Chapter 241

Chapter 241
Steven's POV

When the Beta from Blackwood Pack skulked away, I caught sight of another wolf approaching—their Alpha.

Despite never having met him before, I instantly recognized him from his features.

This was Caius, Christopher's younger brother. Though Christopher was the firstborn, he'd been passed over for Alpha because he lacked a wolf. Their father had given the position to Caius, who then chose this asshole as his Beta despite keeping Christopher in the pack.

That Beta had tormented Christopher endlessly, and his brother had never stepped in.

Based on what I'd just witnessed, Christopher hadn't exaggerated about any of it.

"What the hell is this?" Caius demanded, helping his Beta to his feet. Blood was still streaming from the man's clearly broken nose.

"If my brother has a problem with my Beta or anyone in our pack, he can come to me directly."

I stepped forward, maintaining my calm despite the anger simmering beneath my skin.

"Caius, is it? I'm Christopher's Alpha. I was simply ensuring this idiot got what he deserved." I let my gaze drift deliberately between them. "You didn't make your brother your Beta, which makes you the real fool here. Your loss, my gain."

Caius's face contorted with indignation.

"You made someone without a wolf your Beta? What kind of Alpha are you?"

I moved another step closer, looking him straight in the eyes. "The kind who understands that even without a wolf, my Beta could still put yours on the ground every single day."

Caius scoffed. "You might get the chance to test that theory if they face off in the first round. Carlos has no wolf. He won't last a single round. Alpha bloodline or not, it won't help him."

A smile spread across my face.

"You're in luck. I checked tomorrow's matchups before coming over. My Beta faces yours in the first round." I let that sink in before adding, "May the strongest prevail."

"Oh, that'll be my Beta, for sure," Caius replied with unearned confidence.

"We'll see about that." I maintained eye contact until they finally backed away and left.

I turned to Hazel, whose eyes sparkled with amusement.

"Come on, I want to grab something to eat before we head back for the afternoon matches."

"You know Christopher could have handled that himself, right?" Hazel said as we walked toward the dining hall.

"I know," I admitted, "but that guy had it coming. Skylar and Grace didn't lay a hand on him, so someone had to teach him a lesson."

We entered the dining hall and filled our plates. Just as we were about to sit down, Christopher jogged over to our table.

"Alpha, you punched my brother's Beta?" His tone was more curious than concerned.

"I did," I replied casually, taking a bite of my food.

"May I ask why?"

I swallowed before answering: "He was mocking Soren and his sprite mates, threatening them, and generally being an ass. Skylar and Grace had already put him in his place, but I thought his nose looked too straight, so I fixed that for him." I shrugged. "I might have mentioned the punch was from you."

Christopher dropped into the seat across from us, shaking his head in disbelief before breaking into laughter that shook his entire body.

"I wish I'd been there to see it!"

"You know you're facing him in the first round tomorrow, right?" I reminded him. He looked up, a slow smile spreading across his face.

"Really?"

"I want you to knock his teeth out," Hazel told him firmly.

"Of course, Luna," Christopher promised, his eyes gleaming with anticipation.

We chatted for a while longer before heading back to watch the competition.

By the end of the day, Noah had claimed victory in the Lead Warrior matches, which wasn't surprising. The guy was our go-to punching bag for testing Guardian abilities—his strength was undeniable.

As day two concluded, Wildfire Pack maintained their lead in first place. Since our pack hadn't competed today, Silver Moon had jumped to second, bumping us down to third.

Hazel went to congratulate Noah while I chatted with some of our other warriors. When I looked back, she was no longer beside Noah. I scanned the crowd, searching for her.

When I finally spotted her, my blood ran cold. She was talking to her father. I immediately strode in that direction, my heart pounding.

As I approached, I heard Hazel saying, "You really have no idea who I am, do you?"

"Oh, my dear," he replied in a condescending tone that made my jaw clench, "everyone here knows you're a Guardian. Of course I know who you are."

I stepped up behind Hazel, placing a protective hand on her waist.

"Do you?" I challenged. "You think you know my mate?" I gently pulled Hazel against me, wanting her to feel my support. Hollis's mate and young son stood several paces behind him, watching us with curious expressions.

Hollis looked me up and down, clearly unimpressed, which was laughable considering I could take him down with a single punch. He was well past his prime.

"I was just explaining to your mate that while I'm flattered by her attention these past two days, I am a mated man." He turned to Hazel with a patronizing smile.

"My dear, if you're unhappy, I could always arrange a place for you in my pack. We would gladly welcome a Guardian."

I couldn't help but snort at the irony, while Hazel actually burst into laughter. "Would you really?"

He frowned, as if he thought she'd lost her mind.

"Absolutely. I'd be pleased to have you as my Guardian, just not as my mate. You understand, of course."

"Yes, I understand perfectly," Hazel replied, her voice steady despite the emotion I could feel radiating through our bond.

"I understand that you truly have no idea who I am. Father."