CHAPTER FORTY

Elena's POV

The silver wolf took a lofty stance and placed itself between Stephen and his father, its eyes blazing with a ferocious intensity. For an instant, everything around us seemed to be buzzing with energy, and nobody moved.

Stephen's father mumbled, "It can't be," in a tone full of skepticism. "The real Alpha."

With its eyes fixed on the Alpha, the silver wolf hissed low, defying him to move.

Stephen moaned as he attempted to get to his feet while still on the ground. Heart thumping, I ran to his side. Stephen, how are you doing?

With a feeble nod, he kept his gaze fixed on the silver wolf. "What the heck is that?"

I said, "I don't know," as my voice faltered. However, it only kept you alive.

With a look of amazement on his face, Darius stepped back. This isn't achievable. The real Alpha doesn't exist.

With a roar, the silver wolf turned to face Darius. There was something about the way it gazed at him that chilled my blood.

When Stephen's father confronted the wolf, his eyes narrowed and he straightened. "Myth or not, I'm not going to back down." He transformed into a wolf, his enormous physique pulsating with strength. "You cannot stop me from claiming my rightful place."

With its gaze fixated on the Alpha, the silver wolf remained still.

There was silence for a bit. Then, without warning, Stephen's father extended his claws and pounced toward the silver wolf.

The silver wolf dodged the onslaught with ease, moving at the speed of light. With a countermove, it swung back, its claws ripping through the Alpha's side. Stephen's father was struck so forcefully that he crashed to the ground and howled in agony.

"No!" Darius surged forward, yelling. "Daddy!"

However, the silver wolf snarled low in its throat as it fixed its attention on him. Darius froze, horror contorting his features.

Stephen's body was still weak after the battle as he fought to stand. With a strained voice, he whispered, "We have to stop this."

Grabbing his arm, I assisted him in standing up. Steve, it's too late. There's a reason why the real Alpha is here.

With pain in his eyes, Stephen shook his head. "This wasn't meant to be the conclusion."

The silver wolf glared once more, refocusing on the Alpha. When Stephen's father attempted to stand, his body trembled and his movements were slow.

"You won't... win," he snarled, fury in his voice.

The silver wolf remained silent. Rather, it moved in closer, eyes brighter than before.

With a growl, Stephen's father lost the ability to fight. As he transformed back into a human, blood seeping from his wounds, his body shook.

Darius, with a pallid face, raced to his side. "We have to go, Father."

With a hushed voice, the Alpha shook his head. Not at all. I'm still able to.

With a step forward, Stephen stated, "You can't." "It is finished."

The Alpha looked at Stephen, his eyes burning with rage. This isn't the end. I'll return, stronger this time.

With warning, the silver wolf gave a low growl and flashed its eyes. It did not accept him. I didn't either.

With shaky hands, Darius assisted his father in standing up. "We must leave. Right now.

After giving the silver wolf a final look, the Alpha reluctantly nodded. "We'll get together again."

Stephen moved forward; rage evident in his voice. You can cease chasing after us if you do so again. permanently.

There was no strength in the sneer the Alpha gave off. "We'll see."

We were left in startled stillness as Darius and his father vanished into the shadows.

Nobody said anything for a while.

Stephen moaned deeply and leaned on me for comfort. "It's finally finished."

The silver wolf looked up at us, its eyes gently sparkling. The way it was looking at us now, there was something soft and recognizable.

"Who are you?" With a trembling voice, I said.

The silver wolf remained silent. Rather, it advanced and fixed its attention on Stephen. It appeared as though it was attempting to communicate with him.

Stephen responded, "Thank you," in a low, appreciative voice.

With a small dip of its head, the silver wolf turned and vanished soundlessly into the forest.

My heart continued to race as I emitted a trembling breath. "What took place just now?"

Stephen gave a bewildered look and shook his head. "I'm not sure. But we were saved by that wolf, whomever he was.

"Are you thinking that it will return?" My question was hardly audible above a whisper.

Stephen cast a doubtful glance in the direction of the wolf's disappearance. "I'm not sure. However, I hope so.

A rustle sounded from the trees, and Leila appeared, her face dusted with mud and pale. "What—what have I missed?"

We exchanged a look, too tired for either of us to elaborate.

Stephen eventually announced, his voice heaving with relief, "Caleb's gone." "And my father is, too."

Leila's gaze expanded. "Your dad?"

I shook my head and muttered, "It's a long story." "But he's no longer here."

Leila looked from one of us to the other, her countenance still bewildered. "And the real Alpha, too?"

With my head still spinning, I slowly nodded. "It literally saved our lives."

Leila whistled softly; her eyes widened in shock. "I never imagined that day would come."

Stephen sighed, fatigue taking its toll on his body. "Hopefully, things remain that way."

We stood silently for a brief while, the weight of everything that had transpired descending upon us. I felt as though everything had changed drastically, and I had no idea how to make sense of it all.

Leila finally stated, "We need to return to the pack," in a firm voice. "They must be aware of what has transpired."

Stephen nodded, a look of uncertainty on his face. "What happens next?"

Leila shrugged; her face serious. "We get ready for the next step."

"What happens next?" My voice trembled as I asked.

Leila's eyes became serious. "We're not sure. However, one thing is certain—this isn't the end.

Her words made my heart sink, but I knew she was correct. The conflict had not ended. Not quite yet.

Stephen put his arm around me and drew me in. We'll tackle it as a team. Whatever the case may be.

I nodded, thinking quickly. "We're going there. However, we must be prepared.

Leila had a determined expression on her face and in her eyes. "We're going to be."

A chilly wind blew through the forest as we turned to leave, and for a split second, I thought I heard a howl far away but familiar echoing through the woods.