The Alpha's Daughter

Chapter 9: The Tournament Part1

Excitement was in the air as the pack prepared for the tournament. The training field has been decorated in pack colors. People were running around trying to find the best seat to watch. I was still nervous about how everything would unfold today. I had not seen my father at breakfast this morning, but the men were all there. Each of them is taking shots at the other; it should be a very interesting day.

The whole pack was gathered on the training field. Five seats sat on the far side upon a raised platform. These were for the top-ranking wolves and their mates. My father, Alpha Vincent Strong, sat in the middle. To his right, Beta Rex and his mate Mia, and to his left sits Gamma Ray and his mate Raelynn. Each of them wears the pack colors of black and crimson. My father looks strong and proud today in his black suit, with a crimson tie adding a touch of color. Even from across the field, I can see that his face is stern and impassive. He usually loves these events, but there is no joy today. Directly across from the Alpha, on the other side of the field, were the four top warriors. Their recruits were positioned behind them, and we all stood in our designated positions based on how Gamma Ray had ranked us.

Victor held the first position. He stood dressed in all black and looking as confident as ever. Behind him stood his recruits, Shiloh, Lily-Ray, Bastion, Michael, and Roslyn. Victor’s top warriors were Bastion and Lily-Ray. Victor was the only leader with only five recruits. Gamma Ray said this was the case because Victor had the largest wolf, and also had his brother Bastian on his team as well. Although two years younger, he was every bit as powerful a wolf as his brother, just smaller, but he was sure to grow larger and stronger.

In second position stood Zander. He was dressed in a red shirt with black pants. Behind him stood his brother Zavier, followed by Destiny, Hazel, Jesse and Jerome, and Ruby. Jesse and Jerome were twins. Ruby was still not completely healed from a fight with Blue three days ago. Zander’s top warriors were Zavier and Jesse.

In third position was Max. He too was dressed in black. Behind him stood his crew: Meadow, Elena, Tristan, Blue, Desmond, and Diamond. Blue was a large, arrogant wolf who, on his own, was a kind wolf, but under Max’s leadership, had turned ruthless. Next to my possible mates, Blue was the highest-ranking wolf out of the recruits. Meadow was a small female wolf whom Max had taught to toy with her prey before killing them. Desmond and Diamond were twins who took nothing seriously, no matter what punishment Max dished out to them. Max’s top warriors were Blue and Meadow.

Then in the customary fourth position, as always, myself. No matter how many times my recruits and I proved our worth, Gamma Ray would never offend the top families by putting a female ahead of their heir. My squad was the one who had to fight for everything, every bit of recognition. I had no members of top families aside from myself. In strength, we were a little unmatched, but in determination, we fought with everything we had. The only thing we had to our advantage was that my father made Gamma Ray divide up the other females, so each team had at least two females, except for Max and my team, which had three. This is also likely why Gamma Ray put us against each other. We each wore red tracksuits with a black stripe down the sides. Behind me stood my six: Saphira, Alex and Alexis, Nora, Mason, and Oliver. Saphira, like me, was quick and decisive. Alex and Alexis spent more time fighting each other than they did training. My top warriors were Saphira and Mason. Proudly, we stood waiting; I watched as all the pack members filled in on the sides of the trading field.

Once everyone was settled, Alpha Vincent stood up. “Welcome to our first-ever top forces tournament. Here, our top warriors will provide a demonstration of the skills they have been learning for the protection of our pack. Congratulations to the leaders of our top forces: Victor, Zander, Max, and Viviana. Lots of hard work has gone into preparing and training your recruits.” A loud applause broke out over the crowd. Alpha Vincent put his hands up to quiet the people down. Then he continued, “In just a few minutes, Beta Rex will give the lineup for today's matches. Remember, this is a tournament, and there are rules. Failure to heed those will result in disqualification and punishment determined by Gamma Ray. No one is allowed to interfere with any events, and all team members must remain behind the line until the winner of the event has been declared. Is that clear, leaders and recruits!”

All of us answered in unison, “Yes, Alpha.”

Then Alpha Vincent took his seat and motioned towards Beta Rex. He stood and began, “Today, we will start our tournament with demonstrations in hand-to-hand combat. Gamma Ray has already matched the teams to compete based on their training ranking of that particular skill; I will be choosing the competitors for each section of today's tournament. Each part of the competition will have three rounds; therefore, three contestants will be chosen from each team. The following participants, please step forward: Viviana and Max, Meadow and Saphira, and Mason and Blue. Please shake hands. You six will be competing in today’s hand-to-hand combat demonstration. Shifting is forbidden, no weapons, and” he paused, “no deaths. Winners will be determined by yielding or failing to get up after a hit.”

The crowd chuckled at his words, but I saw my father's eyes turn pitch black. He was trying to control his wolf, but the threat to me, no matter how subtle, did not amuse him. My thoughts were drawn back to the present as Beta Rex spoke again. “Meadow and Saphira will go first, take your places.”

I was full of nervous energy as I watched Meadow and Saphira getting into position. I knew Saphira would have this fight easily, but I also knew Max would have instructed Meadow to play dirty. As the two stood in their places, a shot in the air signified the start of the fight. Meadow attempted a drop kick, but Saphira jumped up and kicked her straight in the stomach, sending her backwards. Saphira landed and threw two quick punches before Meadow even regained position. Saphira took down Meadow easily, and I congratulated her on a good, fast, and clean fight.

Next up was Mason and Blue. This was not an even match by any stretch, yet I did not have a warrior who could fight against Blue except for myself. Mason was strong, but young and less experienced than Blue. Blue was almost as big as Max. Mason tried his hardest to block his punches and kicks, but he was no match for Blue. Blue did not show any mercy either as he pounded him into the ground. When the match was over, I had to send Alex and Oliver to retrieve him. He was unconscious and badly bruised. It will take him several days to heal. I cast a glance at Zander, who was fuming after the event. I mouthed to him, “Don’t watch,” and he just shook his head. I barely had time to collect my thoughts as I heard the announcement of Max and my names being called out for our match. A hush came over the crowd as we both walked out from the line.

This was the hand-to-hand combat match everyone was waiting for. Could the Alpha’s daughter defeat a man who could be her mate tomorrow? Could the possible future Alpha of this pack defeat the Luna?

Max approached me with a smile on his face, “Viviana,” he whispered, “it will be my pleasure to defeat you today.”

“In your dreams, Max,” I stated.

“In my dreams, you're much more enjoyable,” Max laughed.

Shaking my head and laughing, “Well, allow me to show you reality, Max.”

In my mind, I heard, “Don't be too overconfident and stay focused, Viv,” from Victor.

To my surprise, “Watch your six,” from Zander, made me laugh and I nodded in acknowledgement.

“Take your position,” Beta Rex instructed.

I blocked his first three hits with ease, but the fourth caught me in my injured shoulder, causing me to wince as I did not watch my footing and misjudged my withdrawal. I thought of my father's words Don't pull your punches, Viviana. Grinning at him, I advanced quickly, landing two punches to the body before he kicked me straight in the stomach, throwing me back. I was able to keep my balance and waited for him. Max threw more punches, landing an upper cut to my jaw, causing me to spit out a little blood. I responded with a jab to his nose while he was smirking and not paying attention. We went back and forth, neither of us landing another hit as we each blocked hit after hit. Sweat was running down my back. My hands were bloody. I used everything I had for one last attack, my hits fell short, and Max found an opening to deliver three consecutive hits. The final blow to my throat caused me to drop, unable to breathe. As I fell to my knees holding my throat, my vision blurred.

“Get up, Viviana, “I heard my father’s voice.

Victor and Zander both growled and started to advance, but I held up my hand to stop them.

“I always wanted you on your knees,” Max chided victoriously.

Victor, hearing this, lunged forward, “Victor, stop!” I exclaimed over mind link, “You cannot interfere with the challenge, you know this.” I coughed, “It was a fair fight.” Victor stopped his advance.

“It was a dirty move,” he yelled.

“I'm alright,” I cough, standing up, bowing to the winner.

“Get used to bowing to me, Dear,” Max's voice said in my head.

Cheers filled the air. Beta Rex stood and happily announced, “The hand-to-hand competition is complete, and team Max has won two out of three competitions and advances as the winner.” Everyone applauded, and our team returned to their spots.

Blue tips his head as I approach, “I thought you had him,” he said.

“I should have blocked it,” I sighed.

“I wouldn't expect anything else.” Blue smiled.