by G. K. DeRosa
“Shit…” Connor said on an exhale.
“At least that means today should be an easy one for you.”
I glared at Braxton. Nothing about today would be easy. Again, I bit my tongue. Brax was still so new to all of this. One day when he found his fated mate, he’d understand. I grabbed the coffee mug and buried my nose in it. The roasted aroma soothed my keyed-up nerves. After gulping it down in a few sips, I inhaled the donut.
“Thanks, guys. I promise once all this is over, you won’t be dragged into babysitting your alpha anymore.”
Connor’s eyes met mine, and he gave me a warm smile. “We’re your pack, Sierra. That’s what we do.” His reassurance surged through the bond, filling my vacant insides. I really lucked out with this guy.
“I’m supposed to be protecting you—both of you.”
Connor squeezed my hand. “How about we just protect each other?”
“Deal.” A genuine smile split my lips, one I’d been certain I wouldn’t be able to produce today. I slowly stood and exhaled a breath. “Okay, I’m going to jump in the shower and get ready. The sooner this is over with the better.”
The click of a key sliding into the lock turned my attention to the door. It swung open and Cass appeared with Vander at her side. Again, I couldn’t repress the surge of disappointment. Which was stupid. I’d see Hunter in less than an hour at the arena. I’d already spent all night with him, what else did I want?
Forever. He’d promised me forever.
“Hey, girl!” Cass enveloped me in a tight hug. “How are you?”
I totally forgot she was supposed to come over last night for a girl’s night. “I’m okay.”
She leaned in and whispered in my ear. “I’m surprised you can still walk after the night you had.”
Heat blossomed across my cheeks. “Wait, what? How did you know?”
She ticked her head at Vander. “He was trying to get a hold of Hunter, and he told him to eff off. On numerous occasions.”
“Ohhh… That’s why you didn’t come?”
She nodded. “I figured you were coming enough for the both of us.” She threw me a mischievous grin and a wink.
“Oh gods, Cass!” Then I lowered my voice and whispered, “He’s still leaving so it doesn’t matter.”
Her face twisted into a frown, and she took my hand and led me into my room. “We’ll be back, boys,” she called out over her shoulder.
Once I’d filled Cass in on everything that had happened in Nocturnis and the night before, she pulled me into a hug. “I’m so sorry, Sierra. I hate that you’re going through this hell.”
“At least it’ll all be over in a few hours.”
“Yeah, with Hunter being banished! That is not how it’s supposed to play out for you two.”
I shrugged. “Maybe it is.” Glancing up at the clock, I muttered a curse. “I have to get going.”
“Okay. We’ll head over there with you.” She wrapped my hand between hers. “We’re all here for you, Sierra. Always. Even if you lose Hunter, you’ll always be stuck with me.”
“Thank you. You’re the best friend anyone could ask for.” I tugged her into another hug, squeezing her tight. I had no idea what today would bring but knowing my bestie would be at my side made the overwhelming tightness in my chest a little more bearable.
I marched down the arena’s earthen corridor, each step more difficult than the last. It was quiet—much too quiet. Without the other competitors, the tunnels beneath the grand stadium were creepy and desolate.
Where was Hunter?
I’d waited with my friends in the stands for as long as possible, but the final trial was about to commence, and my mate was nowhere to be found. Had he decided not to show? He was forfeiting after all, so it would make sense.
But I’d seen Tyrien in the arena. He sat beside the trial commissioner awaiting the show. Hunter wouldn’t leave me alone to contend with the supreme alpha. So where in all the realms was he?
I crept into the silent Lunar Lounge and the ghosts of the missing competitors danced around the empty space. The banquet table was filled to the brim with platters of food no one would eat. A chill raced up my spine, and I hugged my arms around my middle to chase away the ice spilling through my veins.
Canyon, Araton, Aquor, and… Ransom. Not to mention the countless unnamed competitors from the lesser packs. None of them should have died. It was all so unfair and pointless.
I could almost see Ransom’s hip cocked against the table with a drink in hand, and that wicked grin on his face. A wave of guilt pummeled into me. He didn’t deserve to die like that and especially not to save me.
I was supposed to be this great, all-powerful Luna blessed alpha, but it was all a joke. All I felt was weak and hopeless. I trudged past the feast, past the vacant changing rooms with pack crests emblazoned in the thick timber and finally stopped in front of mine. The Mystic Pack. I ran my finger over the profile of the wolf, then the mage. Luna, help me. Please, give me the strength I need to lead my pack.
My wolf stirred inside, and she let out a whimper. She paced deep within, her sharp claws scraping at her human cage. I squirmed from the odd sensations and tried to push her down. A swell of heat ignited in my veins, and I could feel my irises begin to luminesce. The brilliant violet glow lit up the crest, illuminating the moon in the image. It became brighter, light pulsing from the sigil until it burst from the timber and grew to a bubble of purple haze.
What in all the world?
My heart leapt up my throat as the blob of light coalesced into a shadowy form. “My dear, Sierra…” A melodic voice echoed through the silent chamber, freezing my pounding heart. Holy, goddess, I was losing my mind. I’d freaking completely lost it.
“Do not fear,” the voice continued, “you called for me and I have come. I deeply regret all that you have had to endure, and I wish I could take that pain away from you. Unfortunately, that is beyond even my powers. More than that, it is that pain that will make you strong, a fearless leader, the one that the Mystics need. I waited for you for many years, Sierra and when I chose you, I knew I’d made the right decision. You are much stronger than what you give yourself credit for. You are all the Mystics need and don’t you ever doubt that.”
Dozens of questions battled it out in my mind, but I couldn’t get a single one out. Instead, I muttered stupidly, “You’re the goddess Luna?”
“I am. And you have been blessed, my child. You are all the pack needs to survive.”
“But how?” Tears burned my eyes. I felt like everything I did turned out wrong.
“You will finally have the answer you’ve been searching for before the full moon rises. Be patient, and you will be rewarded. I assure you everything is as it was meant to be.”
I wanted to scream at the blob of light, but I held my tongue. I was talking to a freakin’ goddess for gods’ sake. But could she be any more cryptic?
The circle of light began to shrink, and I shot forward. “Please, wait. I don’t understand what I’m supposed to do.”
“You will. Just remember, you are the answer to the survival of the Mystics.” The violet haze shrank until it disappeared into a pinprick of light.
I sucked in a breath, dragging my hand through my hair. What the actual eff just happened?
A monitor blinked to life in the corner of the room, and I nearly jumped out of my skin. The commissioner’s face appeared. “Alpha Sierra, please report to the arena for the final trial.”
Shift.
“Be right there,” I called out as I zipped into the changing room.
Chapter Twenty-Eight
Hunter
* * *
Gods, she was beautiful. And fierce, courageous, determined, and everything else I could possibly want in a mate. She made my blood sing when I was sure I had nothing left. Sierra marched toward the raised platform, her dark hair tumbling down her shoulders, chin held high. Her gaze razed over me before locking on my father.
The su
preme alpha sat on his throne beside the trial commissioner. The pompous ass had the monstrosity carried all the way down here just for the occasion.
“So nice of you to join us, Ms. Wildstone,” Tyrien crooned. “I was beginning to think you weren’t going to show.”
“I was starting to think the same of your son.” She skewered me with those intense lilac irises.
I clapped my hands and turned to the commissioner. “Well, since we’re all here now, we can begin, right?”
The crowd exploded into thunderous applause, and I caught sight of Vander, Cass, and the Mystic males seated in the front row. I thanked the gods they were here. If everything went wrong, Sierra would need their support more than ever.
The trial commissioner stood and raised his hands. “Settle, please, settle. We are all excited to see the culmination of the Alpha Trials, but if we do not proceed, we won’t be able to crown a winner.”
The man’s words muffled in the background as Sierra took her place next to me. Her sweet lavender scent consumed me, and memories of our heated night surged to the forefront of my mind. It had been incredible, mind blowing, life changing, literally. A smile crept across my face, unbidden.
What are you grinning about? She shot through the bond, sneaking through the walls I’d constructed.
Nothing. I kept my expression blank, but I could feel her scrutiny from the corner of my eye.
She folded her arms across her chest and grunted. Her annoyance trickled through our connection, and I suppressed a grin. If I wanted this to work, she had to be as clueless as everyone else here. Which was agonizing torture. I’d felt her pain ricocheting through the mate link since I’d left her this morning, but I had to do this on my own.
Last night, when we’d kissed I’d felt something. It was so slight, I was certain it was only a reflection of Sierra’s emotions, but once I claimed her the first time it got stronger. And stronger. I only had a few hours to put my plan into motion and that meant keeping Sierra in the dark.
Hopefully, only for a little longer.
I rocked on my feet and nudged her shoulder. She shot me a narrowed glare. Yup, she was pissed. And rightfully so, but I prayed to all the gods she’d forgive me once this was over.
“…and so for today’s final trial…” The commissioner’s words jerked me back to the present.
Sierra tensed beside me, every muscle in her body as taut as a bowstring.
“Our final competitors, Alpha Sierra of the Mystic Pack and Supreme Beta Aristaeus of the Dragos Pack will compete in combat. The winner will be the last man, or woman, standing. At any point in the trial, one of you may forfeit, but in doing so, you will condemn yourself to banishment from Marlwoods, the entire shifter realm.”
The ground began to shake, and a ring appeared from deep within the earth. It floated up, until it hovered a few feet above the dusty terrain. Tyrien stood and blew out a breath and the ropes around the circular arena lit up with the burst of dragon flame. A gasp rolled through the crowd.
“As always, you will begin the fight in wolf form. After the initial round, you may shift, and all powers are permitted to be used.” The commissioner turned to me, then Sierra. “Do you have any questions?”
“No,” I growled.
Sierra shook her head then turned her panicked gaze at me. I won’t fight you. You can’t even shift, can you? Her thoughts bled through the bond. And I won’t let you just let me win either.
Just trust me, please.
Her brows knitted, the imperceptible line above her nose wrinkling. Hunter…
Please.
Her frustration surged through the bond as she folded her arms over her chest and nodded.
“Please take your places in the ring.” The commissioner motioned toward the floating circle as a timer appeared overhead. Five minutes for the first round.
My nostrils flared as Sierra insta-shifted, and her wolf’s distinct scent reached my nose. She smelled like smoky lavender, fresh rain, and…mine. A deep growl echoed through my core as my wolf clawed his way to the surface. The return of his presence filled the vacant hole in my center, and a sense of calm stilled the wariness deep within my bones.
Closing my eyes, I let the change come over me, rejoiced in it. For a few terrible days, I feared it would never happen again. I dropped down on all fours and stretched my lupine legs. It had been too long. Tipping my head back, I let out a deep howl, the sound ricocheting across the arena. Everyone went silent.
Sierra-Wolf sat on her haunches, her fur aglow in brilliant lavender. She cocked her head at me as I crept closer and nuzzled her shoulder.
How did you do it? Her shock resonated through the bond.
I don’t know. I felt him last night and then somehow, I just knew he was back.
And now you expect me to fight you? Why, what’s the point if you’re just going to forfeit and hightail it out of Moon Valley?
Because you have to show these wolves that you deserve the title of High Alpha. I know it and you know it, and now it’s time to prove it to everyone else.
She flashed me her fangs, and my lupine lips curled. I marched by, and I could’ve sworn she rolled her eyes. Just follow my lead. Quickening my pace, I leapt up and soared toward the suspended ring. A gasp rolled through the audience as I cleared the flaming ropes. Sierra followed after me, easily jumping the ten foot plus height over the fiery barrier.
We stood opposite each other, the heat from the dragonfire dancing over my fur. My hackles raised as a swell of unease drifted through my wolf. He didn’t want to fight his mate, and I couldn’t blame him.
Now what? Sierra’s thoughts dribbled through the bond.
I told you, just follow my lead. For once, can’t you please do as I ask?
No.
I shook out my head. Don’t tell me that after the hell I’ve put you through, you wouldn’t enjoy a little tussle?
Her lilac irises sparkled, and a hint of amusement rushed the bond. Let’s tussle then. She leapt across the ring, her white fur aglow in lavender streaking through the sky like an unearthly vision. Her claws swiped across my muzzle, and I bit down to suppress a whimper as her nails broke the skin.
Sierra took a quick step back before continuing her assault, snapping at my fur, stealing tufts of black hair as I dodged her advances. She was fast. All the training with Vander had been worth it; she’d increased her speed and agility. She was much more nimble than my ungainly massive wolf.
I chased her around the ring, and she ran circles around me. The audience was getting restless at our antics, and a wave of muttered grumblings filled the air. Sierra must have noticed it too, because she charged, catching me off guard. She headbutted my ribs, and a sharp snap widened my eyes. She paused before darting away and turned back.
I’m okay. I shot through our mental link.
Good, because I’m just getting started.
Her excitement leeched through the bond and she pounced again, fangs bared. The power of her momentum when our bodies collided sent us both rolling across the arena nose over tail. We hit the edge, and my tail brushed the fiery rope. I let out a yip as the flames scorched the hair on the end.
I jumped up and smothered the dragonfire licking up my tail with my tongue. Luckily, only my ego had been bruised. Sneaking a quick peek at the clock, I muttered a growl. One minute to go.
The momentary distraction cost me. Sierra pummeled into me, knocking me off my feet. She stood over me, straddling my big wolf on all fours. She leaned closer and bared her teeth. Sharp fangs hovered an inch from my throat.
Well done, Sierra.
What are you going to do now, Dragon Boy? Do you forfeit and run away like a coward? Her jaw grew wider, and she clamped it around my throat.
Is that what you want?
Her hold tightened, teeth digging into my flesh, but she didn’t answer.
I deserve it after everything.
The buzzer rang out and Sierra jumped back, releasing her hold on my jugular. She s
taggered back and nearly hit the flaming ropes.
Chapter Twenty-Nine
Hunter
* * *
“First round goes to Alpha Sierra!” The commissioner’s voice broke through the tense standoff. A few surprised mutters rolled through the crowd. The male in white appeared at the outer edge of the ring and deposited our suits on the floor.
It was time. Thanks, buddy, it was good to be you again. My bones cracked and muscles shifted as I willed my human form to the surface. Tossing my hair back, I marched toward the bundle of clothes. Sierra had beaten me to it, her insta-shift impossible to compete against. She stood at the edge, already half-dressed. A swirl of jealousy streaked through my wolf at the idea of others eyeing my naked mate. I moved to stand in front of her as she zipped up the skintight suit.
Her gaze raked up and down my bare form, kindling a trail of heat in their wake. Focusing on the present, I grabbed my suit and stepped into the stretchy fabric.
“The next round will be fought in human form and all unique powers are at your disposal,” the commissioner announced. “Does anyone have any questions?”
I raised my hand, steeling my nerves.
“Yes, Aristaeus?”
“Not many are aware, but Alpha Sierra is my mate. We completed the bond a few weeks ago but with the demanding schedule of trials we’ve been unable to perform the official ceremony.”
A collective sigh rolled through the audience. The commissioner’s dark brows twisted. “I was not aware.” He turned his questioning gaze to Tyrien seated upon the dais, who shrugged in response.
“I understand that having a female alpha is a first in the trials, but I cannot help but point out that forcing mates to battle to the death seems against pack law. Haven’t we always believed fated mates to be the most sacred of all connections? In fact, certain pack laws are even superseded by the mate bond.” I diverted my gaze toward my father and threw him a withering glare. “Why even the supreme alpha himself is powerless when it comes to keeping mates apart. Therefore, wouldn’t one surmise by extension that fated mates should not be forced to fight each other or suffer banishment?”