Fated To My Lycan Stepbrothers
Chapter 45

Naya's

pov

My heart raced as Marley's words hung in the air. I knew exactly what Marley was implying-the challenges to Zeke's authority, the potential for a new Alpha to be chosen. The implications of it all sent a shiver down my spine. They were all too familiar and deadly. It was to fight to the death.

Oh, I have seen this before. The last time, Zeke came out battered and speaking nonsense. It caused a strain in our relationship. Now? I don't even know why he chose this f*****g path! If I thought he was a sociopath before? I was wrong. He is a f*****g psychopath who doesn't care about my feelings, but goes ahead to hurt me all over and over again. I hate you Zeke. Scratch that... my admiration for you has even grown ten times better than the last time. You have no all that.

idea how taking the long cut made you sound and seem sexy. I licked my dry lower lips as he locked his eyes on me. Emotional support, yeah... I was totally Marley's eyes swept over the crowd, her gaze intense as she held the attention of the pack members. She did enjoy having everyone take a little breath and holding it until she was ready to speak again. "But before we proceed with the formal challenge, let's take a moment to discuss the tiny hindrance to this challenge at hand."

Hindrances? There were many of them. I narrowed my eyes on the approaching elders who felt their grand entrance and its impact on the audience was more important than whatever s**t Marley was saying. My mind became torn between my anxieties and the words Marley was speaking. The presence of the elders gave me a sense of unease and at the same time comforted me. The combination was sketchy even for wolves like myself.

Today's event already shook me to my core. I was still surprised at how Naya was able to take over my body without me knowing. Besides, the s**t I pulled at the hallway was nearly discovered. My reading book broke a f*****g thick window glass! How was that even possible? I glanced around at the wolves surrounding me, wondering if they were just as nervous as I was.

Nope. They were mostly excited.

Marley's steady voice brought me back to the challenge at hand. "We lost our former Alpha to a tragedy. However, we need a new one. An Alpha is not just a leader in name. They are the protector of the pack, the one who makes decisions that affect all of us. They must be strong, not only physically, but mentally and emotionally as well. It's a role that comes with great challenges and sacrifices. Elders on the other hand," she gave a knowing look to the Elders in their eerie attire of white and rods. "Are the symbols of unity and control. Whatever the Alpha loses control of, the elders take charge of it. Zeke is here to prove his self control to the elders so that he can be fully acquainted with both sides as free of hindrances."

Naya's pov

As Marley spoke, I couldn't help but steal a glance at Zeke, who stood slightly apart from the Elders. His expression was unreadable as usual, his eyes keenly focused on Marley as she spoke gibberish. Half of what she was saying was lost on the younger wolves, I was sure. It was the older wolves that appreciated her silly words of power. I didn't.

At this point, I wondered what was going through Zeke's mind again. This Alpha would be the death of mes

Then I remembered. Kyle. Where the f**k was Kyle Storm? He usually disappeared during times like this. Zeke would be disappointed, no doubt. I hoped he wasn't somewhere drilling into Brooke. Haven't they broken up already? No. One after the other. Let me deal with Zeke first, Kyle later.

Marley's gaze shifted to Zeke, her eyes locking onto his. "Zeke," she addressed him directly, "are you ready to take on the role of an Alpha, to face the challenges that come with it?"

Zeke's response was firm, his voice carrying a quiet confidence. "I am ready."

I chuckled, feeling a mixture of admiration and concern for him. Despite his facade of bravado and arrogance, I could see that he understood the gravity of the situation. He was willing to step up and fight, even if it meant the wolves tearing his guts out. It was all to replace the murderer of the former Alpha.

Oh, Mr. Diego... you don't know what is coming for you.

Marley nodded approvingly. She stepped back a bit and the elder who I recognized as Elder Freya due to her newly dyed orange hair came forward. She removed the veil that covered her face. It held the same arrogant smirk I saw the other day. I wished I could scratch it off her face with my claws.

"Very well. Then let the challenge begin." She raised her staff high and the people hooted for the Alpha. Although there was tension in the air as the wolves awaited the start of the challenge. "If there is anyone in objection, come forward and stake your claim." Everyone knew this was going to happen sooner or later. The ambitious older wolves already informed their elder children of what to expect at the pack meeting. Who would want an inexperienced wolf without the Beta of the pack to rule over them? I scoffed because it seemed like they preferred their children instead. It didn't stop my heart from racing violently against my chest. This was the moment everything would change. I watched as Elder Freya stepped aside, allowing space for any wolf who wished to challenge Zeke's authority.

Suddenly, a wolf stepped forward from the crowd. His fur was a dark shade of blue, his eyes determined. Did he have to come in his wolf form? I wondered in contempt. I was about to protest in my mind when I recognized his hind legs. s**t! I could recognise those fat limbs anywhere I go. It was none other than Darren. He didn't have the chance to challenge Zeke before, back when Zeke was an unofficial Alpha, and I knew that he was ambitious and hungry for power. He hated losing at all.

Jeez, Darren, walking to your death aren't you? It made me remember the last time Zeke took him out for a discussion. Ever since, Darren hasn't bullied me directly. What exactly transpired between these two?

The tension grew as Darren changed back to his original form. His gaze was locked onto Zeke's. "I challenge you, Zeke," he declared, his voice echoing in the clearing.

Zeke's expression remained calm and collected, his gaze unwavering. "Very well," he replied, his voice steady. It would be a one on one challenge first before they came at him. At the Elders side, the number of wolves who came out for a challenge was getting to ten and still counting. s**t Zeke.

I smirked as I watched the two wolves face off.

Elder Freya's voice held satisfaction. It was as if she knew this was going to happen. Her voice cut through the silence, her words carrying a weight of authority. "Let the challenge begin."

The Alpha wolf and Power wolf lunged at each other, their teeth bared and their claws elongated. I watched in tense silence as Zeke fought for his position. It was a struggle for Zeke seeing as he just recovered a deadly blow to his side. It seemed like Darren was heavier with his blows while Zeke fought with experience, avoiding every blow. I feared for Zeke because the determination to end Zeke's life was evident in Darren's eyes. I didn't need a soothsayer to tell me what had transpired between the two of them. How could I have forgotten the bruise Darren was spotting when he came back from the talk with Zeke? Zeke had beaten him, but he acted like it was okay. I couldn't tear my eyes away from the spectacle. My emotions ran through me, chaotic and restless. On one hand, I feared for Zeke's safety and worried about the potential outcome of the challenge. On the other hand, a part of me couldn't deny the rush of excitement and adrenaline that surged through me as I watched Zeke's intense display of strength and dominance.

"Naya." I heard someone call my name. I turned to replace Kyle beside me, a cloak around him to hide his features from the rest of the wolves. What was he doing here? Being a spy?

He touched my elbow as if to warn me. "Act cool. Don't draw attention to ourselves."

I cleared my throat. "What are you doing here? You are in the midst of excited wolves, they will scent your Alphaly genes and..."

"Which is why I came to you. With you, they won't smell me." I could see a flash of his pearly white teeth. He was f*****g smirking now of all times!