Chapter 7

Elena’s POV Standing on the podium of the pack, everyone was cheering for either Bryson’s victory or mine. We were wearing our training gear and mouthpieces as we circled each other calculatingly. “Just give up. Don’t hurt yourself, Elena,” Bryson warned. I smirked. “Put your worry to yourself instead.” With that, I made the first move and sent a hard punch to his stomach, which made him back away and whimper. He looked at me with utter surprise, unaware that I could fight. When many of the members stood up from their seats to cheer, I saw Bryson’s jaw clenched in anger, and the light in his eyes dimmed with seriousness. Okay, now we’re really on. We moved at the speed of light, sending punches and kicks to each other several times, but every time, I’d succeed in hitting him while I managed to block most of his attacks. When the right time came, I taunted, “Don’t take it to heart.” After saying that, I used my leg to put pressure on his until he fell, and then I used my arms to hold him on the ground until he tapped me three times. “Ladies and gentlemen, let’s congratulate Luna Elena!” Everyone cheered, and I raised my hand in celebration. It was news worth stunning many of the members. I smirked and glanced at Bryson’s defeated and humiliated face. It's funny how easy I defeated him though, almost killing me to boredom. Then suddenly, while I stared at his defeated face, Prince Deacon's cold appearance flushed in my mind. He's the known god of war. Best of the best. Thinking of that, I couldn't help but wonder what it would be like if I spar with him. A smile subconsciously formed in my lips at the thought of that. Now, that would be exciting. “Are you that happy?” Bryson asked frustratedly and that's when I realized my smile hadn't vanished yet. He must be furious. After all, a Luna like me who had never been to war, defeated an Alpha and a rewarded warrior like him. His ego was probably bleeding right now, just as I wanted. “I never knew you could fight.” Bryson and I were now in the changing area to remove our gear. I shrugged and removed my mouthpiece. “You never took the time to know anything.” “I…” His words were cut off when the door was slammed open. Courtney and Glenda came rushing inside. With her eyes blazing and her face red, Courtney hysterically screamed at me. “This is unacceptable!” Fixing my hair after completely removing all my gears, I crossed my arms and smiled. “I won fair and square, Courtney. As we discussed, I won’t be giving any of you a penny!” She stomped her feet and looked gravely at Bryson. “I want this cheap woman out of this pack! Someone as vicious as her doesn't belong here.” “Yes, Babe, just reject her now. She’ll just cause trouble again in the future.” Glenda was supporting Courtney and looking at me with anger. What? Did she come here as well, wanting to covet with my money? Well, sorry for her, but my money wasn’t for a mistress like her. Not so surprisingly, Bryson stood in front of me with a serious expression. Sighing, he said with sadness and a hint of worry, “Let’s not make it hard for everyone anymore. You should have heeded my words before. Then you would have been able to stay here and be a Luna.” “Save your useless pity.” “As you want, I’ll reject you.” Taking a deep breath, he stared at me and started the rejection process, “I, Bryson Renner, Alpha of the Swiftridge Pack…” This was it… I told myself as I waited for him to finish and prepare myself for the upcoming pain that would curse through my body. If it wasn't for the fact that I value my mother's opinion when she handed me over to Bryson, I would have rejected him the second I got the news he'll marry another. He continued, “…reject you, El—” “Wait! What do you think you’re doing, Alpha Bryson?” A baritone voice boomed in the room, making all four of us look toward the doorway. Standing there was a man in his 30s. Though he looked a bit older, his body was bulky, and he exuded a superior demeanor. “Beta Jude,” we all greeted. “What do we owe for your visit?” Bryson asked. Beta Jude was King Desmond’s Beta and would rarely go out of his way without the King visiting another pack. Mostly, he’d be fighting rogues or doing much more important things than coming here to watch a dispute between an Alpha and Luna. Beta Jude kept his stance and asked again, “What do you think you’re doing?” Bryson hesitantly looked at me before he replied, “Luna Elena and I had to come to our terms with each other, and now, I’m rejecting her.” Letting out a small sarcastic laugh, Beta Jude asked, “What makes you think you are qualified to do so?” Confusion was plastered on our faces upon hearing him say that. What did he mean? Rejection was a process, and it was known that only those of higher ranks could reject their mates. But Bryson and I were on the same rank. That’s why we could decide on our own. “My son and this stubborn woman are of the same rank,” Courtney said, which caused Beta Jude to glare at her. “I’d watch my tongue if I were you,” he warned. With that, he took a respectful step toward me and bowed his head respectfully. “I’m here to give you the Lycan King’s instructions, Luna Elena.” My heart pumped with nervousness as I wondered which verdict the King had reached. Did he agree with the divorce? Opening a letter with the King’s logo, he started reading, “Feeling remorseful for Elena Dooley’s family and pack from being slaughtered and with the sense of utmost gratitude for the heroic acts and sacrifices of her father and brother for the Kingdom… King Desmond henceforth promotes Elena Dooley as the first enthroned Princess in the Kingdom and agrees to her request to sever ties with Alpha Bryson.” My eyes widened in shock, and my heart pumped in joy. It’s more than what I had expected. “What? Princess?” Glenda said on the sideline. I stared at Beta Jude in disbelief as he smiled at me. “Congratulations, Princess Elena,” he said as he handed me the letter. I read through the text, and it was indeed as he said. The first letter from the King brought me joy after all this time. I held it close to my heart, silently thankful to King Desmond. Pointedly looking at me, Beta Jude gestured toward Alpha Bryson, “As you may, Princess.” Smiling victoriously, I stood in front of Bryson with cold demeanor and relief knowing my mother would understand my reasons after I got the King's blessings. “I, Elena Dooley, Princess of Lycan Kingdom…”