northwest.

Noah’s broad form holds an elevated regality to his every breath in his traditional garb, but Noah doesn’t seem to agree; he rolls his shoulders for the tenth time this minute. When my concern spikes from his eleventh shoulder roll, Noah deflates. Sorry. This stupid chunk of metal is uncomfortable.

No matter how hard my hands shake, I force myself to smile when we meet eyes across the field. It’s an heirloom, love. It means something to more wolves than just your mom.

Well, it makes me look ridiculous. And it didn’t even fit my dad.

I bite back a laugh as Noah stands even taller in defiance, his glowering making a few Alphas lean ever-so-slightly away from him. I don’t think anyone was built as big and strong as my Alpha in the old days. Not even your dad.

Noah’s wolf bristles with pride in our bond as he steps forward, Johannes introducing him as the Greenfield Alpha. My heart pounds; Noah’s stare remains pinned on me, his flaring affection for me only agitating him further.

But to protect his body and Greenfield’s status, he needs to be riled up—within reason.

I think it’s time to give him something to look forward to. Good job, Alpha. Keep it up, and you just might get your surprise tonight.

As Viktor’s announcement finishes, Noah breaks into a knowing grin, sending a shudder down my whole spine.

Are you sure you’re ready for your surprise, Luna? I might have too much fun teasing you with it, myself.

Neither of us tear our eyes from each other as my wolf spills my secrets, rolling over to be mated. I cross my legs, pretending I’m massaging my neck with both palms over my scent glands. Good thing Noah took a rut suppressant this morning, or else this competition would turn into another accidental orgy.

Johannes announces today’s preliminary battle pairings, the Alphas fighting until only ten undefeated wolves remain for tomorrow’s semi-finals.

So wonderful.

The second the Alphas are released to battle their first pairings, Noah rips off his family crest with terrifying speed. Multiple Alphas flinch, and a few Lunas giggle in delight at my shirtless mate. Scowls crease their jealous Alphas’ cheeks, but Noah doesn't care to notice. He's too busy eyeing me up and down, his chest puffing as the Alpha musk in the wind draws his wolf to the surface.

But I’m sweating too much to keep flirting. I’m nervous as hell. I know Noah can sense it and can’t keep his eyes off me, determined to protect me, but in a way, his concern benefits us: wolves are petrified by him, not even paying attention to their current competitors as they section off into the field with their heads turned toward my mate.

“Hey,” Annika mutters, taking her seat beside mine. For the first time since we’ve met, she’s not smiling.

My stomach gurgles. “Hey.”

“I hope Waimārie can join us soon, but she’s worried sick—quite literally. I feel awful for her.”

“Goddess, poor Luna. I feel her pain. Your pain.”

Annika grabs my hand, but it’s not enough. I huddle into her side, my eyes trained on Noah’s rippling back. As his first competitor shifts into a snarling brown and black wolf, my stomach drops. Why aren’t you shifting?

Noah doesn’t answer, his human shoulder blades gliding over his back with every deep, focused inhale.

When the starting bell sounds, Noah grips his competitor’s wolf by the snout.

The wolf rolls over in a heartbeat, submitting in forfeit.

I bite back a laugh as Noah’s wolf prances in our bond, clearly proud despite Noah’s irritation with the event.

He glances at me just long enough to roll his eyes. It’s going to be a long day.

I chuckle. Well, you look hot.

Noah drops his head to hide a smile. His next competitor takes the opportunity to shift, aiming to catch him off guard.

Just like the Luna that slithers into the row of chairs behind Annika and me, poking her head between our shoulders until we’re forced to separate. “You’re the Greenfield Luna, right?”

From her mocking tone alone, I recognize her: the Illinois Luna from Brightville Pastures Pack. Annika shoots her a glare, but I simply nod in response to the Luna’s question, my eyes returning to their focal point on Noah’s back. He takes the second competitor down the same way, his dominant scent alone weakening the Alpha’s knees.

“I’ve heard about you. A lot about you, actually,” the Illinois Luna says.

I stiffen, suddenly aware I know next to nothing about her, beyond that her mate is a huge jerk. Guilt floods my senses; I hate when people only know me as “Noah’s mate,” and here I am, doing the same thing.

“I’m so sorry, I'm a little foggy from the Summit excitement so far.” I attempt to seem open as I turn to her with a polite smile, hoping she doesn’t automatically hate us as much as her mate does. But I’m met with a judgmental, lifting eyebrow. “Can you remind me of your name, Luna? I know we sat a few seats apart at the dinner, but there wasn’t a lot of... talking.”

I’m the only one who chuckles at my joke. The Luna’s returning smile loses all authenticity, stripped of emotion despite stretching further. “Clarice. Clarice Brightville.”

My palm covers our baby on instinct. “Nice to meet you, Clarice. I’m Aliya.”

I’d rather not waste my time on a random woman glaring at me, so I turn my sights back on Noah. He’s downing the fourth Alpha, this time having to use physical force.

“Hey, I have a question.” Clarice stands, her hands bumping our spines as she leans on our chairs and causing poor Annika to jump.

I glance between the two Lunas, unsure by their frigid expressions if gossiping is yet another unsavory tradition at the Summit. “Oh, um... Okay. I’m a bit busy right now.”

Clarice lets out a sharp laugh. “It’ll be quick. And don’t take this the wrong way, but—” She leans in, her wavy brown hair brushing my shoulder as she lowers her voice to a sharp point. “What are you, exactly?”

Heat blasts my cheeks as I rub my belly.

I know I shouldn’t be embarrassed of myself since there’s nothing wrong with being a hybrid, but she said that as though I smell like something is seriously wrong with me.

Noah thrashes the fifth competitor to the ground a little too hard, the poor wolf letting out a yipe.

Fuck. He must sense I'm upset.

But I'm angry too. If this is how wolves plan to treat our pup, I better set some boundaries before they're born.

Flipping my hair over my shoulder to look Clarice in the eyes, I straighten my back. “What am I, Luna? I’m my pack's first hybrid Luna. And possibly your future Queen, by the looks of it. Which could make me the first hybrid Queen Luna.”

Clarice blinks a few times, gaping. Then she places a hand on her sternum, letting out an exasperated breath. “Why, I never. Calling yourself the Queen, right in front of our current Queen Luna too?”

Annika leans into me, keeping her volume loud enough for Clarice to hear. “Ignore her. Everyone who truly cares about me knows I don't care about titles. You and I both know it could’ve been possible for either of our mates to be King last year—just like many years before it.”

Clarice scoffs, crossing her arms. She straightens behind us, busying her focus with the crowd, and I hope that’s the end of her tirade.

The three of us flinch as Noah slams another Alpha into the grass.

“A hybrid Luna, huh?” Clarice mutters.

I finally return her stare, my eyes boring into hers with no mercy left inside me. “Do you have a problem with that?”

Clarice laughs, attempting to hide the annoyance I can smell. “Not at all! I'm just relieved to finally understand why you smell like that.”

My belly aches beneath my palm. No matter how confident I am, my heart tears a little for our baby. Are they going to have to hear this their whole life? All because I'm their mom?

Guilt burns throughout my chest cavity. In the distance, Noah lets out a vicious snarl.

When Waimārie shows up a second later, her forehead contorts her washed-out skin—losing its usual warmth after what I assume has been an afternoon of illness. I open my mouth to ask about how dreadful she must feel, but I’m startled speechless by her fury, her eyes latching onto Clarice before she even acknowledges us. “Oi, you— What’s all this about?”

Clarice laughs, opening her mouth to speak.

But Annika whips her head around. “Are you done now? I think you are.”

Clarice reddens. Jabbing a finger at me, she grits her teeth. “She didn't even answer my question; she just dodged it with another shocking truth about how much the West Coast has devolved. I meant what are you—an Omega? Alpha? Beta? No offense, but I’m not used to wolves like you being so... ambiguous.”

As Clarice’s eyes sweep down me, her lip curling higher in disgust, my cheeks blaze hotter by the second. Annika’s hand tightens around mine, and Waimārie presses against the back of my chair to join her in defending me, but it doesn’t stop my eyes from watering.

And it’s clear this bigoted Luna plans to double down. “There’s a lot of talk around, wondering what’s different about Greenfield. Alpha Noah is... You know. Shy . Especially for an ‘Alpha.’” Clarice laughs, stoking a fire in my gut. “Are you sure he really has a ballsack?”

Annika shrinks beside me as I revert from shame to absolute rage. I don’t know why our wolf sexes are so ambiguous either, but I don’t think that means something is wrong with us. Especially not my sweet Noah.

My fangs flash without my permission. Annika dives behind my back, scrambling past our row’s chairs to huddle into Waimārie’s side, and Clarice whines.

“Do I need to sit you down with my four-year-old preschoolers, or can you find it in yourself to remember what’s appropriate to ask strangers?”

My musk attracts a swarm of every Alpha in the vicinity, already heated and volatile—including Logan Brightville, heading straight for me to protect his mate.

But my wolf is still fuming. Instead of letting it go, I growl at Logan. “Stay back!”

Logan bursts into a sprint. His bustling power charging for me shoots defensive pheromones from my neck.

Shit. I’ve fucked up beyond repair. Running will only make Logan chase me, but a fight with an Alpha twice my size is a death sentence.

But a commanding voice erupts from behind me. “Hey!”

Relief floods my chest when I spot Reid Nordskov, the Idaho Alpha’s focus locked on Logan as he races toward us.

Wolves around us dart away, Annika and Waimārie included, but I dash to Reid’s side. That doesn’t stop Logan from cracking his knuckles, restarting his prowl. My growls peter out with my fear, even with Reid’s warm palm on my back.

But Noah parts the crowd with his Alpha musk alone. As he peers down at me with yellow eyes, my eyes water from everyone’s stinging scents. Noah mistakes it for tears.

His rumbling growl vibrates through my chest. “Who the fuck forgot to not mess with my Luna?”

Reid steadies his voice. “Hey, hey, hey. Breathe .”

Noah grips Logan by the jaw, making the bulky man's shoulders raise to his ears in panic. “You didn’t learn your lesson on the porch yesterday? She bites back.”

Reid’s hand on Noah’s chest finally snaps him out of it. Noah drops Logan, who promptly shoves Noah.

Viktor catches my mate before he stumbles, the King Alpha’s hunting eyes in full force as he rights Noah on his feet. As Viktor speaks into Noah’s ear, Noah nods, his wolf slowing from deep snarls to a soft growl in our bond.

I grip Noah’s wound fist. “I’m okay. We’re okay.”

Reid keeps his eyes trained on Noah, even as Noah softens into my touch.

But Viktor’s shoulders loosen. “Hey, there you go. You good, bro?”

Noah swallows hard, nodding a few times. “...Yeah.”

Viktor pats Noah’s chest. “Sweet. Get back to it, Alphas.”

Wolves disperse across the field, some already pairing back up with their next opponent.

But Noah hugs me tight, forcing his irritated competitor to wait. “What happened? Were they rude to you verbally or physically forceful too?”

My gut churns once I remember I mainly snapped in defense of Noah . The last thing he needs to hear are degrading rumors about him. He needs to stay confident.

“Let’s talk about it later. Please don’t worry so much about me.”

“I can’t help it. I hate this event.”

I nuzzle into Noah’s chest with a sigh, and he gives me an extra squeeze. But his wolf paces, desperate to head back into the action—and giving me an idea.

With a laugh at his precious wolf, I hold Noah tighter, batting my eyes up at him. “ You might hate it, but who is that Alpha I see strutting around our bond, all proud of himself for not even having to use his claws yet?”

Noah groans, tipping his head back.

“Hey, look at me.”

Noah peeks at me with a sigh.

I plant a soft kiss on his lips, keeping our stares locked. “I’m not scared of you.”

Noah’s wolf puffs his chest even higher, indulging in every second of my wolf’s nuzzles and licks.

“Let him take over to fight for you. He wants to,” I whisper.

“He’s aggressive.”

“And what does he always say about needing to be ready to protect the pack? His aggression isn’t needlessly violent, Noah. Out of every Alpha here, your aggression keeps the peace.”

Noah’s focus flits between my eyes.

Then his jaw hardens. “You’re a fucking Goddess-sent angel, Luna, I swear. And you’re the only one here who can tame me.”

My heart flips as he whispers those last words into my ear, their meaning holding a lot more weight as wolves surrounding us scurry from his single footstep. By Noah’s fifth step back from me, his chest expands, fur sprouting from every pore as he bursts into his black bear of a wolf.

Except his fur stands at full attention, turning him from a giant to a Titan.

Holy shit. I knew he was huge, but so are most Alphas here—especially compared to the average wolf. They're the most powerful Alphas in the world, but Noah’s beefy wolf makes every shifted Alpha look like a lanky teen.

Multiple Alphas roll over in defeat, even before Noah has a chance to be paired up with them.

I press my fingertips to my lips, preventing myself from breaking into inappropriate laughter; Noah’s wolf looks just as annoyed as his human side, giving an irritated grumble at the bellies facing the sky in a heap around him.

Hey, look! Now you don’t have to fight as many wolves today.

But just as I mindlink this thought, Logan steps forward to face off against Noah, baring his fangs in his human form.

At least not wolves with a conscience, Noah mindlinks.

“I heard from Mason Hart,” Logan says.

I squish my palm tighter against my mouth, afraid I’ll get sick.

Noah bristles, but his wolf doesn’t budge a single other muscle.

Logan crosses his arms, his nude body in full view. “Everyone’s heard the rumors by now. You smelled like an Omega as a pup, didn’t you?”

Noah’s huff from his snout is sharp, dirt clouding around his paws. But the shame in his side of our bond makes my knees shake.

What's this Alpha talking about? I've never felt Noah's confidence take such a deep hit.

“It’s time you learned your place—from a real Alpha.” Logan shifts, his spotted brown paws landing in a threatening sprawl. He flicks his tail at Noah, his ears jutting toward the sky with his angry snarls.

But Noah doesn’t hesitate. With one swing of his paddle-like paw, he bats Logan to the ground.

I wince as Logan yipes. But he bursts from the ground twice as furious, lunging for Noah’s throat with his claws extended.

Oh, my God, no—that's not allowed!

It happens faster than I know how to react. All I can do is scream, afraid I’m about to watch my mate die.

But this time, Noah’s batting paw hits Logan so hard, I hear a loud crack . I gag, turning my back before I have to see what I just heard. I know exactly what that sound was from an unfortunate playground incident at my old preschool: the sound of bones snapping. The imagery alone has me struggling to keep my lunch down, shaking as I grip the edge of the planter boxes behind our spectator seating area. But as Logan’s wolf bleats in pain, wolves stream over in hordes, and I know I have to help Noah with damage control among our packs.

Attempting to still the panicked wolf, multiple hands stabilize Logan’s body before he breaks his leg further; it's dangling like a snapped branch in the wind.

Once again, Viktor is forced to mediate, stopping at Noah’s side with an angry shove. “Dude, what the fuck?!”

Noah shrinks despite his massive size, his ears pasting to the sides of his head.

This single, minor flash of guilt causes Alphas to perk up across the field, seeking their chance to dominate Noah.

I dart into the midst of the Alphas without thinking, gripping Noah's fur as he whines over Logan on the floor.

But when he realizes I watched it all, his wolf's huge puppy-dog eyes aren’t the only things that make an appearance.

I-I’m sorry, Luna, I didn’t mean to hurt someone like this— I— His wolf whines, crouching lower and lower at my feet. Submitting himself to me in regret.

I gasp. Noah, don't! Get up!

The more wolves circle us, the more my Alpha musk shows itself.

Luna, I don’t know what’s wrong with me this year. Please, don’t think differently of me—

My wolf pushes to the surface, stealing the color from my vision as she prepares to defend Noah.

Oh, Goddess, help us. Something must’ve severely triggered Noah’s trauma. He’s in a purely primal panic state, and his Alpha scent is fading.

Viktor turns to Noah with a deep growl. “Why the fuck are you groveling? Shift back and apologize.”

As Viktor towers over my mate, the last thread of control over my wolf snaps.

I step closer to the King Alpha. “Are you serious? Do you want him to go all out, or not?”

Viktor faces me head on, staring me straight in the eyes in a true challenge. To my surprise, he doesn’t appear offended about me holding his stare, meeting me face to face to challenge me back. “I do want him to go all out. With me . He knows this is too far, Luna.”

“So now you’re shaming him for showing remorse? Maybe his dangerously cocky opponents could learn a thing or two from it. They should also realize when it’s time to protect themselves and accept defeat when they’re outmatched.” I gesture to the crying Alpha on the ground, howling as wolves fasten his leg to a thick tree branch. “And isn’t lunging for a throat kill not allowed? If Noah didn't guard himself, our baby and I could've died with him!”

Viktor's eyes widen, turning his sights to the shattered Alpha on the ground. “Did you go for his fucking throat, Alpha Logan? Claws or fangs extended?”

Logan groans, not daring to meet Viktor’s eyes.

Clarice strokes her mate’s fur, tears streaming down her cheeks as she stares between us, wide-eyed. “M-maybe Alpha Noah isn't even an Alpha! He doesn’t smell like it.”

My fangs ache, extending further. “His paw just shattered another Alpha's leg. Omega or Alpha, you can’t deny he’s powerful. And I’m proud of who he is.”

Noah gives out a soft whine, finally meeting my eyes again. Our bond erupts with his gratitude.

But my breath shakes. Circling Alphas stare at me in a new light, and Lunas cower from me.

Clarice sharpens her stare, her voice lowering. “Are you sure you’re not the Greenfield Alpha? Why do you get a free pass from the fight?”

A laugh rumbles behind us. Before I turn around, chills race down my body, but when I see who it is, my stomach coils. Matthew Hillcrest, Florida’s top Alpha, steps behind Clarice—likely the only time he’ll side with an Omega, since his pack’s volatile stance toward Omegas has him on our yellow list.

Sandy blonde hair over a jacked chest, Matthew sets his wolven glare on me, raising my wolf’s hackles. “You want to know why she gets a free pass? Because she's yet another irrational, violent mother wolf. And you all complain about us Alphas being out of control? Well, look at her. She’s a pregnant, hormonal Omega who reeks of fake Alpha. Where the fuck would we place someone like her?”

My mouth opens and closes, my eyes flitting from one wolf to the next. Some are disgusted by me, others terrified.

Waimārie scoffs. “Compared to tantruming grown men like you, placing a mother wolf should be a simple task.”

Tāne snorts, crossing his bulky arms—and forcing Matthew to shut his mouth before he even tries to retort. But when my focus lands on Annika, in particular, cowering behind Viktor, my heart overflows with shame.

What if there really is something wrong with me?

Noah leaps to his feet, widening the circle of wolves around us.

His Alpha musk returns in full force, but the ache in our bond is undeniable. It physically hurts my heart.

Things are different now. Our status with other packs might not ever be the same again, now that everyone knows Noah and I are... Well, “like this.”

No one relaxes, even when Noah shifts back into his human form. He hugs me into his side, inhaling my mark before giving it a gentle kiss.

“I will never be embarrassed by who you are,” he breathes.

My chin wobbles through fresh tears.

When Noah turns to the crowd, they all flinch. But his voice comes out soft and even.

“I’m sorry for using excessive force. That was not my intention.” Noah steps away from me, his open demeanor allowing the surrounding wolves to relax their taut arms. “As a traditional peace offering in my pack, I’d like to offer my help in healing your wounds.”

Reid hums in agreement with this idea, and multiple wolves seem to feel the same, a crowd of heads bobbing in unison. My clenched fists soften, leaving me to rub out the stinging impression my fingernails left in my palms.

Noah stoops over Logan’s leg to aid the healing process with his tongue.

But the half-shifted wolf shoves him away. “I don’t want an Omega's pity.”

I suck in a sharp gasp. All I can see are Noah’s frozen shoulders, still hovering over the cowering Alpha.

But in Noah’s heart, I know he’s absolutely gutted, a knife-like pain jabbing the depths of my core.

Viktor growls. “Alright, Brightville, you don't want pity? I’ve lost it all for you. You’re disqualified from all foreseeable Summits.”

Logan’s eyes bulge. “W-what?!”

“You fucking heard me. You went in for a kill strike; you’re out. Everyone else? We’re taking an hour break. Go cool off.”

Noah doesn’t waste a second in taking my hand, guiding me away from the crowd. As I chase after my mate, his soft sniffles tear at my heart.

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