The Alpha's forbidden omega mate - Chapter 13: Chapter 13

Rowan POV:
The air crackled with tension as Carson and I stood facing each other in the middle of the crowded courtyard. My muscles tensed, ready to explode into action at the slightest movement.
Suddenly, Carson let out a loud roar and charged at me with his massive frame. I braced myself, waiting until the last possible moment before dodging to the side, using his own momentum against him.
He crashed into the ground, sending up a cloud of dust. But the older beta was fast, springing back to his feet with a growl.
We circled each other, exchanging blows that echoed through the silent crowd.
Carson fought relentlessly, his attacks heavy and well-planned.
My arms burned as I blocked his strikes, my wolf growling in frustration at being put on the defensive.
"Is that all you got, pup?" Carson taunted, his eyes flashing dangerously.
"I expected more from the mighty alpha heir."
I ignored his taunts, my mind focused on one thing - winning for Catrina and our pup.
With a burst of speed, I charged, unleashing a flurry of blows that sent Carson stumbling back.
But the older wolf wasn't done. He took the hits, using his bigger size to tackle me to the ground. We rolled in the dirt, throwing punches and kicks with wild abandon.
"You fight like an alpha," Carson growled, pinning me down for a moment.
"But you still lack the killer instinct."
I snarled back, adrenaline coursing through my veins. In a surge of strength, I broke free of his hold and rolled away, gasping for breath.
Carson grinned, his eyes glinting with a strange respect.
"You got spirit, I'll give you that. But spirit alone won't win you this fight."
The beta charged again, and I braced myself for impact. The clash shook the ground, the sound of our bodies slamming together making the crowd wince.
Every muscle screamed in protest, the exertion burning like fire. But I wouldn't give up, wouldn't show weakness in front of the pack. Catrina was counting on me.
The fight dragged on, Carson and I trading blows with growing desperation. He fought with a wild hunger in his eyes, clearly enjoying the battle.
But beneath that, I saw something else - a flicker of emotion I couldn't quite understand.
Was it... longing? I narrowed my eyes, studying Carson closer as we grappled.
There, in the way his jaw clenched and his eyes tightened, it seemed like he'd rather be anywhere else.
Suddenly, it hit me. Carson wasn't just fighting for the pack's glory - he was fighting for Isabelle.
This realization filled me with a surge of confidence.
Fueled by renewed energy, I pressed my advantage, pushing Carson back with a flurry of attacks.
His expression shifted, showing surprise and maybe even...respect?
"Not bad, pup," he grunted, blocking my blows.
"You've got potential, I'll say that much."
I ignored him, focusing on the fight. It was far from over, but I could feel the momentum shifting in my favor.
Carson seemed to sense it too, his movements becoming more frantic.
"Don't think I'll go easy on you just because you're the alpha's son," he growled, charging forward.
I met his attack head-on, the impact echoing through the courtyard. We grappled, each of us straining for control.
The cheers and shouts of the crowd faded into a distant hum. All that mattered was this moment, this fight.
Carson's breathing grew ragged, his movements sloppy. Seeing my chance, I landed a powerful blow to his ribs. The older wolf grunted in pain, stumbling back.
I didn't let up, unleashing a relentless barrage of attacks. Carson tried to defend himself, but his strength was fading fast.
With a final, desperate lunge, I tackled him to the ground, pinning him down.
The crowd fell silent, the only sound of our heavy breathing. I stared into Carson's eyes, searching for any sign of defeat. Instead, I saw a flicker of respect.
"You're still a pup with a lot to learn." Carson rasped, a hint of a smile on his lips.
Before I could say anything, Carson let out a low chuckle.
"But you've got what it takes. Now go, claim your prize."
Confused, I hesitated, then remembered Catrina, unconscious and vulnerable in Derek's arms.
With a nod of acknowledgment, I released Carson and rushed to her side, my heart pounding with worry and relief.
Cradling her limp form, a pang of guilt hit me. This fight had been about so much more than proving myself - it had been about protecting Catrina, and securing her future.
And I had won, but at what cost?
Pressing a gentle kiss to her forehead, I whispered. "I'm here, my love. You're safe now."
Holding Catrina close, Carson's words echoed in my head. There was more to his words than just accepting my win, something deeper I didn't quite understand.
"Wait,"
Carson, still lying on the ground, looked up with a raised eyebrow. "Something else, pup?"
"Why did you…" I stammered, searching for the right words. "Why did you let me win?"
Carson chuckled again, a dry, humorless sound.
"Because you needed it, pup. More than you know. And remember," he added, his voice turning serious.
"The world isn't always clear-cut. There will be times when you have to make tough choices, even if they feel wrong. Don't let guilt cloud your thinking. You did what you had to do."
His words carried a hidden message, a reminder of how things could have gone differently. He could have broken my neck with minimal effort and ended the fight instantly.
But he didn't. He chose to test me, to see if I had the will to win, not just for myself, but for someone I loved.
"And that omega you care about so much," Carson continued, a knowing glint in his eyes.
"She's worth fighting for. But remember, not everyone deserves your kindness. The next time you face an enemy, don't hesitate. Don't be so quick to show mercy. This time, I tested you to see if you had the killer instinct inside you. But next time, your opponent might not be so forgiving."