Chapter 26: The Second Trial

"The second phase of the trial is significantly more arduous and could potentially put your life at risk," warned the examiner. The participants murmured anxiously, their minds racing with uncertainty and dread. Though they were unaware of the impending danger, an ominous foreboding hung in the air.

A member of the pack stepped forward with a box and distributed sticks to each participant. "Inside this box is a number. Each number corresponds to a partner," he explained. "I got number one!" exclaimed one of the participants, waving his stick in the air excitedly.

"Well then, come over here," the pack member said with a smile. Confused and anxious, the rest of the participants watched as the pair walked away.

"What's happening? I thought the second phase involved our wolves," thought Cheska as she examined the number on her stick. She glanced over at Matthew and her mother, who was engrossed in a serious conversation with another pack member.

"A battle that will determine the strength of your wolf," announced the pack member who had just arrived. They formed a circle, joining hands in a display of solidarity and support.

Concern etched on his face, the participant who held the number one stick asked, "Is it safe to have complete control over our wolves?"

Matthew, walking towards the group, reassured everyone, "That's why the pack is here - to minimize any risk." His voice reverberated through the room, and the skeptics among the group fell silent.

Cheska couldn't help but wonder if this was another one of Matthew's peculiar experiments as a male participant approach her.

"Hey, can I sit with you?" he asked, flashing a friendly smile.

Cheska looked around and saw nothing amiss, so she nodded in agreement and turned her attention to the two individuals who had transformed into their wolf forms.

——*——

"I'm Neo, and you must be Cheska Macbride, right?" the man said with a friendly smile.

Cheska didn't want to come across as rude, so she responded curtly, "Yes, that's me. What can I do for you?" But Neo didn't seem to be bothered by her cold demeanor.

"Cheska, my friend," Neo continued as he gestured towards the group of people behind him, "we're having a post-trial celebration for new pack members. Your family holds a high position in the pack, so you don't need to worry about the trials. Why don't you join us?"

Cheska shook her head, "I appreciate the offer, but I want to earn my place through the trials. I can't celebrate until I know I've succeeded."

Neo chuckled, "Come on now, don't be so hard on yourself. Your mother is the Luna and your brother is the alpha, you're practically royalty in the pack. Besides, you don't want to miss out on the fun."

Cheska couldn't deny that Neo was handsome, but her standards were higher since she had her sights set on someone else - Matthew De Silva. To her, Neo was just too average.

Neo's words dripped with sarcasm, and Cheska stared at him in disbelief. It was becoming apparent that he was her opponent.

"Perhaps you thought you could relax and enjoy yourself after the second match because you don't need to take part in the last part," Cheska muttered coldly.

Neo's smile vanished as he noticed Cheska looking at the stick in his hand. He then glanced at her stick, and a smug expression played across his lips. "So, you're going to be my opponent," Neo said.

Cheska didn't miss a beat. "Hmm... let me share my secret that you surely haven't heard of yet," she retorted, her eyes fixed on the two wolves fighting. "I'm a monster. Behind my angelic face is a beast that lurks within. I don't know if a weakling like you can handle me." Every word Cheska spoke was full of mockery, and her eyes bore into Neo, sending a chill down his spine.

"Really? Do you think I'm a weakling?" Neo retorted. "Coming from you, who failed the first round."

"Let's see if the monster you described will show itself," he whispered, sending shivers down Cheska's spine. "Let's see if the monster you speak of will survive our fight because I will make sure you are crushed!" With that, Neo declared his intentions and left.

Cheska seethed with annoyance. "Who cares! You're so arrogant to think that I'm not qualified to be a member of Thunder," she screamed in her mind. Despite everyone's doubts, her mother's influence and Matthew's unwavering support kept her in the pack.

As she exhaled and tried to calm herself, she looked up and saw Matthew's deep eyes fixed on her. 'Had he been watching her this whole time? Did he hear her conversation with the arrogant Neo?

She didn't have time to ponder these questions as the supervisor called out the next number. "Number five! Please come forward!"

Cheska whispered to herself, "You don't need to worry... Your wolf is strong," as she prepared to shift.

Suddenly, Matthew De Silva rose to his feet and strode to the center of the room.

Cheska couldn't help feeling nervous whenever she saw the alpha's serious expression. "Make sure no one leaves their seats until Cheska's shifting is complete," Matthew commanded icily, before turning to Cheska. "Come with me."

Cheska glanced at her mother and saw a glimmer of approval in her eyes, so she trailed after Matthew as he led her to a large rock.

Cheska's eyes widened in disbelief as Matthew stood on the rock next to her. "What are you doing? I can do this alone," she thought to herself but refrained from speaking out loud, not wanting to draw attention to herself.

Matthew De Silva paid no attention to Cheska's anger. Instead, he embraced her and whispered in her ear, "Don't mind the guy earlier. You're going to beat him, and your strength will earn you a place in the Thunder pack." He kissed her forehead and turned away.

Cheska watched him go, feeling a lump form in her throat. How could she deny someone who had always been there for her? He was too perfect for her. She sighed, wiping away a tear.