Chapter Thirty Two

The forest closed in around Briar as she raced through the underbrush, the scent of pine and moss sharp in her nostrils. Her paws struck the earth with quiet determination, the rhythm of the hunt pounding in time with her heart. Her pack followed, their presence a constant hum at the edges of her awareness. But this—this was hers to command.

The night was alive with the sounds of the forest—distant rustling leaves, the creaking of trees shifting in the wind, and the soft whisper of the pack’s movement through the shadows. Briar pushed herself harder, her muscles stretching, her senses sharp, feeling every twist and turn of the land beneath her. The hunt was a symphony, one she had practiced for countless nights as a member of the pack, but tonight, she led it. She could feel the weight of every step, every decision.

Orin, the tracker, was already in his element. His nose was to the ground, his paws light and swift as he moved ahead of the group, scanning the forest for signs of prey. Leena, ever the runner, stayed close by, her gaze scanning the trees, her body coiled with energy, ready to chase down whatever they found. Colt, the strong finisher, remained just behind, his bulk a reminder of the power he could unleash when the time came.

Briar’s mind worked with precision. She had chosen them wisely—Orin’s skill with tracking, Leena’s speed, and Colt’s strength would make for a team that could not only find the prey but bring it down efficiently. And her role was simple: lead. Trust them, move as one, and stay ahead of the game. There would be no room for hesitation.

Ahead, Orin’s ears twitched, and his muzzle dipped, sniffing the air with intent. Briar slowed, her own nose lifting to catch the scent he had found. Fresh deer tracks, lightly disturbed, leading deeper into the woods.

Without a word, Orin set off in pursuit, and Briar followed, her paws barely making a sound against the forest floor. Leena flanked her, staying on her left, her body a sleek shadow against the night. Colt trailed behind, keeping his pace steady but alert, ready for whatever came next.

Minutes stretched, each one dragging them further into the dense heart of the forest. The world around them seemed to quiet, save for the soft whisper of wind through the leaves and the occasional snap of a twig beneath a paw. Briar’s instincts sharpened, her focus unwavering. She could feel the energy of the pack flowing around her, even though no one spoke a word. They were with her, their movements synchronized in perfect harmony.

The deer’s trail grew stronger, the scent more pronounced as they drew closer. Briar could feel it—her body humming with anticipation, the thrill of the chase rising in her chest. This was the moment, the one she had waited for, the one that would prove her worth to the pack.

Suddenly, Orin halted, his ears perked, his nose lifted. The others followed suit, instinctively dropping to a crouch, waiting. Briar’s eyes scanned the area, the tension in the air thick enough to taste. Then, she saw it—a flash of movement ahead, the graceful outline of a deer stepping lightly through the trees.

Briar signaled to Leena with a slight tilt of her head. Without hesitation, Leena darted forward, a streak of silver in the night, moving faster than Briar had ever seen her. The deer didn’t stand a chance. It bolted, but Leena was already on its tail, her speed a blur, closing the gap in seconds.

Briar’s pulse quickened, but she remained calm. Colt moved into position, his strong muscles coiling like a spring, ready to deliver the final blow. She could hear the pounding of hooves in the distance, but she was not worried. This was where the hunt came together—where the strength of the pack made all the difference.

The chase was swift but controlled. Leena was a blur, darting in and out of the trees, weaving to confuse the deer. Colt’s steady pace gave him an advantage, and Briar knew the moment would come soon. She kept her focus, watching the deer’s movements, ready to adjust. Every muscle in her body tensed in anticipation.

Then, it happened. Leena darted in one final, calculated burst, closing the gap. The deer veered to the left, but Colt was there. With a powerful leap, he knocked the deer off balance, sending it crashing to the ground. In an instant, Leena was there, her fangs sinking into the prey's neck, ending its struggle.

Briar slowed, her breath coming in heavy bursts, but her mind was clear, sharp. They had done it. The pack had done it. She had led them, and they had worked as one. The hunt was over, the kill secured.

The pack gathered around her, their presence a mix of pride and respect. She met their eyes, one by one, her heart swelling with the realization of what she had just accomplished. She was no longer just Kade’s mate. She was their Alpha.

Kade’s voice broke through the silence, low and filled with pride. “You’ve proven yourself, Briar.”

She turned to face him, her eyes reflecting the same pride. “We’ve proven it.”

The pack’s reaction was quiet at first, but then a few wolves began to nod in approval, their earlier doubts dissipating. The murmurs grew into full nods of respect, the test complete.

Briar’s gaze moved from Kade to the others, and in that moment, she understood—this was just the beginning. The path ahead would not always be easy, but tonight, she had shown them that she was worthy.

And she would lead them into whatever challenges came next.