Evangeline
Here we are, standing side-by-side like nothing happened last night. But that’s only what the outside world thinks because I can feel the walls that Zedkiel has put up around himself.
My mate… the man I once dreamt about and waited for, the man I was hoping would find me and claim me before reality opened my eyes. However, not once did I expect that man to be Alpha Prince Zedkiel Vilkas.
And yet, isn’t that what he has done? He’s claimed me, protected me, and made it clear I’m his. But then, why are there so many conflicts and misunderstandings between us?
I once thought the mate bond was beautiful. You find your own fairy tale story when your mate steps into your life, and you live happily ever after, but it’s not…
Glancing sideways, I peer up at the handsome man beside me — a man who oozes power and dominance. I never expected someone like him to be my mate. I always thought it would be someone of low rank, maybe a lesser guard at most. But Zedkiel…
His eyes are hard and cold, and he is so much more than me. I’m just a lowly omega by comparison. He hasn’t treated me like that, though. Sure, he’s been harsh and lost his temper, but he’s the only one who defied all and actually defended me.
His sharp jewel-like eyes snap down, locking his gaze with mine, and I swallow nervously, remembering how he stormed out last night. He raises an eyebrow questioningly, and I quickly look away.
“Without further distractions, let’s take a look at the scores for the first round of the tournament!” High Court Member Cole’s voice booms over the speakerphone.
My heart skips a beat, and I turn to look at the screen above us. The images of the eight couples flash on the screen as the numbers next to them begin spinning.
How did we do?
I’m nervous as I watch, wondering how I did on my part…
Come on, come on…
Chasyn and Maryka’s result pops up 7.1 beneath it. There’s a breakdown of their pointers, and I see it’s Maryka’s clue that left them rather low on their average. My stomach twists as I wait patiently for mine.
Sinclair and Celia… 6.8. Amar and Vienna, one of the couples that were married before the contest, are at 8.4.
I grip Zedkiel’s arm, not even realising I have done so until I feel him tense, but I don’t let go, noticing Sinclair’s eyes on me. Ignoring him, I stare at the screen flashing beside our names. 9.4.
A few of the couples looked at us, and I let out a breath of relief. That is a good number!
“We did it!” I whisper to Zedkiel, who simply glances at me before looking back at the screen.
The rest show up, but I’m no longer that concerned, knowing we have done well. When the final numbers come to a halt. I realise we are the highest, with Amar and Vienna second.
“Congratulations to you all,” Franco says. “Last night, a serious life-threatening situation took place, and I know that we have all heard about it. All we would like to say is, stay vigilant and stay safe.”
Alpha King Ambrose steps forward and gives Franco a nod, and I try to ignore all the looks that I can feel on me. “Furthermore, if I find out that anyone who is part of this contest or anyone acting on their behalf is behind this, rest assured they will be expelled from the tournament immediately and punished severely.”
A silence follows, and the King continues after a couple of moments. “Thank you, and congratulations to you all. Tonight’s match will be one that I’m certain we will all enjoy. Hand-to-hand combat between the alphas!”
Claps and cheering break out behind us, and I hear Zedkiel mutter ‘foolish,’ and I can’t disagree. Do they realise the winner of this contest shall take the throne? Is this really a wise way to choose? We need a king who cares for his people, one who will be best for the kingdom. Is this tournament really going to prove that? Is this contest just to please the people when we need to choose a king, not a champion…
I keep my thoughts to myself as the eight Alphas look at one another. The rules and time for the matches for the evening are announced, and the excitement builds. The opponents will be paired randomly tonight.
“Prepare to eat dirt,” Zedkiel says, turning and walking out. I follow, trying not to run but still trying to keep up. “You don’t need to follow me.”
I freeze at the coldness in his tone, but after what I said to him last night, I can’t blame him. I need to apologise for that.
“Zedkiel… about last night… I didn’t mean what I said. I don’t even know why I said it,” I whisper softly.
“Yet you said it, but you’re not wrong. I am basically a cold, heartless monster,” he sneers, walking off. “Stay away from me.”
I sigh softly but don’t follow him. I need to go to see the Oracle, and if Zedkiel needs space, then I’ll give it to him, until tonight when I’ll be here to support him.
Glancing around the hall, I head down the hall toward the Oracle’s quarters. It’s time I got those answers.
I reach the Oracle’s room soon enough. However, with every step I take, I begin to doubt myself strongly.
You’ll regret it.
No. I won’t, and I know what I’m going to ask,
I knock on the door lightly, taking a deep breath.
Turn around!
No.