Page 13 of Midnight Moon
Tomorrow, I would travel to the Badlands’ territory and represent my pack in the Alpha Games.
Tomorrow, I would be the first female to ever enter the competition.
And tomorrow, all thoughts of meeting Asher would be nothing but a distant memory. I would focus on proving my worth as the future alpha of the Summit Pack. Nothing else was important.
Absolutely nothing.
Three
“I thought it would be colder,”Hunter remarked as we waited outside the Billings airport for our fathers to pick up the SUV they rented for the trip.
“It’s only September,” I reminded him. The crisp sixty-degree weather wasn’t much different from the weather we’d left in Colorado.
The flight into Montana’s largest city had been quick and easy. Now, anticipation built as I readied myself for the beginning of my first Alpha Games.
“I know, but it’s Montana. I envision cowboys and snow when I think of this state.” Hunter heaved his duffle bag higher on his shoulder, picking up his father’s suitcase in the other hand. “There they are.”
A large, black Chevy Suburban pulled into the passenger pick up lane, stopping right in front of us. My father exited the passenger’s side and retrieved his pair of navy suitcases from my feet. I followed him and Hunter to the back of the vehicle, and we loaded our luggage into the trunk.
Once we were all buckled in, Beta Nathan pulled away from the curb and started the last leg of our journey to Badlands Pack lands.
“How long until we get there?” Hunter asked, lounging comfortably in the captain’s chair beside me.
“About thirty minutes. Alpha Kurt’s home is slightly past Laurel.”
I nodded to myself, picturing a map of Montana in my head. Part of my training these past few years had been to memorize the terrain of Badlands Pack territory. Only the hosting pack knew what challenges competitors would face in the Alpha Games, but it was almost guaranteed that one would incorporate the outdoors in some way. Most likely, a challenge would require competitors to track over the unfamiliar landscape or even incorporate a capture the flag game, similar to the one I’d practiced the previous day.
I looked out the window, assessing the landscape I’d committed to memory. Billings was located in the plains of Montana, but plateaus and mountains were not a far drive. There was no telling what obstacles would be thrown our way during the games, but I felt better knowing I was somewhat prepared.
“How are you feeling, Blair?” Hunter asked halfway through our drive.
In the front seats, our fathers discussed various pack alphas and their betas, getting into the politics I loathed to think about. I knew it was part of becoming the Summit Alpha, but I wished I could simply focus my attention on my own pack without worrying about the others. Unfortunately, alliances were a major part of leading our pack, or at least that’s what my father told me.
“Fine.” At his questioning look, I sighed. “I’m a little nervous, but it’s nothing I can’t handle.”
“I don’t doubt it,” he grinned. “You’re the smartest person I know. If anyone’s prepared for the games, it’s you.”
His words triggered my memory of last night. Asher had called me clever, which was pretty much the same thing as smart.
I quickly shoved all thoughts of the broody guy from my mind before they could take hold. I needed to focus—not re-live my interactions with someone I would never see again.
“It’s natural to be nervous,” my father injected himself into our conversation. “Just don’t let it interfere with your instincts, and you will be fine.”
“I know,” I told him for probably the one-hundredth time. “I won’t.”
“I’m excited to see what wins you kids manage to pull off during these games,” Beta Nathan said, the corners of his eyes crinkled as he met my gaze in the rearview mirror.
“We’re going to win the entire thing.”
Our fathers laughed at Hunter’s declaration.
“Your confidence is admirable,” my father told Hunter, “but do not forget you two will be the youngest pack representatives to enroll in the games this year. You’ll be going up against alphas and betas from other packs, most who have experience competing in the Alpha Games.”
“I thought the Coastal Pack alpha named his son as his champion this year,” I pointed out.
“Yes, but Tyler will be paired with their pack’s beta.” My father turned to meet my gaze.
Seeing my frown, he added, “I’m not saying you and Hunter will not have success in the games, but you both need to temper your expectations. Walking away with a single victory will be an accomplishment. Focus on doing that. Don’t get distracted with wanting more.”
