Zachary turned to look at me with his devilish amber eyes, narrowing them in careful decision-making thought. I took a step back, my hackles raised as his eyes bore into my skin. I wanted to disappear and melt in with the pack. Still, I did not run. I had to prove somehow that I was worthy of whatever had caused Zachary's powerful eyes to find my wolf's pelt.

I would find out soon enough.

After glaring at me, he turned back to the strange black alpha.

"I, perhaps, do have something to offer," Zachary began slow and low, matching the black wolf's tone.

The black wolf grumbled, "Yes? Something of value?"

"Of immense value," Zachary played. "I can give you my eldest son, heir to the throne of my pack."

"And now why would you do that?"

"I have a younger son that can easily lead in his place. It is hard," Zachary feigned a dramatic, emotional sigh, staring at the grassy spring ground, "But if it will guarantee my pack remain safe, then it is a sacrifice that we both are willing to make as alphas."

The black wolf considered for a moment, and then huffed, "I agree to your terms." He turned his heavy head towards our pack, scanning us all. I felt Zachary's eyes boring into mine. He would never give up his only son to this pack.

I would have to be the replacement.

I had to admit, it was an easy winning card for Zachary to play. Protecting his pack, and getting rid of a weak member? Win-win.

I didn't want him to think I was weak.

Determined and stubborn, I stared right back at Zachary, our eyes meeting for the first time in either of our lives- eye contact was reserved only for higher-ranking wolves, and any disobedience would instil a bloody beating. I watched in subtle amusement as Zachary's hackles rose with a need to dominate my disobedience; and yet, he knew that he could not, and instead gave only a losing glare.

For the first time in my life, I held a card- no, a whole hand of cards. I held power.

It was a exhilarating. I could not let this moment slip out of my hands- err, at this moment, paws. So, I held my head high, consuming the power suddenly bestowed to me.

Me? An alpha?

Yes, I thought. That's exactly what I will be.

I lifted my tail so it was level, stepped forward with confidence, and turned to make eye contact with the large black wolf. He stared right back- not with anger, but with respect.

"You," he spoke. "You must be the son. You're the only one of these wolves that isn't cowering beneath the mere sight of me. Step toward."

I did so. I'll admit, I was anxiety-riddled, forcing myself to not tremble, which in turn, made my movements a bit too stiff for my liking. But I had to seize this moment in its entirety, and I intended to do so. I exhaled deeply but silently, making focus to loosen my right muscles and relax, taking slow, deep breaths. I maintained eye contact as I took several heavy steps forward.

"You're small," the black wolf said as I stepped away from the crowd.

"But the fastest in the land," I quipped back.

His eyes bore into mine. They were flashy and light amber. "I'm impressed," he admitted. "How old are you?"

"I turn eighteen tonight. Midnight."

"If the Luna Goddess intends you to make my pack stronger, then your mate will be with us," he said.

"I understand."

"We should wait until midnight, then. It is only a few minutes away."

I could feel the gazes and thoughts of my pack behind me, seeping into my skin and burning. I'm sure they were wondering why I was here. I'm sure they were laughing.

Well, I was sick of their harsh, cruel treatments.

I deserved better. I always deserved better.

I deserved to be alpha.

I knew I was pushing my luck already, but I took several steps towards the black wolf, tail held high, "What rank will I be if I join your pack?"

He eyed me carefully, "That is usually decided by the pack as a whole. Most newcomers are omegas."

I shook my head, feeling the tufts of fur covering my neck and face move fluidly with it, "No, that won't do."

"Excuse me?"

I could feel Zachary's careful eyes glaring at my backside with fury. I was ruining his hand of cards.

"I won't join you as an omega."

"And who are you to challenge me?" He growled, stepping towards me.

I'd never beat this giant wolf in a fight. I had to use a trick up my sleeve, just like Zachary would.

"I'm not challenging you," I said coolly. "But being an omega simply won't do. I can contribute the most to your pack as a higher-status werewolf."

He considered my words carefully, and then said, "What can you contribute?"

"I know the area. All of the local packs and their alliances, their weaknesses, and their strengths. Which wolves you want on your team and which wolves you do not. I explored a lot as a kid, and know these parts well."

"I see," he said, examining me still, "And what about your father, the alpha? If I were to take him, would he be worthy of my pack?"

I turned back to stare at Zachary. He had beaten me a thousand times, instilled trauma in me that no one else could even compare to. He made for a half-assed alpha at best. He was not strong, merely sneaky. I did respect him for this, but he could never be loyal to anyone but himself.

"No," I finally said, turning back to the black wolf. "He is selfish, and will do anything to save his own skin."

"Would you like to test that theory for me, wolf?" The black wolf asked. His eyes found mine, ignoring Zachary's gentle counter.

For once, I was unafraid.

I was excited.

I couldn't help the subtle wag of my tail, "Gladly."