The Alpha's Unwanted Luna (by Miss L) novel Chapter 317

Chapter 317

8 – Elara

The expression on Ben’s face spoke volumes—if looks could curse, his would have unleashed a torrent of expletives aimed squarely at my warrior. Honestly, in this moment, I couldn’t blame him. I had no intention of accepting a mate before I claimed my rightful place as Alpha of this pack. The thought of being sidelined by some man who believed his masculinity made him superior was infuriating. Today, the way he shadowed me, as if I couldn’t handle myself, had my patience simmering just beneath the surface. On top of that, I needed to convince the pack’s males that I was fit to lead, despite being a woman. Having a mate by my side now would only complicate that perception. I didn’t want to rise to Dev’s challenge, but maybe it was worth proving this Beta’s place while adding another win to my leadership credentials.

“So, Beta,” I teased, flashing him a sly smile. “Ready to take on the challenge?” His deadpan stare was amusing—he was definitely fun to provoke. Without waiting for an answer, I turned and strode toward one of the sparring rings marked out in the grass, not bothering to check if he was following. Of course, he was. His pride wouldn’t let him back down in front of the others.

Just as I was positioning myself, a low growl cut through the air. I ducked instinctively and rolled away from Ben’s outstretched arm as he lunged at me with surprising speed. Dev was right — my warriors were skilled, truly formidable, but it had been some time since I’d faced an opponent my own age with comparable training. We grappled fiercely. His hand-to-hand combat was swift, but he couldn’t hold onto me long enough to gain the upper hand.

“Quit toying with your food before you eat it, Alpha,” Jax called out with a laugh, but it was the Beta who escalated the intensity.

Ben’s strikes came faster, his blows harder. Clearly, he had been holding back—perhaps out of courtesy because I was a woman. That only fueled my anger. I lunged for his throat, and we both crashed to the ground. He rolled on top of me, but I pushed off with my hips, flipping him over my head with one powerful leg. Quickly, I scrambled to straddle his chest, pinning his arms with my legs as my breaths rose and fell in rhythm with his. His golden-brown eyes locked onto mine.

“Well done, both of you,” my father’s voice broke through the tense silence between us. “But I’m afraid this has to end now. There’s another attack.”

“What?!” I sprang off Ben and stared at my dad, who seemed oddly unfazed. “Why didn’t you say anything earlier? Why let us waste time here?” I started moving toward the training entrance, my mind set on the packhouse. I’d leave the guests with him. We needed to focus and figure this out, but Dad’s casual attitude was frustrating.

“Elara! Wait!” he called after me.

“No, Dad. This isn’t a drill anymore. Send Jeremiah and his team home so we can handle this without distractions.”

“Will you hold on, you stubborn child?” His voice held amusement. “Besides, you’re heading the wrong way.”

“What do you mean?” I demanded. “You said there was another attack. I want to get back to the house and coordinate our response. I’m done looking over my shoulder.”

“Elara! Stop and listen.” A firm hand gripped my arm above the elbow and spun me around. I expected it to be my father, but the sudden closeness sent a shiver across my skin, making me catch my breath. His scent, so familiar and calming, wrapped around me like a warm blanket. Damn this mate bond—it was impossible to ignore. Still, it allowed me to take in the scene around us more clearly. We were surrounded by pups armed with water guns, grinning like fools. My father was an idiot for not choosing his words better to stop me from straddling the Beta.

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