#Chapter 146: The Next Generation

Owen The Alpha King’s voice hit like a hammer—loud, sharp, and impossible to dodge. “Again.” I clenched my jaw, wiped the blood from my lip with the back of my hand, and stepped forward. My legs ached, muscles burning from the last round of combat drills. My wolf howled inside me, not out of pain—but pride. He liked the challenge. Liked being pushed, even if he hadn’t shown himself yet. I wasn’t so sure I did. “I said again, boy. Or are you hoping someone else will lead your people when the time comes?” Behind him, Dad—Alexander—stood with his arms crossed, saying nothing. His expression was unreadable, but I could feel the difference in his gaze. Where the Alpha King’s presence was a storm barreling down the mountain, my father’s was steadier. Calmer. Still a mountain, just… the kind you could sit beside without being flattened. I wasn’t used to it, considering he used to have such a fiery temper. Now he seemed… a new. I launched forward, trying not to think—just move.