Chapter 10
Matte
I gripped the armrest tightly, observing Britney swiftly closing in on Freya, and anxiety began to gnaw at me. A sigh of relief escaped me as my mate skillfully evaded her. However, the relentless onslaught from Britney persisted, effortlessly dodged by Freya. As the skirmish unfolded, my concerns for Freya diminished; she strategically used her intellect, giving me confidence that she aimed to tire out her opponent and strike back when necessary. It seemed she was the type of fighter who valued precision over wasting energy on unnecessary hits.
A smug expression on Freya’s face indicated her readiness to retaliate, catching Britney’s attention and causing her to pause briefly. Though it was short-lived, as Freya quickly closed the distance, poised with a clenched fist, ready to take down her adversary. Yet, Britney anticipated the move, stepping back just in time. I couldn’t deny Britney’s skill, but what surprised me was when Freya landed a left jab on her face.
Britney staggered backward, her footing unstable. Gasps echoed as Freya swiftly delivered two consecutive blows, followed by a powerful uppercut. Freya maintained her position, waiting for Britney to rise again, showcasing her mastery in combat. It was evident that she inherited her fighting prowess, likely passed down from her parents during their off-duty hours.
As Britney regained her stance, frustration painted her expression. She, as the superior wolf, should have been dominating the fight against Freya, the beta’s daughter. Glancing at Jack, I noticed even he seemed taken aback by Freya’s unexpected prowess.
A low growl emanated from Britney as she shifted into her wolf form. Freya, undeterred, chuckled and taunted, “Couldn’t handle a fair fight in human form, huh?” Her tone turned serious as she prepared for the imminent confrontation. Pride swelled within me as I witnessed my mate exuding confidence.
As the wolfish Britney charged, Freya calmly awaited her. In a stunning display of agility, Freya leaped higher than her opponent, landing on top of her and securing a dominant position. A triumphant smile adorned Freya’s face as she hugged Britney. It was clear that this was no ordinary embrace, and Britney fell hard as Freya gracefully dismounted.
Gasps and whispers reverberated once again, all expressing disappointment over Britney. They hadn’t anticipated her losing to Freya, who remained in her human form. “How could she lose to someone so weak?” queried a woman in front of me, addressing the others.
“If she’s weak, then what strength do you possess?” retorted the other she-wolf.
“I didn’t know she could fight. Didn’t Alpha Daniel forbid her from training because she has no wolf?” the other inquired again. My forehead furrowed, and I glanced at Daniel, seated beside me. He, too, looked at me with evident fear.
“I can explain, Your Highness,” he began, but I raised a hand to halt him. I would address him later; currently, I wanted to know the outcome of the fight. Jack approached his daughter, and a female warrior handed him a cloak so Britney could revert to her human form.
“Freya Collins will advance to the next round,” Jack declared after securing his daughter. Clay and Alec rushed to Freya, embracing her, and she reciprocated, provoking a twinge of jealousy within me. “Wow, Frey, you’re truly amazing. Will you marry me already?” Alec jested, and laughter ensued. I disapproved, and my inner beast shared the sentiment. How could he casually propose to her?
I anticipated her gaze, but she avoided mine. Was she aware that I am her mate? It seemed likely. But if she knew, why hadn’t she approached me and informed me? Damn, I was uncertain about how to proceed, and jealousy brewed against those two wolves around her.
The day concluded with 20 fights, and, as Daniel had informed me, everyone received commendable training except Freya. We needed to discuss this and allow him the opportunity to clarify his perspective. “To your office, Daniel,” I instructed, and he nodded before departing. I remained seated for a while, pondering Freya again. There was a substantial chance she knew I was her mate if our connection was genuine, but her reasons for not disclosing it remained elusive.
Walking around could aid in clearing my mind, so I strolled with my warrior following at a distance. I overheard someone talking, and, if I wasn’t mistaken, it was Freya and Clay. I proceeded slowly to remain undetected. They were about 15 meters away, yet their conversation was audible. Leaning against a tree, I listened attentively.
“You already had a mate?” Clay inquired. “Who?” he pressed.
“I can’t tell you, but he couldn’t smell my scent, so he doesn’t know,” Freya responded. She already had a mate?
“Why can’t you just tell him?” Clay questioned once more.
“Do you think he’ll believe me if I say I am his and he is mine?” Freya pondered, and there was no audible response from Clay.
“Do you think I won’t accept you if you tell me?”
“It’s not you, Clay. We both know you already had your mate and were rejected.”Exclusive content © by Nô(v)el/Dr/ama.Org.
“How did you know?” Clay asked with a hint of sadness.
“I was there when that happened. I’m sorry, but I arrived at that spot first, and I couldn’t move an inch after I overheard your conversation.” Clay sighed. I’m certain he was the one who did it. Just how old is he to find his mate so easily?
“Frey, I have feelings for you, and I know you’re aware of that. Even Alec acknowledges it, and he has feelings for you too. If you’re afraid of facing your mate, fearing rejection, why don’t we consider being together?” My beast was furious upon hearing that, but I managed to restrain him.
“Clay,” Freya responded,
“If I’m to have a second chance, mate, I want it to be with you. I’ve already prayed to the moon goddess to grant you to me.”
“Clay…” Then I heard nothing. What are they doing? I walked in their direction and found them kissing, so I growled out of jealousy, causing both of them to look at me. I seized that opportunity and saw Freya’s eyes widen in shock. We locked eyes at last, and she’s
“MINEEEE…”