Gypsy Wolf Ch. 02

The challenge circle was just as it was called, a large circle in the dirt with rocks marking the outline. Holly was already in the ring and as soon as I stepped inside conversation died. Looking at Holly, I found myself having pictured someone far more tough looking. She looked to be a couple of inches taller than my 5'6" with long blonde hair and green eyes. Her breasts were tightly secured with a sports bra but, her flat toned stomach screamed of hours in the gym. In truth, if she wasn't standing across from me wanting to kick my ass I'd likely be trying to flirt with her.

"This fight is NOT to the death," Rasp said. "You fight until you cannot fight any longer. This is not a challenge for rank but, to determine if Elizabeth is worthy to be a Shadow Reavers' Beta. Elizabeth, as the challenged party, you get to choose the starting form."

"Human," I said, drawing a chuckle from Holly. Starting in any other form would give her a huge advantage in experience and I wasn't stupid enough to let her have that just yet. I was just hoping to do enough damage quickly enough that she wouldn't have the chance to shift. When I got into the recovery business, I found myself getting my ass kicked on a regular basis, so for the last several years I had been studying MMA style fighting at the local studio. I haven't lost a fight in months and wasn't about to start now.

"Get ready to run, because this will be over quickly," Holly said. "I'm the lead Beta in this pack and you need to learn your place." From the way the pack was cheering Holly actually seemed pretty popular but, I got a sense they were more excited about the run. Even my wolf seemed excited about the run and wasn't in the slightest concerned about my opponent a few yards away. Rasp had been standing between us but, quickly backed out of the ring.

The fight was far briefer than anyone expected. As soon Rasp cleared the ring, Holly and I both moved towards each other and all but collided in the middle. Holly was supposed to be the strongest Beta but, her movements seemed clumsy and slow. Just as we met, I dropped my shoulder low and ducked under Holly's attempt to grab me. You could hear the audible whoosh, as I drove my shoulder into her, forcing all the air from her body. Our mutual forward momentum seemed to cancel each other out and instead of driving her into the ground we both somehow stayed on our feet.

Using the back of my head, I stood up violently and made contact with her jaw, snapping her head backwards. I probably use my head far too often for someone my size but, no one ever expects it from me. Grasping her shoulders, I pulled her towards me and smashed the crown of my forehead into her skull. I wasn't sure how long she would be stunned for, so ducking behind her I locked my arms around her throat and pulled backwards. Falling to the ground, I wrapped my legs around her waist and arched my back, completely cutting off her air. The rear naked choke is definitely one of my favorite moves.

Just as I had the choke fully locked in, she began to recover from the blows to the head. Recognizing the danger of the situation, she started to struggle against me but the lack of air and the pressure to the sides of her neck quickly took effect. She made a last ditch attempt to break free by shifting but, I had been expecting that and managed to shift with her, keeping the hold in place. It was only a few more seconds before I felt her body go completely limp and I released the hold.

Rolling her off of me, I got to my feet to the cheers of the pack and did what felt like the most natural thing ever. Throwing my head back I let out a howl in celebration and was soon joined by the rest of the pack. Glancing down I could see that Holly was already beginning to stir and for some reason my wolf was insisting I leave no question as to my dominance over her. Dropping down, I took her throat in my mouth and waited as her eyes fluttered open. Focusing on Holly, I contacted her through the bond, 'Do you acknowledge my dominance over you?'

'Yes,' she said back to me. Releasing her throat, I stepped back and let out another howl in victory.

*****

I hope you enjoyed the story and please vote and comment.