Chapter 4
Elena's POV
Morning sunlight hit my eyes as Drake and I stepped out of the stone cabin, immediately feeling gazes from every direction. Some curious, some contemptuous, others openly hostile.
Great, this is what I get for hooking up with the "enemy."
Ella pushed through the crowd, grabbing my arm and pulling me aside. She glanced nervously at Drake, lowering her voice. "Have you completely lost your mind? Mating with the Northern Alpha? The whole pack is going crazy!"
"So how's my 'traitor' rating?" I asked bluntly.
"Split down the middle. Elder Nimos says you've betrayed tradition by choosing an enemy over your own. But Elder Erin thinks you made a wise decision that prevented war."
I snorted. "Like I actually care what they think. This is the first time I've made a decision for myself—not based on pack expectations or some liar's promises."
"Seriously, Elena," Ella squeezed my hand worriedly, "are you sure he won't slit your throat in the middle of the night? The Northerners are known for..."
I looked toward Drake, standing a few steps away, calmly observing his surroundings, seemingly unbothered by the hostile stares. Last night he could have easily taken advantage, but he chose to respect my space.
"I'd rather face direct harm than endure the kind of betrayal from certain people," I said coldly.
Suddenly, commotion erupted from the training grounds. A group of warriors had formed a circle, with Drake and Marcus—one of our strongest fighters—at its center.
Damn it. I rushed over.
Marcus was circling Drake, chest puffed out—classic challenging posture. The surrounding warriors were egging him on.
"I hear Northerners fight like beasts," Marcus taunted loudly. "No technique, no tactics—just brute force and bloodlust."
Drake stood calmly, but I noticed his jaw tightening.
"Perhaps you should verify that rumor yourself," Drake said casually, "rather than relying on hearsay."
Marcus flashed a provocative smile. "That's exactly what I intend to do, Northerner. Let's see if you're worthy of our princess."
Without warning, Marcus shifted and lunged at Drake.
Damn!
But to everyone's shock, Drake not only dodged easily but completed his own transformation in the same instant. His wolf form was even larger than Marcus's by a considerable margin.
The two wolves battled across the training ground, dust flying. Marcus's attacks were precise and quick; Drake displayed surprising adaptability and raw power, countering unexpectedly each time he seemed to be hit.
As the fight continued, everyone could see it—Drake possessed not just strength but astonishing tactical intelligence.
When Marcus lunged for Drake's throat, Drake suddenly sidestepped, causing Marcus to miss. He quickly countered, pinning Marcus to the ground with his teeth hovering above his throat.
Everyone held their breath, waiting for Drake to deliver the killing blow. But surprisingly, Drake released Marcus, backing away several steps before shifting back to human form.
"Good fight," he said simply.
Marcus looked at him in confusion, panting as he shifted back. "You... fight differently. Not as... primitive as they say."
Drake's mouth curved slightly. "In the North, showing respect after proving strength matters more than winning the battle."
The observing warriors exchanged glances, clearly surprised by Drake's behavior. I noticed several nodding, the hostility in their eyes lessening somewhat.
As the crowd dispersed, I approached Drake. "You could have completely defeated him, silenced everyone. Why hold back?"
Drake looked at me, his gaze penetrating. "I didn't come here to make more enemies. Besides, humiliating your packmate would only make your life here more difficult."
His answer caught me off guard, and I uncomfortably touched my neck.
Don't be fooled by temporary kindness, Elena. Remember Kane's lying mouth.
That afternoon, Drake made a suggestion.
"Had enough of those judgmental looks?" he asked. "I want to teach you something. Let's go to the northern hunting grounds."
I was about to refuse, but compared to enduring the scrutinizing gazes in the settlement, a hunting trip sounded much better. We shifted into wolf form and raced toward the northern forest.
After shifting, the world immediately came alive. Scents became extraordinarily clear—damp soil, distant deer herds, and Drake's unique northern scent, like a mixture of pine and snow. His wolf form was much larger than mine, his deep gray fur gleaming as he moved.
Stop staring, I reminded myself, quickening my pace to catch up.
The forest welcomed us, dappled sunlight filtering through the canopy, the air filled with pine and wildflower fragrances. Drake slowed, turning to face me.
I want to teach you Northern hunting techniques, his thoughts came clearly. It'll pass time and enhance your survival skills.
We Silver Moon wolves have our own hunting methods, I responded defensively. We value planning.
Silver Moon ways are too rigid, he countered directly. Planning matters, but over-reliance means missing changes and ignoring instincts.
I couldn't help my sarcastic response. So Northern wolves just charge into the forest and hope to get lucky?
Amusement flashed in Drake's eyes. No. We feel the forest, become part of it rather than conquerors. Try closing your eyes and sensing with your other faculties.
I gave him a skeptical look but decided to try. Following Silver Moon tradition, I analyzed wind direction, terrain, and potential prey routes, then set traps. I executed each step carefully, but twice the agile prey sensed danger at the last moment and escaped.
See? Drake prompted after the second failure. You're so focused on executing your plan that you miss the changes happening. Wild animals sense danger better than you think. Try my way.
I mentally sighed. Fine, show me your "Northern wisdom."
Drake moved behind me, his mental voice deepening. Close your eyes. Feel the wind, hear the ground vibrations, smell the air. Don't think—just feel.
I closed my eyes, trying to relax. At first, only chaotic sensory information flooded in, but gradually, the forest's sounds became clearer. Rustling leaves, distant stream flows, and... the slight sound of hooves on fallen leaves.
Southeast, I instinctively thought. A mountain goat, alone. Adult male, I think.
Good, Drake approved. Now, don't plan. Let your body follow instinct. Become part of the forest, not an intruder.
I took a deep breath and, unlike before, didn't calculate the best route or set traps. Instead, I let instinct guide me, moving silently through the trees like a shadow. I felt at one with the forest, each step naturally light.
Approaching the goat, it seemed completely unaware of danger. With one swift lunge, my teeth precisely caught its throat. It was my first time capturing such an agile prey alone.
I did it! I couldn't hide my excitement. It feels... completely different. Like conversing with the forest rather than fighting it.
Drake watched me. Now you understand. This is living in harmony with nature, not dominating it.
Suddenly realizing I was sharing my joy with the "enemy," I quickly composed myself. Um... thanks for the lesson. It's just... a different approach. Silver Moon tactics have advantages in complex terrain too.
Drake noticed my withdrawal but didn't press. Of course. Every pack has wisdom. Today was about exchange, not judgment.
As we prepared to return with our prey, I had to admit this Northern Alpha was much smarter than I'd expected.
Maybe I should reconsider some assumptions... but stay vigilant, Elena.