Intuition

Graham was panting as he listened to the excited rumblings of the pack around him. He paced the arena. Most people were clapping, paying no mind to the actions taken in the fight. Still, some resisted for the same reasons Flint and Eve refrained from applauding.

“That was insane. I should go down there.” Evan stood.

“Let me know of his condition.” Flint replied.

His brother in law exited before the conversation started up in the Alpha’s box of seats.

“He shouldn’t have used such deadly moves. Why would he do that?” Ashley watched the field worriedly.

“He knew he couldn’t win without them.” Elijah replied.

“Did he win, though?” Eve shook her head. “He endangered the life of one of our pack for power. He didn’t just fight. He wanted to kill.”

“Some would say that if he wanted him dead, he easily could have seen that through.” Elijah shrugged.

Ashley met the Luna’s gaze and shook her head at her. Eve could feel her trying to dissuade her from talking to Elijah about it anymore.

“It’s not up to us.” Flint stated in a flat tone.

All eyes turned to him. They looked curious, even though all already knew what he was going to say.

“The pack chooses. He is the strongest. He won the tournament. Look at them.” He gestured around to the cheering Lycans. “Feel that?”

The mindlink was washed in emotion. They were happy with the end of the match. Some felt disagreeable about the way it was done but none harbored any hatred for the results. Graham Monroe was the winner. The pack had accepted him as the only contender to the Beta position.

Eve sighed and nodded. She took his hand, allowing her electricity to sooth him. Flint offered her a half-smile though it was clearly forced for her benefit. A look passed through his eyes a moment later that drew a snarky smirk to his lips. He met Eve’s gaze again with a mischievous expression.

“What is that look for?” She probed.

Flint glanced over the railing to the arena below. Evan had already emerged along with a couple medics to help Duncan off the field. They placed him on a backboard and carried him out the southern doors.

Graham shifted into his human form. His assistant brought him a pair of shorts which he quickly pulled on. He had some bruises and abrasions. Along with several bleeding marks on the back of his neck and across his shoulders.

“Flint?” Eve tugged on his pinky finger.

“Everything’s okay.” He grinned.

He interlaced their fingers and turned to his chatty family members.

“We have to go down. See you guys later?” Flint nodded to them.

“Think with your head, boy.” Elijah stated.

Eve looked between the men curiously. Her mate’s father seemed to know something she didn’t.

“I’ll get right on that.” He replied as he led Eve away.

Once they were descending the stairs, she couldn’t keep her questions to herself any longer.

“What are you planning?” She probed.

“Nothing big. As Alpha, I have to make a display. Challenge the Beta contestant and win. Then traditionally I would accept him.” Flint smirked. “I’m going to use this chance to prove my point.”

He opened the doors and led his mate into a familiar locker room. This is where they came before and after the fight for Alpha. Eve looked around, nothing had changed. The dingy benches and half open, rusty lockers were just as they were the last time she was here.

“And how are you going to do that without looking overly aggressive?” Eve asked another curious question.

Flint simply shrugged while maintaining his grin. The threshold opened and Joshua entered. He rolled his wheelchair in front of the Alpha couple before pushing the door closed behind him. His neat silver hair and beard gave way to a pair of stern, yet understanding, brown eyes.

“Five minutes to the bell, Alpha.” Joshua informed him.

“I’m ready.” He nodded as he stripped down to his underwear.

“Luna.” The elder held out a pair of gym shorts.

“Thanks.” She took them from him.

Joshua nodded as he looked over the Luna. His gaze stopped on her noticeable stomach bump. Eve was no longer able to conceal her pregnancy. She still had a bit of growing to do, but her son had become noticeable none the less.

“How are you?” The elder probed.

“Fine.” She smiled kindly at his concern.

“No word on the legend. Just that shit from the SilverCrest book.” Flint sighed, delving into thought.

“Alpha Noah is due to call you after the Call. He’ll help.” Joshua stated.

Flint grunted aggressively. Eve took his hand in hers, warming it in her palms. He had to be calm if he was going to face Graham and keep control of himself. This released some of the tension from the Alpha, but only a small amount. The buzzer rang loudly through the air around them.

“That’s my cue.” Flint placed a kiss on her forehead.

“I love you.” She whispered.

We love you too, little thing. His wolf penetrated her mind as Flint shifted into his animal form.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

“Alpha Flint Dolan. Northern entrance.” The announcer’s voice crackled over the speakers.

The pack clapped and stopped their feet. They might have been afraid of his power and they were overall unhappy with the way he handled the treaty. Still, StarLight members never overlooked the opportunity to see a Dolan display his strength.

A very large, white wolf stepped onto the field. His muscles were thick and his stance was confident. The glowing, emerald green in his eyes made him unmistakable. Flint marched to the center of the arena before stopping.

He waited and watched the southern entrance. The power of the Alpha washed through the mindlink. The crowd stood and began cheering. They were unable to remain seated while their leader’s strength coursed through them.

Eve felt it too. She took slow deep breaths to calm the animal within her. She watched her mate from the doorway to the field. Joshua touched her hand, drawing her gaze to his. He looked worried.

“I’m okay.” She gave his fingers a brief, reassuring squeeze before releasing him to turn back to the arena. “Everything’s okay.”