Alpha Games

Chapter 25-Shadows on the Beach

"Sarah..psstt...Sarah" Feeling a tingling cold sensation and the scent of snow, i slowly opened my eyes to find Gezara sprinkling me with snowflakes. I jumped slightly as i pushed myself up to the headboard resting my back against it. Wiping my eyes "Gezara what are you doing? Wait we are inside and i just woke up to snow? What the hell is this the  set of Frozen?"

"Well last night you told me how much you missed the snow, and well i cant send you home but i could bring a little home to you. I am a nature witch and can manipulate the weather." She smiled brightly  laughing at my comment of the Disney movie as we both enjoyed the make believe snowstorm. 

"Thank you Gezzy, you don't know how much this small gesture means to me." i pulled her in for a tight hug as i cried into her shoulder. "Wait Sarah, why are you crying?" Gezara's concerned voice caressed my skin as she patted my back. "Gezzy, i just want to go home, so much has happened here in short time and i really miss my friends." 

Gezara laughed and pushed me off her slightly "yeah okay, you actually only miss those two dudes you cant stop drooling over! You really could care less about the rest of the crew as you call them!" 

"Oh you!" i tackled her on the bed tickling her as i trapped her beneath me by sitting on her pelvis. Her laughter was contagious as we both couldn't stop and actually began to gasp for breath holding our ribs at the soreness. "Gezzy i'm serious, i really do miss home" i said between breaths as we lay back on the bed staring up into the blue and golden canopy. 

"I know you do Sar, i can tell, but it is also a lot to do with those guys" she turned to look at me. 

"Yeah, your right, i do miss them. Max is like a part of myself i can't be without, Bruce is like the wind though. His spirit seems to move with me wherever i go and i cant seem to make myself choose. They both have the qualities i want but i know i won't have the option to choose. They both have told me their feelings for me, they will fight for me, i know that. I'm just worried which one i will loose or if it will be both." 

i wiped my eyes and sat up "Gezzy i'm going to get cleaned up for breakfast now. The ball is tonight and we leave for the Dessert Wolves pack tomorrow." She only nodded as i left for the bathroom. After my shower and morning routine i decided on a navy blue sundress with nude sandals. Stepping into my room i realized it was empty, slight panic set in as i called out to her.

'Sadie can you smell her?' HER SCENT IS FADING, SHES BEEN GONE FOR SOMETIME' 

The door opened revealing Gezara, Dad,Sophie and Mom, all dressed in Sunday's best. Seeing my panic stricken face my mom came over " Sarah honey whats wrong? you look like you seen a ghost" she held my arms rubbing up and down comforting me. "I'm okay mom, i was actually looking for Gezara, it freaked me out when my room was empty". 

Nodding she let go and turned to my father "Samuel should we fill her in now?"

" Yes, Sarah our cover story for Gezara will be that you needed a Hand Maiden to assist with you with all of the upcoming ceremonies. I have already spoken with Roger and he has agreed to a price. While i am opposed that his people are treated as objects and for sale, it worked out well for us without raising suspicion on the matter." My father spoke as though this pleased him.

I suppose it did work out for the best but i do not like the buying her proposition. I nodded my head as he motioned for all of us to breakfast. Keeping a slow pace as we walked the halls i whispered to Gezara"are you okay with all of this?" 

 She hesitated then spoke softly " i have to be, i can't stay here anymore knowing what i do,there is nothing here for me anyway and i want to be with you all now". Satisfied with her answer we walked in comfortable silence until we reached the breakfast den. 

The table was already full of wolves as we made our way to our seats, it hurt my heart when Gezara left me to go to another set of tables a way away from us. The lower ranks here were not allowed to sit with the others, they had their own table across the hall towards the doors. She seemed used to it but it still irked me at the arrogance and pure distaste of the others.

Throughout breakfast Rogan only nodded at me and smiled shortly But Raegan had a grim expression as if looking at me only had his temper flaring. 

'GOOD, MAYBE HE WILL DROP OUT OF THE GAME SINCE HE DOESN'T LIKE OUR DOMINANCE' my thoughts exactly Sadie, there isn't enough room for anymore ego when hes around. The rest of breakfast when on without much to report other than the occasional conversations between my mother and Regina. The few words my father spoke to the Shadows were curt and void of any emotion.

After Breakfast i asked my father " Daddy may Sophie and i go out to the beach to let our wolves free for a little while before the ball?" He nodded leaning towards my sister "Yes, you both stay close to one another and i am sending four guards with you both. Should there be any issues link me immediately, girls please stay out of trouble".  The last bit he directly looked my way with a smirk. 

Smiling at us a small laugh escaped Sophie as she pushed my shoulder slightly "Notice i did't get pre-scolded, you really are the definition of trouble where ever we go". I pushed her back slightly "yeah well your just jealous i get the most attention." 

We laughed as we raced each other down the hallway dodging butlers and maids as we went, some yelling no running or watch out. Of course we replied with sorry  but didn't stop until we made it to the beach side.

Reaching the beach we both found a small bush area to undress quickly to shift. My wolf met hers as we collided in the sand playfully growling and rolling around. Sadie needed this time out as did Sophie's wolf Siena to enjoy each others company. We have been so busy that our wolves have felt neglected and alienated at times which can cause a loss in strength and increased irritability. 

After playing for a short while we noticed a few black specks down the beach, growls and snarls were getting louder as we approached them. Two black wolves were locked in a vicious fight, one was coated in blood and dripping from his legs and chest. The other wolf was missing patches of fur along with back and tail, both were breathing heavily and drooling. 

The left one with a white chest missing patches looked our way and and snarled. His back bristled giving a show of his missing hair even more, Sadie bit back a laugh and snarled back. Siena stepped back and closer to me, i could feel her fear at the challenge the other wolf gave off.  Sadie stood taller at the sight of her sister scared and stepped forward, even though i protested immediately. I started to fight for control, we promised dad we wouldn't cause anymore trouble.  

Before we could continue, a loud howl was heard and the two wolves fighting turned toward the palace along with the four others that had been watching. Siena huffed out a breath next to me, Sadie nudged her shoulder and licked her cheek as we also headed back towards the palace. It was almost time for the ball and i knew we couldn't be late. 

Stepping out of the shower the steam rolling off my body as i crossed the room to the vanity. My mother had dropped by my dress she picked out and i must say i loved it.  The light blue satin material would feel heavenly against my skin. I smiled as Gezara came through the doorway with a makeup case. She twirled her fingers and spoke in rhyme as my face and hair became flawless in seconds. 

"Holy mother of.." Her hand clasped over my mouth as she giggled. "Sarah, i told you i could manipulate nature, that includes the makeup since it is nature minerals along with the hair."

Hugging her i whispered "Gez you are absolutely amazing! never ever leave my side again. I can't go back to forever makeup and hours of hair pulling with Maria" shaking my head and smiling at the thoughts of home. Gezera nodded as she handed me my dress, she was wearing a black sleek, short off the shoulder dress. The dress was tight in the waist and flowing at the hips stopping just above her knees.

 "Get dressed Sarah, its time to impress the attendees" with a wink she left the bathroom. 

Sliding into the satin gown had Sadie purring as the fabric glided against our skin. Turning to look in the mirror i gasp at he full grown woman staring back at me. Gezara had pulled my hair into a braid at the side that turned into rolling curls down my shoulders. The makeup as bright around the eyes and brought out the blues inside the greens. My cheeks where highlighted with a light shimmer completing my look. 

Meeting Gezara at the door we were Raegan stood "My lady i am to escort the most beautiful maiden to the ball and i chose you." His cheesy grin had me rolling my eyes and Gezara scoffing behind me. I swear an atomic bomb couldn't lower this guys ego. As if she could hear my thoughts Gezara nudged my shoulder holding her hand over her mouth. 

The rage was clear on Raegan's face as he glared at me jerking his arm back "Suit yourself princess you had the perfect arm candy now you can show yourself around." He stomped down the hallway growling the whole time as i couldn't contain my laughter and Gezara and i both caved in holding each other. 

"What do you two ladies find so amusing and why was i not included?" Rogan appeared down the hall as he tilted his head at us. Drying my tears and straightening my dress i stared back at him, his black tuxedo hung to his body's form perfectly. I admired the view as did he puling myself back to his face as a slow wolf whistle left his lips "Darling you are stunning as usual." 

Blushing i nodded to him "Thank you Prince Rogan, you are a nice sight yourself." A slow smile in my direction as he held his arm out to me "Shall i escort you to the ball my darling?" I turned to look over my shoulder at Gezara. She motioned to go ahead with her hands smiling at me. 

Curling my fingers around his elbow, we began walking down the hallway. "Rogan can i ask you a question?" He nodded at me to continue "so at the beach today, we say wolves fighting and it looked pretty intense. Do you know who they were and why they were fighting?" Rogan visually tensed and looked at me though a side eye as we continued to walk.

"Sarah" he huffed out "as I am sure you know, things here run differently. While i don't agree with them, they are how my ancestors have ran things and we abide by them." I turned to him stopping abruptly. "What does that even mean Rogan? I know every realm is ran differently, im not stupid.What was going on at the beach?" my anger was now spiked, Rogan obviously didn't appreciate my questions.  

Groaning his answer out "Sarah, long story short that is how we initiate new wolves into our ranks for warriors. Now come along we can't be late" He tugged at my hand as we began walking again. I only nodded as i huffed myself this place really was getting on my moral nerves. I refuse to allow my realm to be ran this way. 

'SARAH, WE CANNOT ALLOW THIS KIND OF CRUELTY IN OUR REALM' I know that Sadie, i don't want these two winning anyway, i must get stronger wolves involved.'

Arriving at the ballroom doors Rogan leaned in and kissed my cheek "Save a dance for me darling" as he pulled away and disappeared into the crowd.  I rolled my eyes and searched for my parents, finding them talking with Roger and Regina next to the windows. I curtsy to them as i smiled "Good evening Alpha King and Luna Queen, thank you for your hospitality during our stay." 

My mother and father smiled brightly as Roger and Regina returned my gesture "You are very welcome princess, we are delighted to have you, however have you decided on the wolf you will challenge for the strength fight tonight?" Crap i groan internally i totally forgot about that. 

Regaining my composure "Yes Alpha King Roger i have, i would like to issue my formal challenge later this evening if available." He nodded is approval dismissing himself and Regina to make there rounds. 

My mother turned to me and squeezed me in a bone crushing hug. "Sarah i am so proud of you! your etiquette was precise and very formal! you also look gorgeous." She beamed at me. My father patted my shoulder and leaned in kissing my cheek "Your mother is absolutely correct, i couldn't have said it any better. Great job troublemaker, you'll make an amazing queen."

It was my turn to beam at the flattering compliments i was receiving. I was feeling more than confident at the moment and ready to make my challenge, i knew my father would be even more proud when i took down the rotten Beta Evans. 

Spending the rest of the night laughing with my family and Gezara as we took turns dancing with Sophie. I shared a few dances with other males but it was nothing more than a dance. I wasn't interested in any of the potential men although i did flirt only to boost my challengers for the games. While i know that seems so self centered, i cant allow my realm to be ruled by this Shadows views, i need all the extra i can get. 

"Princess Sarah of the Ice Wolves Pack would you kindly make you way to the front of the room so we can proceed." I jolted at the speakers volume and cringed thinking it was time, my fun was over now was the time for work. This challenge was not only for me but for my realm and for Sophie, i want her to know i will always protect her. 

Stepping next to Roger and accepting the microphone "Good evening, we appreciate the hospitality we have been given during our stay. However all fun aside i would like to be on a more serious note now. I want to issue a formal challenge to Beta Evans of the Shadows Pack." 

Gasps along with a few wolf whistle rang out, i searched the room and locked eyes with the smug jerk himself as the all familiar predatory smile lite up his face. "I Beta Evans of the Shadows Pack accept your challenge Princess."

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Dah dah dah.. Let me know what yall think!.

Michael Keaton as Beta Evans-