The Alpha and The Enforcer [TATE] (STILL EDITING)

Ellie's P.O.V

Darkness. That's all I could see around me. I didn't know where I was, but it was both calming and terrifying.

Am I dead?

Probably.

It was warm here... soothing. Like being wrapped in a thick blanket after a long, painful winter. I didn't know what this place was, but for once, I felt free. No expectations. No burdens.

Am I dead? I asked again.

Then I felt her.

Lizzy.

She was still there. My wolf. Faint, but present. Her energy flickered inside me like a candle fighting the wind.

That meant I wasn't dead.

So where was I?

The last thing I remembered was fighting rogues—trying to protect the pack. Then running to Miranda's house. I'd missed the deadline. I'd lost the wand. I thought I'd lost Lizzy too.

But she was still here. Weak, yes. But alive.

In that moment, I didn't care where I was. Whether I was dead or dreaming. This quiet void was better than reality. At least here, I could sit with Lizzy... in peace.

Then something shifted.

I felt it.

A presence watching me.

I stood and looked around. Nothing.

Then a whisper of movement. The sound of a blade sliding free.

I dodged just in time. Grabbed the attacker's wrist. Twisted. The sword fell. I drove my elbow into their gut and flipped them over my shoulder.

They hit the ground hard. I didn't hesitate. I grabbed the sword and drove it into their chest.

Their hood was still up. My heart pounded as I pulled it back—

It was me.

And then, the body dissolved into smoke.

What the hell—

Pain exploded in my stomach.

I looked down.

Another sword. Blood pouring out.

I dropped the weapon, struggling to stay standing.

My attacker stepped into view.

Jacob.

I woke up gasping for breath, my body slick with sweat. My heart raced, but I wasn't alone—someone was holding my hands, grounding me.

Then the scent hit me.

Pinecones and firewood.

Jacob.

I turned my head and met his eyes.

"You're awake," he said softly.

I sat up slowly, glancing around. Miranda's house. We were in her living room. I remembered now—fighting Iron Fist, using fire I didn't know I had, then collapsing.

Jacob handed me a glass of water. "Here. Drink."

"I'm okay," I whispered, declining it.

Miranda walked in. Her face lit up like she wasn't partly responsible for everything that had happened.

"I'm glad you're awake," she said.

I looked away.

I didn't trust her. She used me to get that wand—and for what? Power? Revenge?