Chapter 2

"Your form should be perfect to execute your attack perfectly. A pup would deliver a better kick, Mario!"

Eva ignored the loud voice of the warrior training them that morning, choosing to focus on her sparring partner instead. Thomas was a big guy with a strong build and a punch that could knock the breath out of her. The side of her ribs where he had landed his last attack was burning like hell, but Eva ignored the pain. She watched his face closely as they danced around each other in a small, tight circle. She could hear the blood pumping through her veins, which only increased as she saw the triumphant smirk on his face, though she would rather call it a sneer. The young wolf was gloating over the hit he landed. She could not blame him, anyone in their group would also gloat. Besides, his gloating only fuelled her concentration.

"Scared, Eva? Scared you won't be able to land a blow?" Thomas taunted, trying to get a reaction out of her. Eva just continued watching him with her face void of expression. She had been told, more times than she would like to admit, that her face during a fight was the most irksome thing. She could see Thomas's irritation increase at her lack of response.

"Fucking cunt." He muttered loud enough for Eva to hear. Eva saw her moment a second later. Before he could come at her, she swerved to the left, and caught his right hand in a strong grip, swiping him off the ground with her right leg. He crumbled to the ground with a surprise grunt. She quickly got on his back, and delivered the finishing blow to the back of his neck with her elbow, using just enough force to not hurt him permanently. All these happened in the blink of an eye.

Eva got up from Thomas's back, with her expressionless mask still on. She stood beside him, watching him struggle weakly.

"You fucking bitch." She heard him mutter weakly. She knew his struggles were futile as he would feel paralyzed for at least a minute. She made sure of that.

"Beautiful as always, Eva." The warrior, who trained the class, praised her from his place beside other sparring partners. Eva gave him a small nod in gratitude.

"Beautiful indeed." Eva’s eyes widened at the voice of the one person whom she respected more than anyone on the goddess's planet.

"Mother," Eva bowed her head, just as everyone else stopped sparring to bow at the figure that just stepped onto the training grounds. Alpha Yeva Lupus.

Alpha Yeva Lupus was the alpha of the Lupus pack. She was a tall woman with brown skin that shone like bronze, obsidian black waist-length hair, and a face that was more handsome than beautiful. She was a strict but fair leader, gaining the respect of all her pack members.

The Lupus Pack was one of the five top packs in Damonda Forest, with other smaller packs scattered around the vast forest territory, which was far removed from human lands. The Lupus Pack had a unique tradition which set it apart from other packs. Though there were other packs with female leaders, they were different from the Lupus Pack.

The Lupus Pack was founded thousands of years ago by a woman called Lupita. Lupita was a powerful warrior whose village had been destroyed due to an attack. It is said that she fought tooth and nail with the then-leaders of the packs in Damonda Forest to claim territory for herself and the survivors of her pack. There were only four packs in the territory then, and Lupita fought with each leader. She came out victorious, established the Lupita Pack and spent years making life for her people better. She became the first Mother of the pack and set the rule that only women were to lead the pack. The alphas are called Mother, and they take up the last name, Lupus.

Another thing that made the Lupus Pack different was that there was a certainty that the child of an alpha would inherit or take over the pack. Unlike other packs, the title of alpha does not immediately go to the offspring of the alpha. The next leader was chosen based on their character, strength, and wisdom. They would have to be found worthy by the current alpha. Irrespective of blood, lineage or family background, any female could become the next leader. The pack's negligence for bloodline was frowned upon by neighbouring packs. This reason was also why most students in the top dog section nursed a fraction of resentment for Eva, some bordering on hate.

"Eva," Mother Yeva Lupus called softly, as she stood in front of the young wolf. She felt a sense of pride well in her as she stared at the young wolf. "You did well." She could not help adding.

Eva flushed under the alpha's gaze and compliments. "Thank you, Mother." She bowed, trying to keep her face from burning up.

Mother Yeva Lupus held back a smile at the young wolf's effort to remain calm. She turned to the fallen wolf who was only now getting up from the ground, though it was obvious he still felt weak.

"Mother," Thomas bowed in respect. He felt his face heat up in embarrassment at being brought down in front of the alpha.

"Thomas, right?" Mother Yeva Lupua started.

Thomas's head whipped up in surprise. "Yes, Mother." He failed to keep the excitement out of his voice. He felt happy that the alpha remembered his name.

"Do you know why you were defeated?" Mother Yeva Lupus asked in a strict tone, sending shivers down his spine, and the heat in his face increased.

"Yes, Mother." He answered with his hand folded at his back in barely suppressed anger. "It was because I took too long to attack."

"Wrong." Mother Yeva Lupus corrected. "It was because you were too cocky, so cocky that Eva could interpret your next move before you even made it. I could tell the emotions on your face and your body language from far away. You left yourself vulnerable, and if it were a proper battlefield, you would be dead. Learn to control your emotions more."

"Yes, Mother," Thomas said through clenched teeth. He could feel his nails digging into his palms from how hard he was squeezing them.

"Eva, well done. You've gotten even better at masking your emotions, knowing when to attack and retreat. Remember, some battles are better lost." Mother Yeva Lupus patted Eva’s back, then moved along to other sparring partners.

Eva watched the alpha walk away with a dazed look on her face. She wanted to scream in joy but would have to wait until she was alone.

"Don't kid yourself into thinking you're special, Eva. One of these days, you will get what a girl like you deserves." Thomas spat at her with hatred in his eyes, his voice low so only she could hear.

Eva looked at the wolf, her face void of expression, knowing it would only fuel his anger, and walked off.

Thomas watched Eva walk away from him with murder in his eyes. He hated the pretentious bitch. He hated how she looked at everyone like she was better. He hated how he could never seem to beat her. "One day, I'd get my revenge on you." He promised.