I’d hoped his speech would deter many of the volunteers, but I had no idea whether it did or not.
My father motioned toward the pedestal at the bottom of the three shallow steps. “Each male who wishes to compete in the trials will come forward and place his stone in the ceremonial chest.”
According to stories the elderwomen told, a young male’s stone was an important part of his journey. As a rite of passage, each of them ventured alone into the Raysan caves in search of his very own stone. Only when they found the one that spoke to their wolf could they exit the caves and return to camp.
If a male presented his stone during the Assertion ceremony, he showed his commitment to becoming a devoted companion. And as I searched the faces of the crowd, I wondered which of them would place their mark for me.
My father beckoned the first volunteer to come forward, but no one moved. Only curious gazes shifted around the crowd, and as the seconds ticked by, I didn’t know what to feel. Part of me was relieved that even Resno and his friends appeared to have changed their minds, but another part me felt embarrassed. Out of the entire gathering, hundreds of wolfkind, no one wanted to be my companion.
Already, I found myself making plans to join the guard if everyone remained where they stood. I could worry about finding a companion later when it was my choice.
A lifetime seemed to pass before the first volunteer stepped into the circle. He was a handsome male, no doubt about that. I hadn’t met him, but I’d seen him casting curious stares my direction earlier in the night.
He approached the pedestal, bowing low before lifting his pale eyes to mine. With his stone cradled in his big palm, he spoke. “I am Zalan. I offer my mark as a symbol of my promise to you. Should I be the last standing at the end of the trials, know that I will forever be yours, and yours alone.”
Unsure how to respond, I bowed my head in acknowledgment and offered him a small smile. I only hoped it didn’t appear as awkward as it felt.
After placing his stone in the carved box, the young male stood to one side with his hands clasped behind his back.
Once he’d initiated things, more came forward. One after another, nine other males repeated their own variation of the presentation, Resno and his two comrades among them.
To my surprise, not all who placed their stone were close to my age. Several had to be at least eight or ten years older. One, I knew personally.
As eldest son of Warin—my father’s closest friend—Kai had spent considerable time in my family’s home. He had returned from Raysan two years before I’d left for Fastness. Even as a child, I’d found him intriguing. Still, my curiosity had been innocent. As an adult, however, my interest was more about attraction, and wasn’t that an eye-opener.
Kai looked much like I remembered, but the last ten years had brought subtle differences. His sculpted body held more bulk, his hair was less tamed, and his kind eyes showed signs of weariness. The faint lines on his handsome face suggested he’d had it rough since I’d last seen him, and that piqued my curiosity instead of deterring me as it might other females.
Whether for compassion or simply because of our past, a part of me hoped Kai was the victor at the end of the trials.
My father concluded the ceremony and closed the small carved chest housing the stones before addressing the volunteers. “The trials begin at sunrise, so I recommend you get plenty of rest tonight. Until then, I invite you all to enjoy the rest of the night’s festivities.”
I let my gaze drift over the volunteers one more time, thankful none of them were Novak. Each of them had an intensity about them that told me the trials would be brutal, and I couldn’t wait to get it all over with.
Chapter 8
I had morning meal with my parents, but thanks to the building anxiety, I found my appetite lacking. Though my mother tried distracting me with conversation about recent pack happenings, the knots in my stomach refused to ease. I barely managed to choke down a few small bites by the time everyone else had finished eating.
I pushed my plate away and moved to the window to check on the progress of preparations. Pulling back the curtain, I glanced around the yard. Much had changed since the last time I’d peeked out.
The elders had removed the tables, and eight tall chairs sat evenly spaced around the fighting circle’s perimeter. The chairs were for the alphas, the overseers of the trials. Whether because of broken rules of engagement—or any reason threatening a pack member’s life—the alphas decided when a fight momentarily halted or ended altogether.
Judging by the growing light on the eastern horizon, I would soon join the others outside and draw the first pair of names.
Overwhelmed, I dropped the curtain and faced my parents. “Can’t we get this over with already? I might go insane waiting for the sun to come up.”
As if right on cue, a soft knock sounded, and Nailana stuck her head into the room. “I hate to interrupt, but the other alphas are ready for you, Arnou.”
My father rose from his chair, kissed my mother’s cheek, and gave my shoulder an encouraging squeeze before following Nailana from the cabin.
I stared across the room at my mother, hoping her quiet presence would calm me, but with the time quickly approaching, there was no hope of that.
“Is it too early for a glass or two of Uncle’s brew?”
My mother smirked. “A bit.”
Damn it. I would have to suffer through the morning completely sober.
My mother crossed the ten feet between us and rested her gentle hands on my shoulders. I could see understanding and sympathy in her sapphire eyes as she offered me a warm smile. “I would tell you not to worry, but I know it’s no use. These times are stressing. I know that all too well. Still, think of it this way; you can at least enjoy watching some of these idiots beat the crap out of each other for the next couple days.”
That was a satisfying thought. Seeing someone stomp Resno’s smug face into the ground sounded appealing.
As if reading my mind, my mother grinned. “Those Ulric boys could use a good beating.”
Didn’t I know it. Those arrogant bastards brought creepy and rude to a whole new level.
“Are there any particular volunteers you are interested in?” my mother asked. “Do you have a favorite?”
I shrugged. “Kellum surprised me. He was a goofy boy, but he’s grown into a handsome man. Zalan and Cuan stand out in their own ways.”
My mother smiled. “What of Kai? I saw you eyeing him with a bit more interest than the others.”
Shocked that I’d been so transparent, I met my mother’s amused gaze.
“Don’t worry.” She chuckled. “I doubt anyone else noticed.”
The Guard Master pushed into the room without so much as a knock. He did not appear pleased. Not that he ever did, but this time he focused his unhappy stare on me. He approached with a purposeful stride, nodding respectfully to my mother before he greeted me with his stern voice.
“Let me get straight to the point. Changes in security will be implemented, effective immediately.”
Though wary of what that meant, I waited for him to explain.
“Because of several incidents during last night’s festivities, including the one in the forest, I have appointed two guards to stay by your side at all times.”
“What?” I squeaked in disbelief.
Unfazed by my reaction, he continued. “Your personal guards will shadow your every move until the full moon ceremony is completed.”
I gaped at him. Surely, he wasn’t serious.
Reading my expression, he lowered his chin a scant inch, his intense eyes holding mine. “Whether you like it or not, I assure you, it is necessary.”
I looked to my mother, wondering why she was so quiet, but the news hadn’t come as a surprise to her.
“You knew about this,” I said in disbelief.
My mother nodded.
“And you agreed to it?”
“Of course. It was my idea.” Before
I could even respond, she added, “After discussing things with your father, we agreed guards were a good idea. I’d hoped you’d grown out of your little rebellious tendencies, but you are too much like your father. We should have suggested personal guards before you ever arrived.”
“Unbelievable.” I muttered under my breath.
“The guards are for your safety, sweetheart.”
I wanted to argue but pressed my lips together to be sure I held my tongue. Protesting would do no good if what my mother said was true. If the whole ridiculous plan was her damn idea, I might as well keep my mouth shut.
Honestly, I would much rather listen to her lecture me all day than have some strangers following me around.
“They will keep your best interests and safety at the forefront of their duties,” Kene added. “It is imperative you do as they say, without question.”
I didn’t have a problem with authority, per se, but having two more people I must answer to irritated me. I was supposed to be considered an adult, but everyone still treated me like a child. Admittedly, I had behaved like one by sneaking away, and I’d likely do so again at some point. I wouldn’t be stupid enough to go into the forest again, but retreating to the cabin at some point was a definite possibility. I just hated knowing I would never be alone, thanks to my so-called rebellion.
“You will cooperate,” Kene said, his stern tone telling me he wasn’t screwing around. “Do you understand?”
I nodded. “Of course.”
My voice sounded flat, even to my own ears, but Kene didn’t look offended. He gave me a stiff smile. “Good. Let me introduce you.”
Behind him, the door swung open and two enormous men filed into the room as if they’d been listening to the entire conversation. My eyes instantly snapped to the bigger of the two. Decker.
Butterflies took flight in my belly, and it frustrated me to no end. Why did the moody beast have to affect me so much? He didn’t like me. He’d shown me that much. Why couldn’t I just despise him like I did Resno and his creep friends?
“This is Wyatt, of the Sandalio pack.”
I dragged my eyes from Decker to the male Kene indicated.
“Though he was an excellent alpha, he traded that title for a spot within the guard. His dedication to our people’s safety surpasses his need to be a leader and his sharp eye will serve to keep you safe during the festivities still to come.”
Wyatt offered a warm smile, his blue-green eyes steady on mine. “It is an honor to be at your side, Shala. I shall gladly protect you with my life, should the need arise.”
Though I didn’t like the idea of someone putting my life above their own, I bowed my head in thanks. “Hopefully, that will not be necessary.”
Kene directed my attention back to the moody male on my left. “You’ve met Decker.”
“Of course.” I managed a smile but couldn’t be sure I’d pulled off my attempt at appearing polite.
Decker simply dipped his sturdy chin, never taking his rust-colored eyes from my face.
“He is of the Lykos pack, middle son of Alpha Tarik,” Kene continued. “He doesn’t speak much, but you are in capable hands. His responsibilities as a guard are his top priority, and he is the fiercest among our ranks.”
Though I hadn’t seen him in action, I had no doubt about that. I’d seen a glimpse of his anger, and the intensity radiating from him never seemed to dim. It figured fate would make me deal with that temperamental beast every waking hour for the next three days.
Had he volunteered? Did his involvement with last night’s encounter put him at the top of the list, or had Kene truly assigned him solely on his guard skills? Whatever the reason, I imagined he would be nothing but a huge pain in my ass.
***
The ten competitors stepped into the wide circle. Their chests were bare, hands clasped behind their backs, and I couldn’t stop myself from assessing each of them.
I didn’t know what other males were like. I’d never seen anyone aside from our people, but wolfkind males were spectacular physical specimens.
While some had tall, lean frames, others held more bulk. None of them compared to Decker. Still, I found each had their own unique appeal. Even the vile Resno had a remarkable body. I didn’t want to notice his chiseled physique, but I couldn’t ignore the way his dark skin glistened in the morning sun’s warm rays.
Even from thirty feet away, I could see Resno’s eyes sparkle as if he knew my thoughts, but I ignored his pleased expression. Tearing my gaze from his, I made a point to study the others just as carefully. I didn’t want to give him the impression that I wanted him any more than I wanted the others. He was at the bottom of the list of who I hoped to find left standing at the end of the trials.
Kene addressed the crowd and the competitors, speaking of traditions, honor, and companionship. I’d heard similar speeches from the elderwomen, but hearing it from such a gruff male put things into perspective. It wasn’t only the females who craved their companion so strongly, and I couldn’t recall why I ever thought of it that way.
“The rules are simple. No weapons. No wolves. Obey the alphas. Whether through unconsciousness or submission, the fight ends when one of you can no longer continue. If you do not stop after an alpha calls the fight finished, you automatically forfeit your match and will be eliminated from the trials. Are there any questions?”
All ten competitors remained silent.
“Good. If you break any of these rules, your alpha will deal out your punishment in front of the packs as a gift to the honored female.” A slight smirk touched Kene’s mouth. “And I am sure Shala would very much enjoy seeing your tails handed to you.”
The crowd erupted into laughter.
Kene turned to me and motioned to the small oak chest on the pedestal in front of me. “Shall we begin?”
Not wanting to drag it out any longer than necessary, I reached in and selected the first stone. To my horror, I found Resno’s name carved into the onyx surface, but I didn’t react. I simply drew a second stone.
Too bad I didn’t pull Lyall or Rafe’s name. I could have at least eliminated one right out the gate. Unfortunately, the fates denied me that satisfaction. Instead, I found a Lobos symbol carved into one side of the speckled grey stone.
I transferred both to Kene’s upturned palm and he announced, “Our first pairing is Birk and Resno.”
Excited cheers rose from the packs and both males stepped forward, each sizing the other up as they moved to the circle’s center.
“Are you ready?” Kene asked them both.
Each answered with a quick nod.
“Good,” Kene said, his tone approving. “Begin.”
Resno and Birk tapped knuckles before they stepped back and sank into a defensive stance.
I stood motionless, my wary eyes on the two of them as they slowly circled one another. They spoke, their words most definitely provoking, but the packs’ excited shouts drowned them out.
Birk threw the first punch, but it only grazed Resno’s cheek. He easily dodged the blow, immediately countering it with a jab to Birk’s ribs and another to his gut before stepping out of his reach.
Birk quickly recovered, a smirk tugging at the corners of his mouth. Both males shifted their stances, and I don’t know what I expected to happen next, but the brutality that ensued was not it. Neither male held anything back. They went full force, fighting as if their lives depended upon the outcome, and the packs cheered as the two ruthless males beat each other stupid.
I watched with wide eyes, my breath catching in my throat as Resno knocked Birk’s head back on his shoulders with one vicious blow. Blood and sweat sprayed into the air above them. Birk stumbled, but Resno didn’t relent. He delivered one punch after another, not stopping until he straddled Birk’s unconscious body.
The Alpha closest to the two males called the fight finished and Resno sat back on his heels, his chest heaving as he drew hard breaths into his lungs.
Next to me, Kene mu
ttered, “What a way to start the day.”
Wasn’t that the truth. I couldn’t be sure how long the fight had lasted, but I was glad it was over.
Resno stood, his satisfied gaze meeting mine. He gave me a quick nod and everyone else undoubtedly saw the gesture as a sign of respect. I, on the other hand, saw it for what it was. A threat. A promise that he would not quit until he was the last male standing.
He didn’t bother waiting for Birk to regain consciousness. He disappeared into the crowd, a slight limp to his gait. Birk had injured him, but I suspected after a bit of rest, Resno would be ready for the next round.
Two males came forward just as Birk showed the first signs of stirring. They helped their battered pack mate to his feet and out of the fighter’s circle.
Beside me, Kene motioned toward the chest. “Draw another pair.”
Cuan and Balfour were up next. The fight seemed to go on forever, and though evenly matched in speed and strength, Balfour prevailed.
The following fight lasted even longer. It wasn’t as brutal, but the intensity had me holding my breath at times. Twice, I feared I might pass out and had to force myself to breathe. In the end, Kai drew a submission from Zalan. Kai managed to lock him in a chokehold, and though Zalan fought to free himself, he knew his opponent wouldn’t relent. Giving in, he tapped Kai’s arm and dropped onto all fours, panting when Kai finally released him.
Kene announced Kai the victor. After bowing to me, Kai helped Zalan to his feet. They exchanged quiet words and they bumped forearms. Their shared grins and the way Kai slung his arm around Kalan’s shoulders told me they weren’t merely respectful opponents. They were close friends.
I didn’t watch them meld into the surrounding crowd. Instead, shaking myself, I turned my focus back to the Guard Master and he motioned for me to draw the next set of names.
Reaching blindly into the chest, I swirled my fingers around the four remaining stones, giving them a thorough shuffle. Sending up a quick prayer to the goddess, I chose two stones and handed both to Kene without looking at them.
I could barely contain myself when the Guard Master read Kellum’s and Thorin’s names. My excitement was not for those two males, but because I knew the only remaining stones were Rafe’s and Lyall’s.
Assertion Trials Page 6