The Lightning Wolf Chronicles (Evelyn and Nadia) novel Chapter 39

Chapter 39: You’re Really Suited to Be a Leader

Evelyn’s POV

“No, they’ll go after red team first,” I said. “Forty-three balls? Too tempting. We stick to our strategy.”

I was right. Multiple teams ganged up on red team, everyone wanting those marker balls. Red team was tough, but they couldn’t fight

everyone at once.

We kept playing it smart – picking our moments, staying defensive. Our ball count climbed steadily while we didn’t lose a single one.

The final ten minutes turned into chaos. Every team made their desperate push. Red team tried to get their balls back, but they were

exhausted.

“Hold the line!” I shouted. “Don’t get greedy – what we have is enough!”

Raven had us locked down. Nadia’s traps formed our defense. Mark and Sophia handled hit-and-run tactics while I called the shots.

The ending horn blasted.

‘Challenge complete!” Conrad’s voice boomed. “Tallying scores now.”

My heart hammered. I felt good about our chances, but you never knew.

–

“Red team captured sixty-one, lost fifty-two. Net gain: nine.”

The red team looked stunned. All that grabbing, barely breaking even.

“Blue team, Conrad’s eyes found us, “captured thirty-five, lost zero. Net gain: thirty-five,”

The field erupted. We’d won by playing smart.

‘Holy shit! Mark grabbed me in a bear hug. “We did it!”

Sophia was bouncing around. Even Raven was grinning.

“How the hell did we not lose any?’ Mark demanded.

“Because we weren’t greedy,’ I explained. “Red team focused on offense and ignored defense. We used our brains instead of just throwing

punches.

“You’re really suited to be a leader, Sophia said.

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Chapter 39: You’re Really Suited to Be a Leader

Conrad raised his voice. ‘Blue team showed exceptional performance. You proved brains beat brawn. This is exactly what Sentinels need.

Everyone advances to tomorrow’s final event.”

Back in the rest area, Elliot and Milo tossed Nadia and me into the air.

“Put us down!” I protested through my laughter.

They finally set us down when the pack leaders approached. Alpha Adam, Luna Isabella, Alpha King Nathan’s family all looking

impressed.

“Evelyn,” Alpha Adam said, “your performance was remarkable. Leadership and tactical thinking like that at your age is rare.”

“You got your teammates to trust you completely,” Alpha King Nathan added. “That’s real leadership.”

“Thank you, Alpha King Nathan.” I kept my voice respectful, but caught sight of Dad in the back.

He watched me with zero expression. No pride, nothing. Like I was a stranger.

My chest tightened, but Elliot whispered, “Don’t let him kill your mood. You were amazing.”

He was right.

Sentinel Conrad approached with a rare smile. “Well done, Evelyn. Leadership like that at your age reminds me of people I used to know.”

“Tomorrow’s the final day,” he continued. “We’ve got something special planned.”

“I’ll give it everything,” I said firmly.

At the pack house, Acacia was waiting by the entrance.

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“Finally,” she said, rushing to the triplets. “I’ve been wondering how selection went.”

Then she “noticed” me. “Oh, Evelyn? What are you doing here? Right, you’re their ‘friend’ now. But you don’t think you can stay by their

side forever, do you?”

‘Acacía, Magnus sighed. “What do you want?”

“I just told you. I’m checking on your selection.”

“We’re tired, Lucian said, stepping between us. “You need to leave.”

“Luc, you’ve changed.” Acacia put on this hurt expression. “You weren’t like this before. Did someone poison your mind against me?*

I’d had enough. “Acacia, if you’re here to start shit, you picked the wrong day.”

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Chapter 39: You’re Really Suited to Be a Leader

‘Start shit?’ She whirled on me, malice flashing in her eyes. “I’m here to care about my friends. What gives you the right to even speak to

me?

“Because she is our friend, and you’re not!” Nadia stepped up beside me.

Just then, Luna Isabella appeared from outside. She took in the scene with raised eyebrows.

“Oh, Acacia.” Her voice stayed gentle, but anyone could hear the distance. “Looking for the children?”

Acacia immediately switched to her fake sweet mode. “Luna Isabella, yes. Just saying hello.”

“How thoughtful. But the children just finished selection and need rest. If there’s nothing urgent, please head home.”

It was a polite dismissal. Acacia’s face went through several expressions before she managed a curtsy. “Of course, Luna Isabella. I won’t

disturb them.”

Before leaving, she shot me a look of pure hatred.

After she was gone, Isabella turned to us. “Come on, dinner’s ready.”

She led us inside, then looked at Nadia and me. “You two go clean up and rest first.”

Then she turned to the boys. “I need to discuss something with you all.”

Nadia and I exchanged confused looks but headed upstairs.

When we came down for dinner, the dining room was empty except for us. The boys and Luna Isabella were still missing.

“What are they talking about?” Nadia mumbled around a bite of roast beef. “So mysterious.”

‘No clue,” I said, sipping my soup. “Maybe something about tomorrow?”

“Maybe.” Nadia shrugged. “But Luna Isabella didn’t look worried, so it’s probably fine.”

We ate in comfortable quiet. Today’s challenge had drained me completely.

Near the end of dinner, footsteps finally echoed from the stairs. Luna Isabella led the boys into the dining room, and they were all

wearing these weird barely-contained smiles.

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