My Mates Influence

Chapter2~The Infamous Masked Rider

I could feel the adrenaline rushing in my veins, as my father was yelling at my management that they were delaying getting my gear. I tried breathing evenly but the head shield on my face makes it unbreathable.

Since I couldn't resist him, I decided to race but I told my mother that it was going to be the last race.

The sky above the arena was dark, and threatening to fall but the energy was hundred percent. Excitement rippled through the crowd and banners flapped in the wind, roaring fans lined the fences

I stood near my bike, the black one with the red flame markings, the one they called the shadow rider. Several pack members hovered around it, checking the tires and oiling the wheels.

My arms were folded, shouldered squared, back straight as I watched them..but inside? I was trembling

Then I saw him. Jace Nightowl

He strode across the field like the king he believed he was, leather jacket slung over one shoulder, a slow smug grin curled his lips. His hair was in dark waves and his eyes gleamed with that signature Nightowl arrogance.

There is something about him that makes me feel hot, threatened or not safe. I have raced beside him, sometimes I lose.. sometimes I win but everytime I get to speak with him or race with him. I felt something

He stood in front of me.

“Well, well” he said, voice laced with sarcasm “The infamous masked rider” he taunted.

I didn't answer

“You think you got a shot this year?”

I kept my gaze ahead, fingers tightening at my side. I could feel his eyes ranking over me, studying the tension in my body

He smirked “Still the silent type, that's cute. But this year– Nightowl taking the win, maybe don't embarrass yourself too hard”

When he was eighteen last year, he won and our clan was further disgraced. If he wins this year, his father will be made tribal chief and everything is lost for us.

He moved as if to walk past, but then his hands brushed mine–intentionally, I think. And in that moment I felt something

A spark shot up my arm like lighting

My breath caught. My whole body stiffened, eyes snapping up to his face.

He blinked too, his smile faltered, his brows furrowed slightly, confusion tightening his features.

And then

“Jace” a voice called

His cousin Damon jogged over, nodding toward the lineup. “Your bike’s ready, let's smoke these pups”

Jace didn't respond right away, he kept staring at me, that moment still alive in his gaze

But then he cleared his throat, covering it with a scoff, rolled his shoulder. “See you at the finish line ghost”

He spun around, swagger still intact and walked toward his red chrome beast of a bike.

I turned to my own

My hands were still tingling, I tucked the glove firmly on my hands again, removing the helmet glass for a few moments and closing it back. I tried to swallow the lump in my throat, tried not to think about what just happened, i couldn't afford distraction

But as I straddled the bike, I looked across the track– and there they were. My sister's

They stood by the family stand, dressed in silks and flowy tunics, laughing, chatting and flirting with other young alphas.

My chest tightened

I was the daughter that didn't get to live and in that moment I was so lost in thought I didn't hear the gunshot

Engines exploded into action around me, tires screeched, bikes launched forward in streaks of color and smoke, the ground shook with roar

“Kira” my father's voice thundered in his mind link towards me

I jolted, startled

His glare from the stands was ice cold

With trembling fingers, i ignited my engine,it roared beneath me..i swallowed the panic, shoved down the fear and hit the gas

I was late, far behind but I could still win

I leaned forward, body one with the machine, eyes narrowing through the visor. The first challenge came fast– a sharp swerve around spiked barricades, two bikers were already down, screaming as they skidded across the field.

Each challenge were meant to kill any biker that fall…or a serious injury

I dodge right, barely missing the oil patch. Focus. Breathe and don't die. I echo

One by one, I overtook them, my body moved on muscle memory, I leaned into turns, knees grazing the ground, dodging wild racers who bumped and shoved to throw others off course.

The wind screamed past my ears

I moved again but I noticed a rider at my tail trying to tip me off radar. I dodged his first attack and tried to slow down but he formed a fire ball and shot it in my direction. I waved and it hit one barricade at my front, my heart flying from my rib.

I looked back and noticed he is still after me. I tried confusing him by moving towards two players that were in the middle but I guess he was after me, and he threw another fire ball and it hit one of the riders beside me and he fell down.

I knew that moving faster would fuel him, so I waited till it was closer to me and he wanted to use the rod to hit, I saw him flying off his bike.

Jace. He helped me.

I thought he was ahead of us. He waved his hand and moved faster…more speed. I knew he was challenging me

He was ahead cutting through the track like a blade. His form was perfect, confident, I accelerated, closing the distance. He glanced back, spotted me

He smirked through his helmet and gestured mockingly, like inviting me to pass.

My jaw clenched. If he wants one, I will give him one

We hit the final stretch, and the most brutal section: the inferno ramp– a blazing arc over flaming hoops and shattered glass

We hit it at the same time

He swerved toward me, trying to throw me off

I gasped but held steady, biting my tongue so hard it bled..he kept pushing, wheel to wheel, too close. I elbowed him sharply just as we landed the ramp.

It angered him and he came with full force cursing out loudly and tailing me behind, he moved with extreme speed with his fireball as I moved too. He came at me and I used my own fire ball and hit his tire with my left leg and he wobbled. His tires lost grip

Crash

Metal slammed and sparks exploded

Jace flew

I watched in horror as he collided with a pole, his helmet cracking against the steel. He slumped to the ground, blood pooling beneath him. His bike caught fire.

“Jace” someone screamed behind me

Adrenaline surged through my veins as I pulled my bike to the side, dismounted in a blink and ran. My boots skidded against the glasses. Smoke stung my eyes.

He was breathing–but barely. His hands trembled as he reached towards me

“Please” he rasped, blood sliding from his forehead into his mouth. “Take me to the hospital”

My hands shook as I reached out, but I didn't lift him. I froze

Father's words echoed like a curse

“Don't stop until the winning line”

I stared down at Jace

His eyes pleaded, they weren't arrogant anymore.

I stood

He grabbed my wrist. “Please….”

My heart twisted but I tore my hand free

I turned, climbed my bike and the others had already passed.

I gripped the throttle and screamed and I speeded off.

The finish line blurred ahead, my eyes blurry, my lungs tight but I crossed it.

First

Cheers, bells, fireworks and gasps