Chapter 31 - Chapter 31 : A rivalry begins

A few Years AgoThalia sat with her friends at the tennis courts in college, enjoying the sunny afternoon and their laughter. Suddenly, a tall, handsome guy walked by, drawing everyone's attention. His presence was magnetic, and Thalia couldn't take her eyes off him."Who is that?" she asked, her heart racing.Her friend, Megan, glanced over and smirked. "That's Brian, the alpha from the Manian pack."Thalia's eyes widened in surprise. " Wait, did you just say the manian pack? The Manian pack? The one known as the Divine Pack? The pack whose members can communicate with animals after awakening their wolves?"Megan nodded. "That's the one. They're pretty famous around here."" Wow, I have heard about them but did they communicate with animals?" Thalia asked with excitement " Yes we are told but no one has seen them talking with animals, " Megan said with a little confusion Before Thalia could gather the courage to approach him, Brian had already gotten into his car and driven away. She watched him leave, a mixture of awe and disappointment swirling in her chest."He's incredible, handsome and so perfect," Thalia said dreamily. "I wish I could be his friend."Her friends exchanged amused glances. "Friend? With Brian? Good luck with that," Megan teased. "Guys like him don't usually notice us, mere mortals."" Wow his name is Brian, I will make him my friend in all ways " But Thalia couldn't shake the feeling. Brian had left a lasting impression on her, and she found herself imagining what it would be like to know him, to be close to him. Over the next few days, her thoughts were consumed by the handsome alpha, and she resolved to find a way to get to know him better.Days turned into weeks, and Thalia kept an eye out for Brian, hoping for another chance encounter. She learned more about him from her friends and the college grapevine. Brian was not just handsome; he was also intelligent, kind, and highly respected among his peers. The more she heard, the more her admiration grew.One afternoon, Thalia was walking through the campus garden when she saw him again as he was around the basketball courts. This time, she didn't hesitate. Gathering all her courage, she approached him."Hi, Brian," she said, her voice trembling slightly. "I'm Thalia."He turned to her, his piercing blue eyes locking onto hers. "Hi, Thalia," he replied with a friendly smile. "Nice to meet you. I didn't think I knew you, but it looks like you know me the way you called my name"Thalia's heart soared. "Yeah I've heard a lot about you from my friends," she said smiling and looking back at her friends " Oh I get but I didn't know them maybe they are my friends I didn't know but nice meeting you Thalia," Said as he continued to pack the ball packing Thalia thought of any way to gain his attention she said "I was wondering if we could maybe grab a coffee sometime?"Brian looked at her for a moment, then nodded. "Sure, that sounds great. But I am busy now maybe sometime just like you said"As they arranged to meet up, Thalia couldn't believe her luck. She had taken the first step, and now she was one step closer to the handsome alpha who had captured her heart. But things didn't go as planned again for Thalia as she found herself increasingly frustrated in her attempts to spend time with Brian. Every time she saw him on campus, he was with Mia. Mia was another alpha from the Manian pack, but she was known to be special. She had the rare gift which is so rare among the werewolf she could see and hear the Moon Goddess which no one could.Whenever Thalia saw Brian jand Mia together, her heart sank. They seemed inseparable, their bond apparent in the way they laughed and talked with ease. Brian's attention was always on Mia, making it impossible for Thalia to get a moment alone with him.One afternoon, Thalia saw Brian and Mia sitting under a tree, deep in conversation. She approached them, trying to muster a smile. "Hey, Brian," she said, forcing a cheerfulness she didn't feel.Brian looked up and smiled. "Hey, Thalia. What's up? It has been days how are doing"Mia gave Thalia a polite but distant nod. "Hi,"" But Thalia ignores her and continues her conversation with Brain " I am fine, just a little bit bored, did you mind if I join you," Thalia said asking for a space to join them sitting together " Sure you can, meet Mia, my friend, " Brian said as he offered Thalia a sit" Hey I am Thalia, " she said " I am Mia nice meeting you"Thalia tried to engage Brian in conversation, but Mia's presence made it difficult. Every time she tried to steer the conversation towards something personal or meaningful, Mia would interject, her insights and stories overshadowing Thalia's attempts.After a few minutes, Thalia excused herself, her frustration barely contained. As she walked away, she heard Mia laugh at something Brian said, and her heart ached. The more she saw them together, the more her feelings of inadequacy and jealousy grew.In the following days, Thalia's frustration turned into resentment. She began to see Mia as an obstacle, the reason she couldn't get close to Brian. Every time she saw Mia, her anger simmered just below the surface.One evening, Thalia confided in Megan about her feelings. "I can't stand it, Megan, what should I do," she said, pacing back and forth in her dorm room. "Every time I try to talk to Brian, Mia is there, monopolizing his attention. I don't think I'll ever get a chance to know him."Megan looked sympathetic. "I get it, Thalia. But you have to remember, Mia has a special gift. Naturally, Brian would be drawn to her and you know they are still from the same pack. Maybe you should try to befriend Mia too. It might help."Thalia shook her head, her eyes flashing with anger. "No, I can't do that. I don't trust her. She's the reason I can't get close to Brian. I hate her, she is a witch, she is the enemy of my progress"Megan sighed, worried for her friend. "Hatred won't get you anywhere, Thalia. It will only make things worse."But Thalia was too consumed by her jealousy to listen. In her mind, Mia was the enemy, and she was determined to find a way to win Brian's attention, no matter the cost. Thalia's carelessness And her growing animosity towards Mia would set her on a path filled with unexpected challenges and consequences, altering the course of her life and the lives of those around her.