The forced one

The real test

Eddie doesn't know why he's still here.

    Really he should be at home, tending to his Abuelita, his job, hell, his friend.

    But he is here in front of the mansion, ready to prove to his newly aquired pack that he has what it takes to be the alpha.

    Maybe the reason why was because he was trying hard not to face reality just yet. The reality that he was a murderer, and he was the reason Lucas was missing. These thoughts wore on him, not so much on him, but for the loss of Lucas.

    He was only eighteen, he thought to himself, as he raised his fists. David and Brayden stood straight on the other side of him, in the makeshift ring, Addie and Tric staring on as they continued to drink their orange juice, discussing quietly about something.

    But Eddie couldn't get himself distracted; he had two opponents to take care of.

    They stood there for what felt like hours, Brayden standing there relaxed, whereas David matched Eddie's stance.

    And then they took off.

    They were fast, taking turns to punch Eddie. They had a sort of system, one blocking and the other punching. It was like a sort of strange dance, and Eddie basically had to keep eyes on both of them, as they forced him back.

    This was getting a little too intense for his liking, and Eddie rammed his elbow into David's ribs, causing David to fall back, trying regain his breathing.

     Eddie wasted no time, grabbing Brayden by the back of his neck, and bringing up his knee to his face.

    Brayden's nose connected, blood gushing out, and he fell backwards onto the grass.

    Catching his breath, Eddie ducked out of the way, as all of a sudden he felt a strange source of danger screaming at his open back.

     David snarled, having turned into his wolf form, a giant horse sized black wolf with brown on his tail, golden eyes flashing as he tried to take a chunk out of Eddie.

     Enough was enough.

     Eddie felt the anger wash over him like a tide, leaving Brayden who was still cradling his broken nose, and he could see everything in perfect vision.

     The need to defend was so strong, the pull of the wolf even stronger. He couldn't ignore it this time, so he didn't, listening as his clothes ripped, and his own wolf emerged out, charging at David.

     David hadn't been expecting this, hadn't known how use to the wolf Eddie already was. They collided, a flurry of fur, and teeth, snapping and growling, and snarling at each other.

     And then it happened; Eddie saw the opening and took it, grabbing David by the side of his neck, and slamming him into the ground, forcing him down. David struggled, but Eddie applied more pressure, nearly cutting off his air supply.

     After a few seconds of this, David yielded, stopping his movements, and huffed annoyed. Eddie kept him like that though, and then eventually let go, taking some steps back.

     Brayden was now standing with the girls, grinning, blood dried under his nose. He seemed unbothered by it, and Eddie shook his head, trying to expel the tension in his body. David got up slowly, shaking his head as well, and he stared at Eddie, before bowing a bit.

     A quiet gasp was heard, and Eddie finally stood tall, letting out a howl. David joined in, and soon, so did Brayden, the girls joinging in after.

    A crescendo of howls coming from both wolves, and humans.

    Later, after Addie offered Eddie, and David towels since their clothes were shredded, they headed back inside the house, splitting into their own directions.

    Eddie had proven himself, and the tension that was once in the pack had shifted, turning into one of acceptance. He was still wary of David, but the rest he felt like he no longer had to keep his guard up.

    He made it to his room, when he stopped, noting that the door had been fixed.

    And then he remembered how Alicia had scolded David, and the smile that spread his face at that memory was sincere.

    As he opened the door, Alicia fell into a step beside him.

   "I heard about the test. I knew you had it in you." she said, and though Eddie did feel awkward that she was praising him while he was in a towel, he did appreciate it.

    "Gather the others in two hours, Alicia. I have an announcement." was what he replied with. Alicia nodded, walking past him, and disappearing around the corner.

      Eddie stepped into his room, and locked the door behind him, heading to the shower. He felt sweaty and grimey, and he felt that it was well deserved.

     

    On the dot, Eddie walked back out his room, freshly washed and wearing new clothing. He had cut his hair, and it curled in damp strands. 

    The others sat in the living, curious as to what Eddie had to say, Brayden's nose taped, his eyes a bit swollen.

    "Sorry about that." Eddie offered, but Brayden waved his apology away, unbothered.

     "So, I've called you all here because I'm going to have to go back home. And since you come with the responsibility of being the leader, you all have to come with me."

      There is silence, as the others shares glances, not speaking.

      It's Brayden who steps up though, his hands slapping against his sides.

      "I'll go pack then." he says, his nose sounding stuffed.

      The others nod, and begin to step back into their rooms.

      That was...much easier than he thought it would be. Alicia step from the hallwaym and at this point, Eddie was starting to wonder if she was a ghost. Though she wore heels, they made no sound as she stepped forward, her eyes on Eddie.

      "Do you wish for me to go as well?" she asked, and Eddie shook his head.

       "Though I have to go home, I do want you to look after the estate, and keep things running. Isan has placed his money into my bank account, but I left a huge sum in yours Alicia. I want to keep this house for emergencies." he replied, and Alicia nodded.

        Eddie didn't need to finish the sentence that he felt like he would need this place. 

        There were some more challenges he had to face, but at least he wasn't going in on it alone. He had his pack, and he had his family.

        He knew deep down that trouble was brewing. It was only a matter of time before his choices exploded in his face.