A Warrior's Second Chance (Faye and Alexander) novel Chapter 44

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Chapter 44

Bella’s emirk glistened her eyes bright with malice She had long awaited a moment libx this an opportunity to show everyone that the so–called Luna Faye was nothing more than an outsider who had slipped into the rote by obligation rather than worth. And now, in front of watchful eyes, she had her chance.

Faye knew it was a trap the moment Bella issued the challenge. If she refused, she would seem weak, unworthy of the title Luna. If she accepted, she risked indulging in Bella’s drama and feeding into her need for attention.

So she had done what her instincts told her…she declined, calmly and dismissively.

“I’m not doing this with you,” Faye said.

She had turned her back to walk away, choosing the path of restraint, of dignity.

But Bella would not allow that. This was the best chance she could ever ask for.

The sharp push came fast from behind. Faye felt her balance give way, her knees striking the ground, her palms catching the sting of dust.

Bella had pushed her deliberately.

Gasps rippled through the crowd, some muffled laughter following. That was what Bella wanted: humiliation. A Luna on her knees.

Faye’s eyes snapped open wide, glowing faintly gold as her wolf stirred, prowling beneath her skin. Nova’s fury rose like wildfire, demanding to be unleashed, urging Faye to shift and tear Bella apart for daring such insolence. Faye’s jaw clenched, her breath quickening. Her first instinct was violence, pure and raw.

But she stopped herself.

The urge to let Nova loose was tempting…too tempting…but Faye understood what was at stake. Shifting now would generate into a whisper that she was too savage, too unstable to lead beside Alexander. She wouldn’t give Bella that victory. If this was going to happen, it would happen on her terms.

So Faye rose, dusting her palms deliberately, her back straightening slowly. She turned, her golden eyes narrowing on Bella, and for the first time that day, she allowed herself a smile.

“Fine,” she said evenly, her voice carrying through the circle of onlookers. “If it’s a challenge you want, I accept.”

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Excitement rippled through the crowd like a sudden wave, their murmurs swelling into an eager buzz. The pack always thrived on displays of strength, and now they were about to

witness one

Bella’s smirk widened. She had gotten exactly what she wanted.

“Good,” she drawled, already rolling her shoulders, flexing her fingers as though warming up for the fight of her life. “I was beginning to think our Luna didn’t know how to bare her fangs.”

Faye ignored the jab. She could already see through Bella’s bravado… the need to prove herself, to claim even a sliver of dominance in front of the others. Bella had likely rehearsed this confrontation in her head countless times, but she had no idea what she had truly

awakened.

The ring was drawn quickly. Wolves shifted into place, creating a wide circle around the two women, the dirt beneath their boots now a makeshift arena.

No referee was needed; the rules were understood. This was not to the death, but neither was it without consequence. Whoever yielded would walk away shamed, and their strength questioned.

Bella stepped forward first, circling with a predatory grace, her lips curling into a taunting grin. “Don’t worry,” she said softly, though the crowd could hear her. “I’ll go easy on you. Wouldn’t want our Luna looking too bruised when she runs back to Alpha Alexander.”

Faye’s expression didn’t change. She had heard worse from her.

Her focus sharpened as she felt Nova pacing inside her, restless, claws scraping against the walls of her control. She breathed deeply, harnessing that wild energy, grounding it. This wasn’t just about her pride…it was about showing the pack who she was. Not an outsider, not a victim, not a Luna bound by duty…she would show them her strength on her own terms.

The first strike came fast. Bella lunged with surprising speed, aiming to catch Faye off guard, but Faye sidestepped, her body moving with agility. She had been a commander once, a Delta who trained day and night. Fighting was in her blood. She didn’t need brute strength alone- she had skill, but of course Bella was clueless.

Bella snarled, spinning to catch her with a follow–up strike, but Faye blocked, their arms locking for a brief moment before she twisted, redirecting the force and sending Bella stumbling sideways. Gasps echoed around them.

Faye’s lips curved in the faintest smirk.

Bella recovered quickly, her pride burning hotter than her body. She rushed again, fists flying, each strike carrying both desperation and arrogance. Faye deflected them with precision, her

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body weaving, blocking, redirecting She let fella wear herself down, every failed attempt feeding the crowd’s astonishment.

“le this what you wanted?” Faye asked at last, her voice steady even se she deflected another punch “To show them you can’t land a single hit?”

The crowd laughed, the sound sharp and humiliating Bella’s face darkened with anger

She roared, finally letting her wolf break through, her eyes glowing crimson as her claws extended. The air thickened with the scent of bloodlust.

The pack went silent

Faye’s eyes flickered gold again, Nova pushing hard against her restraint. She could end this quickly if she shifted. But no, she wanted Bella beaten by her, not her wolf.

So she steadied herself, waiting.

Bella lunged, claws swiping with dangerous intent. This time Faye didn’t retreat, she caught Bella’s wrist mid–swing, twisted sharply, and slammed her down into the dirt with a force that made the ground tremble.

The crowd erupted.

Bella groaned, struggling, her pride shattering as Faye pinned her with effortless strength. Dust clung to Faye’s skin, her chest heaving, her golden eyes burning bright as she leaned down close enough for Bella to hear her words.

“You wanted to humiliate me,” Faye whispered. “But all you’ve done is prove why you’ll never be Luna,”

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