**Steps Along Forgotten Roads**
**By Sophia Reed**
**Chapter 320: Alpha Levi**
**Judy’s POV**
The tension between Levi Churchill and Gavin Landry was no secret. It was the kind of rivalry that echoed through the halls of our world, a tale whispered among the Lycans. Both men were two of the four Lycan Chairmen, powerful figures who once ruled the werewolf territories in unity. But as time passed, their differences became insurmountable, and their strengths varied too greatly for them to coexist peacefully. Gavin, the strongest among them, claimed the largest portion of the werewolf domain, a fact that gnawed at Levi, who, while formidable, was not the strongest.
Rumors circulated like wildfire, suggesting that Levi had been plotting against Gavin for years, intent on seizing control of his rival’s territory. Whispers of spies and rogue recruits sent to sabotage Gavin’s reign filled the air, though no one could confirm the truth behind those claims. The very idea of having another Lycan lurking within our territory was disconcerting, especially one who seemed hell-bent on undermining Gavin’s authority.
Professor Adams stood beside me, a smile plastered on his face, but his eyes betrayed his anxiety. I could sense his unease, mirroring my own. The presence of Levi, flanked by the Elite Gamma Force, was a palpable tension in the air. It was Gavin who typically funded the Elites, so why was Levi here instead? Shouldn’t it have been Gavin himself, the one whose influence was felt in every corner of our territory?
“This is the Judy Montague you were speaking about?” Levi’s voice was deep, resonating with an authority that demanded respect.
“Yes, Alpha,” Professor Adams replied, his tone laced with pride. “She’s one of my most exceptional students.”
I felt Levi’s gaze bore into me, and a rush of warmth flooded my cheeks under his scrutiny.
“She doesn’t look like much,” he remarked, his tone skeptical. “Are you certain she’s capable of fighting?”
“Oh, yes, Alpha,” Professor Adams insisted, a genuine smile breaking through his earlier nervousness. “You won’t be disappointed in her abilities. She may be small, but she possesses remarkable speed and resilience.”
A swell of pride filled my chest at his words, a flicker of confidence igniting within me.
Levi regarded me for a moment longer, his expression inscrutable, before he cleared his throat and gestured to the Gammas behind him. They began to move past me without a second glance. As Levi circled around me, he paused, narrowing his icy gaze, sending a shiver down my spine. I quickly averted my eyes, focusing intently on a spot on the ground, biting my lower lip until it felt tender.
“I look forward to seeing what you can do,” he said, his words hanging in the air like a challenge. With that, he strode away, the Gammas following suit.
I stood there, momentarily frozen, trying to comprehend the encounter that had just unfolded.
Professor Adams exhaled a breath he seemed to have been holding and leaned against the doorframe, his posture relaxing slightly.
“They’re joining our class today to scout potential recruits,” he explained, lowering his voice to a conspiratorial whisper. “I put in a good word for you.”
“Why is Alpha Levi here?” I inquired, a frown creasing my brow. “Shouldn’t it be Gavin Landry?”
“It was decided that Alpha Levi would accompany the Elites instead. Alpha Gavin is preoccupied; he’s the only Lycan who actively manages his own pack along with his territory. Plus, he has a family to care for, without a wife to help him. Levi, on the other hand, is unencumbered, making it easier for him to attend.”
I nodded, processing his explanation, trying to wrap my mind around the shifting dynamics.
“You’ve got this, Judy. I’ve always believed in your potential, and now they will see it too,” Professor Adams encouraged, his voice firm. “Just do what you always do—win.”
Easier said than done, I thought. Previously, my fights were for class credits and a bit of fun. Now, the stakes felt significantly higher; this could shape my entire future. No pressure, right?
I longed for Nan’s presence more than anything; she always seemed to know the right words to soothe my nerves. After bidding farewell to my professor, I made my way to my classes.
Three long classes passed, dragging on, until I finally had a brief respite before my final class of the day—my combat course. The weight of anticipation settled heavily in my stomach as I prepared for what felt like a pivotal moment in my life. I settled into the student lounge for the next hour, poring over notes and finishing assignments from previous classes.
I attempted to call Nan several times while seated in the lounge, but each time, her phone directed me to voicemail. Frustration bubbled within me as I shoved my phone back into my pocket, feeling a twinge of annoyance at her apparent disregard. A nagging thought crossed my mind—was she upset with me? I quickly dismissed it; I hadn’t done anything wrong, so surely, she couldn’t be angry, right?
I glanced at the clock and gasped, realizing I only had a few minutes to reach my combat class before I would be late! Where had the time gone? I hurriedly packed my belongings into my backpack and dashed out of the student lounge. Fortunately, the gym was nearby, and as I stepped inside the combat center, my jaw nearly dropped. The place was packed with students eager to witness who would be recruited into the Elite Gamma Force Competition. This was a rare event, occurring only once every decade, making it a monumental occasion.
“Late, are we?” Professor Adams remarked as I pushed through the front doors, his tone teasing yet firm.
I swallowed hard, feeling the weight of his gaze.
“I lost track of time,” I admitted.
He scrutinized me briefly before sending me to the locker room to change into my gym attire. I wasted no time, rushing into the locker room and quickly opening my locker. My gym clothes hung neatly on a hook, and I grabbed them, hurrying toward one of the bathroom stalls. While some girls changed openly, I preferred the privacy of a stall, not quite ready to bare myself in front of others.
Once I slipped into my snug yoga pants and workout bra, I stepped out of the stall and approached the mirror. My heart raced as I pulled my long hair into a ponytail, adjusting my clothes nervously.


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