Chapter 28: The Alpha’s Intrigue

Even though my body still hurt from the hunting trial, I didn't want to appear weak.  Not just against the duskfangs, but also against the assassin Jared had sent, I had struggled, bled, and lived.  That ought to have been sufficient to secure my spot in Redwater.  The suspicion was still there, though, and I could feel its weight.  While some warriors had reluctantly welcomed me, others had remained cautious, but one thing was for sure—Derek was observing me in a new way.  

His eyes were no longer merely scrutinizing.  It contained something else.  curiosity.  

As I stood close to the training grounds and ran my fingers over the bandages on my arm, I sensed it.  Derek was talking to Cassius and some other fighters across the clearing.  His eyes occasionally darted to me even as he talked about pack defences.  I wasn't sure if that was a sign or a good thing.  

I returned my attention to the task at hand, which was to assist some of the younger pack members with their fighting skills.  It was a modest gesture to demonstrate that I wasn't merely occupying space.  I had begun to help where I could as soon as I had been given permission to rest.  I had to demonstrate my ability to contribute if I wanted to fit in.  

I repositioned a boy named Elias's grip and said, "You're holding the blade too tightly."  He was eager but awkward, perhaps seventeen years younger than me.  "Your movements will be rigid if you hold on to it too tightly.  Let it feel like an extension of your arm as you release your grip.  

Elias nodded, as I had instructed.  His subsequent blow was more fluid.  

"Better," I said, taking a step back.  

A deep voice cut in.  "Are you teaching my pack to fight now?"  

I knew immediately who it was when I turned.  Derek crossed his arms and stood a few feet away.  Something more unreadable took the place of his customary smirk.  

"They requested my assistance," I said calmly.  

After examining me for a while, he nodded in Elias' direction.  "Once more."  

After a moment of hesitation, Elias grabbed the blade and struck the practice dummy.  His movements were crisper and more assured this time.  Derek's eyebrows went up as he watched.  

"You're not bad," he acknowledged.  "Who gave you your training?"  

With caution, I said, "My pack."  "When they were in the mood."  

Derek's jaw tensed a little, as though he could decipher the meaning.  Midnight Moon had never really taught omegas how to fight.  If I had learnt anything, it had been during the brief time I had been able to observe the warriors or practise behind my back.  

Derek's expression changed in a way I couldn't quite identify.  It appeared to be respect.  

Then it vanished as fast.  

He turned on his heel and said, "Come with me," and I followed him despite my reluctance. Derek led me past the main training grounds and through the camp to a more private area near the river's edge, where the sounds of the pack were muffled by the far-off rush of water. I waited for him to speak before responding.

His voice was softer than before when he did.  

"You shouldn't have made it through that hunt."  

I stiffened.  "But I did,"  

He turned to face me fully, his golden eyes sharp.  “That’s exactly why it intrigues me.”  

I scowled.  “Because I survived?”  

“Because you shouldn’t have,” he repeated.  “Most of my warriors wouldn’t have.  A duskfang is one thing.  Two is near impossible.  And an assassin on top of that?”  He gave a headshake.  Claire, you ought to be dead.  However, you aren't.  

His tone was devoid of accusation.  Pure curiosity.  

I let out a slow breath.  "Do you believe I cheated?"  

His mouth quirked.  "No.  I believe you fought harder than anyone anticipated, if anything.  His expression was unreadable as he examined me.  "I don't comprehend you."  

I folded my arms.  "You don't have to comprehend me.  I need you to have faith in my ability to compete.  

He blew out his breath while stroking his dark hair.  It's difficult to gain trust in Redwater.  Not with all that Jared has done.  

At the mention of Jared, I tensed up.  Even here, his reach was long.  

Derek's eyes darkened, as if he had noticed.  "He'll come get you once more."  

"I understand."  

He tightened his jaw.  "And yet you still won't go."  

I lifted my chin.   "I will not be running."  

We remained quiet for a while.   To my shock, Derek then chuckled softly.  

"You're either the bravest omega I've ever met, or the most stupid."  

I arched an eyebrow.   "Which one is it?"  

He tilted his head.   "I still haven't decided."  

The way he said it sounded almost comical, as if he was starting to enjoy this back and forth.   That was new.   Derek had never been sure he wanted to solve the puzzle that was my appearance.   He seemed to be beginning to relish the challenge.  

The thought made me feel more uncomfortable than I should have.  

The next few days were different.  

Derek continued to maintain his distance and his authoritative demeanour, but his gaze had changed towards me.  He was speaking to me differently now.  He was still challenging and incisive, but his words had a new edge that went beyond simply trying my mettle.  It almost piqued my interest.  

He hovered around during training, observing me sparring with other people, and I could see it.  During council meetings, I could see it in the way his eyes darted to me to gauge my responses.  

I saw it most clearly in the fact that he didn't stop me when I took the initiative.  

He didn't reject my suggestion to increase border patrols following the assassination.  He took into consideration my suggestions about the pack's hunting tactics' shortcomings.  

There was no trust.  Not just yet.  

However, it was something.  

Then, one night, everything changed once more.  

Thunder rumbled in the distance as a storm rolled in.  Just after I washed up by the river, I heard voices—quiet, low murmurs.  I leaned against a tree and strained to hear.  

Derek, she's dangerous.  Her true intentions are unknown to us.  

Cassius.  

"She has only proven herself," Derek's voice said, firm and unflinching.  

"That's the issue," Cassius growled.  "You're allowing Jared to roam free in our pack while she spreads lies out there.  What occurs if she betrays us?  

Derek was silent for a long time.  

When he did speak, it was quietly but firmly.  

"She's not the person we need to fear."  

I gasped.  

Derek wasn't merely putting up with me for the first time since I had moved to Redwater.  

He was standing up for me.  

And that was more dangerous than anything else.