Chapter 0407

The moment I laid eyes on the Alpha of Crimson Moon Pack, his resemblance to Leopold was unmistakable. Though Leopold was the eldest, his lack of a wolf had cost him the Alpha position, which their father gave to his younger brother instead. When Rafael took over, he allowed Leopold to remain in the pack but chose that worthless excuse of a wolf as his Beta. From what Leopold had shared, this Beta had tormented him relentlessly while Rafael turned a blind eye. After witnessing their interaction firsthand, I realized Leopold hadn't been exaggerating.

"What the hell! If my brother has a problem with my Beta or any pack member, he answers to me." Rafael snarled, helping his Beta up from the ground.

"Rafael, isn't it?" I stepped closer, my voice dripping with contempt. "I'm Leopold's Alpha now, and I was simply giving this pathetic excuse for a wolf what he deserved. Your mistake in overlooking your brother was my gain."

"You made a wolf-less man your Beta?" Rafael scoffed. "What kind of joke of an Alpha are you?"

I closed the distance between us until we were nose to nose. "The kind who recognizes true strength. My Beta could outmaneuver yours blindfolded, with both hands tied behind his back."

Rafael smirked. "Maybe you'll get to test that theory tomorrow. If they're matched in the first round. No way your Beta lasts more than one round without a wolf. Doesn't matter that he's an Alpha."

A slow, dangerous smile spread across my face. "Funny you should mention that. I checked the tournament brackets before coming here. My Beta faces yours in the opening match. May the best wolf win."

"Oh, he will," Rafael sneered. "And it'll be my Beta standing victorious."

"Good luck with that fantasy." I turned away dismissively. "You'll need it."

Watching them retreat, I turned to Isolde. "Let's get some food before the afternoon battles. Beatrice is still competing."

"You know Leopold can fight his own battles, right?" Isolde arched an eyebrow.

"Absolutely. But that bastard had it coming. Seraphina and Evelyn showed restraint by not breaking his nose. Someone had to finish the job."

We entered the dining hall and loaded our plates. Just as we were about to sit, Leopold jogged up, his expression a mix of amusement and disbelief.

"Alpha, did you really punch Rafael's Beta?"

"Damn right I did." I took a bite, completely unfazed.

"Mind telling me why?"

I met his gaze steadily. "Besides the obvious? He was threatening Genevieve and Finnian, acting like a complete asshole. Seraphina and Evelyn handled him, but I thought he deserved something more... memorable. Might have mentioned you sent your regards."

Leopold dropped into a chair, shaking with silent laughter before it burst out uncontrollably. "I wish I'd seen that."

"You know you're facing him first thing tomorrow, right?"

His head snapped up, a predatory grin spreading across his face. "Is that so?"

"I expect you to wipe the floor with him, Leopold." Isolde said firmly.

"Consider it done, Luna."

Lillian joined us with two plates, handing one to Leopold before taking Felicity from Genevieve.

After lunch, we returned to the tournament grounds. Beatrice was dominating her matches, just as I'd expected. Though she'd always been skilled, Sebastian's training had taken her abilities to another level.

By day's end, Beatrice secured third place, earning cheers from our entire pack. Nightshade's Lead Warrior took second, while Sebastian claimed first - no surprise given how often he sparred with the Guardians.

The updated rankings flashed on the leaderboard:

1st Place: Nightshade Pack - 280 points

2nd Place: Blackthorn Pack - 240 points

3rd Place: Sanctuary Pack - 225 points

Adrian's pack had made impressive gains. Even without competing today, we maintained our top-three position.

While Isolde went to congratulate Beatrice, I spoke with other warriors. When I turned to find her, she was no longer with Beatrice. My pulse quickened as I scanned the crowd.

After yesterday's events and the way other Alphas had eyed our mates, Sebastian, Adrian and I had become hyper-vigilant.

"She's over there," Adrian said quietly, having noticed my search. "Talking to that Alpha." We'd all been silently watching out for each other's mates and pack members.

Following his gaze, my blood turned to ice. She was speaking with her father. I moved toward them immediately. The smug expression on his face set my teeth on edge.

As I approached, I caught Isolde's words: "You really don't recognize me, do you?"

"Oh darling," he said condescendingly, "everyone knows you're a Guardian. I'm well aware of who you are."

I stepped behind Isolde, placing a protective arm around her waist. "Do you now? You think you know my mate?" My touch reassured her of my support. His mate and son stood several paces back, observing.

He looked me up and down with obvious disdain - laughable considering I could end him with one blow. The man was decades past his prime.

"I was just explaining to your mate," he said smugly, "that while I'm flattered by her attention these past two days, I'm a happily mated man." Turning back to Isolde, he added, "If you're unhappy, my dear, my pack would gladly welcome a Guardian."

The irony was so thick I nearly choked. Isolde actually laughed in his face. "Is that so?"

He frowned as if she'd lost her mind. "Naturally. I'd be honored to have you as my Guardian, just not as my mate. You understand, of course."

"Oh, I understand perfectly." Isolde's voice turned glacial. "You have no idea who I really am. Father."