Chapter 124 - Begin

Adea

Why was Leo participating in the competition? I stood with my mouth agape for a good two minutes before I picked my jaw up from the floor. I couldn’t figure out how or why he would want to be my guard.

I couldn’t help the feeling of suspicion that made its way into my chest. I made a mental note to ask Ethan how the hell that came to be. I needed to know how that happened. I let my eyes travel over the other participants and I recognized a couple of people from training and a handful of the others I’ve seen around the pack.

Excitement flared and I wished that this was training. I’d love the opportunity to jump in and fight against some of the other warriors outside of the group I’ve been training with.

My hair was standing on end as Ethan led me to seats off to the side of the field. Darci stood when she saw us and she gave Ethan a bow before looking at me. I wanted to be able to tell them before the ceremony but the week was hectic and I didn’t have the chance to.

I couldn’t place the expression she wore as she gave me a small bow before walking out onto the field. Beta Odis was by the seats and gave us a bow in greeting.

“Took you guys long enough, I was wondering if we would have to reschedule,” he said as he threw a knowing smirk to Ethan. My cheeks heated and I bit the inside of my cheek to hide my embarrassment.

“We got held up,” Ethan said.

“Oh, I’m sure,” Odis said with a laugh.

The seats had been placed in the middle and as we sat, I noticed we had the best view of the field. When the fighting starts, we would be able to see every match clear and close up.

I watched the participants as they sparred. I couldn’t judge their strength just by their sparring but it made my heart beat faster and the adrenaline pump through my veins. I was already thinking of different ways I could try and convince my guard to spar with me.

My eyes kept lingering on Leo and I didn’t like the strength and confidence that oozed from him. I pursed my lips, trying to calm myself at the thought of Leo as my bodyguard. He would be by my side throughout the day and at night when Ethan wasn’t there. I don’t need to worry about him becoming my guard, for that to happen he would have to beat everyone here for that to happen.

As the sun disappeared, the moonlight lit up the field. Everyone’s eyes found Ethan as he stood up and the conversations behind us and on the field died.

“I appreciate everyone who showed up today. A few of you had your reservations, but I’m happy to see that all of you made it,” Ethan bellowed. “This won’t be a difficult competition, compared to the others, it will go differently.”

The faces on the field looked confused but Ethan continued. “By the end of the night, we should have a winner.”

I watched as a look of surprise made its way across the faces of the participants. Someone’s hand went up and I recognized him as someone from my tier.

“Excuse me, Alpha, will the competition be able to finish by tonight? The sun has already set,” he said and dropped his hand.

“We will be able to finish by tonight. As you’ve said, the sun has already set and I don’t want to keep all of you, including your Luna, out here too late. If we run the competition the traditional way, it may take a few days until we have a winner. With that in mind, this competition winner will be the last man standing. He or she will be named Luna’s personal guard.”

“Alpha, is there a reason we aren’t using the normal competition rules? I was expecting to have a one on one fight and move on to the next round.” The same man asked.

“The traditional way would take too long and I want my mate to have a guard by the end of the night. It would all end the same way and it’ll make it interesting. I want the strongest by her side. I need someone guarding her as soon as possible,” Ethan answered.

“Any more questions?” Ethan hollered as his gaze slid over the participants.

“Some of us have trained with Luna this past week before we knew she was… our Luna. I’ve seen her in action and saw her take down a warrior twice her size. I know for a fact that she can handle herself,” Zoe, the girl from the new members said.

“That is correct,” Ethan said.

“So what I’m getting at is, is there a threat? Is there something we should know?” Zoe asked.

“There isn’t anything you need to know now. A Queen needs a guard,” Ethan said.

“What are the rules?” Leo asked, and our eyes locked as his gaze locked on me.

Ethan turned his head to look at him and I wondered if he could see the way Leo was looking at me. Odis stiffened beside me as Leo spoke and was curious about what he thought of Leo’s participation.

“I only have two. One, no killing, and two, if your opponent gives in, move on. There’s no need to be extreme. Don’t continue attacking them, if they forfeit, you’ve already knocked them out of the competition. Also, if you give in, make your way off the field so you aren’t confused as an active competitor. This way you can avoid being targeted by another player,” Ethan said.

Leo’s eyes darted to Ethan.

“I don’t plan on giving in,” he said before he nodded.

“Anyone else?” Ethan asked.

We looked over everyone on the field and when no one else raised their hand. Ethan took a step forward.

“Begin,” Ethan murmured.