*On my way now.*
*Roger that.*
*Who are they from?*
*The rings are being used as holders for the letters they sent. It was emphasized that these letters are for your eyes only.*
*Pretentious.*
*My bet would be Clan Primus and Clan Jovis.*
*The two biggest clans? What makes you think that?*
*I studied history in college. My thesis was on strategy in war. You're fresh meat and an Alpha of a medium to small clan. All of their land touches ours in some way or form. It makes sense to take from you until our clan is nonexistent.*
*I thought they always challenged immediately.*
*As did I, Alpha.*
After hearing the logic, a bitter taste finds its way into my mouth. Anger. Fear. Dread. Uncertainty. Confidence. Strength. Resilience. All these emotions course through my veins and I swallow.
*Wise. Thank you for your council.*
*I am always at your disposal Alpha.*
Without my beta, gamma, or best warrior, I still had a group of highly trained and skilled pack members.
Prudens was now in charge of my itinerary. When I met him outside my door, he bowed.
"Alpha." He handed me the paper with rings.
I opened the first one.
Sure enough, he was right about Clan Primus.
"Clan Primus." I confirmed.
He nodded.
The second one made me gasp involuntarily.
"Alpha?"
"Clan Caeruleus Genus..." I whisper. My mother's old pack. "We literally just renewed our treaty with them."
What could they possibly want with us?
"When?" Prudens asks.
"Caeruleus Genus tomorrow and Primus day 4."
"Planned." Prudens frowns.
"Elaborate."
"Why else would the Silver Pack challenge on day 5? Seems like they're leading a lamb to its slaughter."
That made perfect sense. Clan Caeruleus Genus was probably the bait. Wanting to see how I fought.
Another rule of your first tournament...I, as the Alpha, have to be the one that fights in the challenges. Clan Primus and Clan Caeruleus Genus could choose a warrior to fight in their stead. Then again, that meant I would be fighting Rex on Day 5.
Sudden exhaustion hit and I buckled on my knees.
"Alpha?" Prudens held my shoulders as I collected my thoughts.
"Send an acceptance to each clan." I stepped out of his awkward embrace.
"Yes, Alpha."
He turned to leave and I entered my bedroom.
*Have you found Stella?*
*Following a lead.*
*Keep me posted. I've got three challenges to occupy my time.*
*Care to say more?*
*First one is tomorrow.*
*With?*
*Clan Caeruleus Genus.*
*I heard they're going by Clan Irroro now.*
*That's odd, they didn't mention anything in our meeting…* I trail off, lost in thought.
*I wish I was there to hold you through the night.*
I could feel my insides warm. Thinking about his strong tan arms surrounding me made my legs feel like jello. I undressed and collapsed on the bed. Tossing and turning to get comfortable. I was too nervous to nap and his embrace would have been comforting.
Before I fell asleep, silver blue, purple, and dark blue eyes stare into mine.
I sit upright after only an hour nap. There were two challenges today. I wanted to be sure to be seen with my pack. Plus I wanted to see what challenges were all about.
Quickly, I threw on a pair of ripped jeans and a t-shirt. The challenges were super casual if you weren't the one fighting.
*Prudens when is the first challenge?*
*In half an hour.*
*Round up the pack, let's eat then go.*
We got Tacos from a food truck outside The Dome. The Dome was where challenges took place. We picked a spot midway up the bleachers. It reminded me of a high school football game. Not that I'd gone to many of those.
Standing on one half of the dome was a warrior. I forgot which clans were fighting today. Craning my neck to see the other competitor, my heart leapt in my chest. It was Indicum.
His dark blue eyes scanned the crowd but didn't land on me. I couldn't see the depth of his eyes from where we sat, but they stood out in stark contrast to his dark brown hair.
I averted my eyes, realizing they were completely naked except for a loin cloth over their man parts. How barbaric and archaic and what the hell am I gonna wear at my challenge?!
*Look at those muscles!* Praesul purred.
*So you ARE a cat...*
*He's got an 8-pack and look at that V-line to his di-*
*Don't you dare finish that sentence!* I was mortified at the conversation we were having. *I will let you watch him the ENTIRE time if you don't comment.*
*DEAL!* Obediently she laid down and rested her head on her paws.
*Good girl.* She rolled her eyes.
An announcement had been made to the crowd and to the challengers but I'd missed it interacting with Praesul.
The fight was just beginning when I looked back. They were circling one another. Fangs bared but neither had transformed yet. I blinked while taking a bite of my taco and both wolves were on their hind legs. They supported each other upright with their paws on each other's shoulders. The brown wolf threw the black one.
*Which one is Indicum?*
*The black...I mean dark blue wolf!* Praesul informed me. *Stop eating and focus!!*
Looking at the dark wolf I realized his fur was dark blue, just like his eyes.
Quickly Indicum got up and charged. Last minute he pulled short as the brown wolf jumped up. This caught the brown wolf off guard and Indicum scratched his underside with one set of claws while he was still in the air. The brown wolf toppled and tried to create space between them. Indicum was merciless. He didn't wait, lunging at the wolf and tackling him to the ground. Indicum was on top of the wolf. The wolf made no sign of transforming back or yielding. After 3 seconds of struggle, Indicum ripped out the wolf's throat.
I could feel myself relieved and disgusted at the same time. Praesul was oddly aroused by the victory.
*We could bear his children.* She licked her lips.
*He just brutally murdered a warrior.*
*The warrior didn't yield, you know the rules.*
The brown wolf had become his human form. Bloody and dead at the bottom of the pit. Fear tickled the pit of my stomach. Tomorrow, that could be me.
I shook my head and stood to leave. I didn't realize the bleachers had cleared. The next fight wasn't for a couple of hours.
Indicum was back in human form as well. Our eyes met as I exited with my pack. I looked away slowly and we left.