I unsheathe my sword and start sharpening it on the whetstone. An archaic artifact from the beginning of time. I smile at the effort and force it takes to sharpen. When my blade is sharp, I feel unstoppable. Not that we use blades in the tournament. But there is symbolism behind wearing one when participating in the tournament. The blade I will wear was given to me by my father. On the handle are a fox and a hummingbird. One delicate but fast while the other cunning yet careful. The tail of the fox twisted down to where the handle met the blade. It was intricate and exquisite. My dad joked the Moon Goddess herself would be honored to own such a blade.
Everything else was packed and ready. We took three SUVs and my sports car to the tournament. Each SUV had 5 of my most trusted warriors. I drove my white BMW i8 while Caelum sat shotgun. It was a four and a half hour drive. He gripped the handle of the door the majority of the ride. We had made it there in just shy of 4 hours. The SUVs were left in the dust.
"You drive like a human."
"You'd better call Stella and let her know you're here alright." I knew only my mind link worked at far distances with the pack. However, the mate bond could convey emotions across continents.
"Yes I'm fine." I hear him reassuring my sister. "No, she did not try to kill me."
I raise my eyebrows at him. Alphas can sense lies.
"No, I will not put her on the phone." I reach for the phone and he hands it over.
"...her, I mean it!"
"What do you mean munchkin?" I laugh at the fury in her tone.
"You'd better not let a single hair on his head get hurt! Stop driving like a maniac just because you've got that nice little sports car. That's my mate you're handling! He's precious cargo!"
I couldn't help but laugh, "Aren't you supposed to be teaching preschool?"
"It was a half day." Her tone immediately changes. "They're all home already, I'm just straightening up the classroom."
"Well, stop stressing then. Caelum is safe with me." I toss him back his phone.
"Starlight, I will be fine. Your sister is a badass." He gives me a thumbs up but I pretend to gag at the pet name he's given my sister. "I love you too. I'll call you later."
A knock comes at Caelum's tinted window and he lowers it. Slowly a busty blonde leans over, practically putting her breasts on display.
"Tournament ID pass."
Caelum doesn't seem to notice her chest at his eye level. He hands over our black and white pass.
"Alpha Regina." She looks over to me and hurriedly stands upright. A gold ring is thrust into Caelum's palm. "Please proceed to the valet."
I don't wait for Caelum to roll up his window before departing from the woman. He hands me the ring and I place it on my index finger. We exit the car and I toss the keys to the valet.
Caelum grabs my bags and his before talking with the valet. I hear my full name Alpha Regina Nox of Clan Solis and see Caelum slipping the valet some cash.
"Remember," Caelum whispered to me, "this has been a men only club until this year. Don't try to make waves just yet. Once you're established then we can promote change."
Caelum is wise beyond his years. He could tell I was fuming at the half naked women parading throughout the mansion.
We were escorted to our floor by a girl dressed like a playboy bunny. My anger was palpable. Women were not objects to be played with.
"Thanks." Caelum managed, giving the girl some money and closing the door on her.
"Your room is huge!"
"The Alpha suite." I say dryly.
"My room is next door." He says and sets my bags on the floor. "Knock if you need me. The SUVs called and said they're 10 minutes out so I'll meet them and escort them up when they get here."
I nodded, "Thank you, Caelum."
He turned to leave. Before closing the door he turned back, "Don't forget you have the Alpha welcome lunch at noon. After you've got a meeting with Clan Caeruleus Genus. Finally, we end with a three course meal. Here you are allowed one guest. It is usually the Luna, in this case the Alpha's mate."
Again, I bob my head up and down in acknowledgement. "Thanks. I will prepare."
Without Caelum in the room, I took out the potion and drank it. Every last drop. It gave me the temporary power to set wards and protection spells on my pack members. I was no witch, but a close friend of mine was. Using magic was painful but necessary. When I finished I collapsed on the bed, my body shaking uncontrollably.
Those who wished us harm could not enter our floor. My pack members were impervious to attack or poison for the duration of the week. My room was coded to allow entry only to those with permission. Finally, I was protected from the same perils as my pack but it also gave me the power to detect lies and deceit.
My wolf whimpered as it took most of her strength to use the magic.
*I'm sorry Praesul, you know we have to be on guard. We are the only female Alpha known to this region. Weakness is not to be tolerated.*
*I know...but can we at least take a nap? I'm exhausted...*
She echoed my thoughts exactly. It was about 10, which meant we had two hours until the luncheon. I removed my boots, jeans, and tank, quickly tossing them to the floor. I laid down and fell asleep.
*Wake up* Praesul urged me.
I sat bolt upright. The clock said 11:50. Oh shit! Quickly I threw on a pencil skirt and sleeveless blouse. I knew the luncheon was casual but I didn't want to appear sloppy. My hair was barely tousled as I slept on my stomach. Touching up my make-up and deodorant, I glanced at my watch. 11:58.
I grabbed my heels then hauled ass out of my room. I put them on in the elevator. I held the door closed button the whole ride down so I didn't stop to pick anyone else up. Of course, I would be late to my first event of the tournament.