The Alpha Twins; My Mates

A Duel

Hayes frowned as he looked me up and down, disapproval evident on his face. For today's training, I wore the high-rise shorts and matching sports bra that Beth had gifted me from a brand she worked with.

"Like what you see, Alpha?" I smirked.

"I do, very much, but I don't appreciate all my men seeing you like that. Only we should," he replied, glancing at the men surrounding us. Hayes glared at them, and they quickly lowered their gazes.

"Let's do this," I said, positioning myself in a fighting stance.

Hayes was strong, but I had my advantages against him. In fact, I had a secret weapon that would ensure I could pin him down for five seconds. I felt confident about this duel.

'Our strong mate will win—just look at those big, strong arms and hands,' Ria purred.

'I will win. I want to know why Zylon has been absent. Why does he need time away from everything? Does it have to do with Asia?' I knew I shouldn't pry and should respect his boundaries, but my curiosity got the better of me.

When Hayes took off his shirt, my breath caught in my chest. Oh my gods, he was blindingly perfect. I couldn't help but gaze at his eight-pack, his biceps, and that beautiful, alluring tattoo.

"Like what you see?" he asked.

"I've seen better," I lied. I had never seen better. Hayes Hawthorne was perfection.

He growled at my response, and his eyes flashed. Moving closer, he leaned in to speak into my ear, "By tomorrow, you'll be moved in, and you'll see all this every day." I scoffed and pushed him away. He eyed me again, his gaze dark. "Gods, you're so hot."

Gasps rippled through the field, and I felt my cheeks flush. Damn it, I was a goner. Stop blushing! I scolded myself. My heart skipped a beat.

"If one stays down for five seconds, they lose. You may begin!" Tate shouted as he blew the whistle.

Hayes and I began to circle each other, each of us gauging the other's stance and the calm determination in our eyes. Oh, gods, he really wanted me to move in with them.

I made the first move, launching forward with a swift punch aimed at his midsection. He deflected my attack and countered with a quick kick. I was ready, sidestepping just in time as adrenaline surged through me. We exchanged blows and kicks. I could feel many eyes on us, eagerly anticipating the outcome.

I aimed a powerful kick, but he ducked under it, countering with a sweeping motion that caught me off guard. I stumbled but quickly regained my footing. Our bodies moved instinctively. We were fast and agile.

"You're determined, love," he said, looking impressed. "I wonder what wish you want me to grant."

I simply scoffed and focused on my breathing. I concentrated my energy on a powerful front kick that landed solidly in his groin. He staggered back but quickly regained his composure. "Careful where you kick, love. Don't you want to have our babies?" The crowd around us chuckled, and I couldn't help but laugh too.

"You're not going to stop, are you?" he breathed, his voice low.

"Nope," I exhaled, my breath coming in heavy bursts. I aimed at Hayes again, but he grabbed my arm mid-air, kicked my foot, and flipped me over. I landed flat on the ground, and he straddled me. I tried to push him off, but he crashed his lips onto mine, disarming me completely. A rush of tingles and sparks exploded between us, and I found myself kissing him back, swept away in the moment. He pulled back and smirked, "I win. Now you can move in with us."

"You cheated!" I exclaimed, trying to catch my breath.

"I won. It's not my fault you fell for my trick," he offered his hand to help me up. I accepted it. Tate announced that Hayes was the winner, and the crowd erupted in cheers. Hayes pulled me toward him by the waist and kissed my cheek. "You did so well," he said with a smile.

"I know," I smirked.

"You move in tomorrow," he said seriously. I frowned. "Ruby, you gave me your word."

I only nodded in resignation. I guess I should keep my promise.

After my training, I went home with Beth. I discussed moving into the packhouse with my mom and my grandparents. My mom was supportive, as long as I visited them at least three times a week. However, my grandparents, especially Granny, were not fond of the idea of me living with the two "i***t boys" who denied and ignored our bond.

Once they gave their blessings, I went upstairs to pack my clothes. I didn't have much, so I still needed to go shopping. Ria was over the moon about us moving in with our mates.

The following day, Tate drove me to the packhouse, which was huge—almost like a castle. When we arrived, Tate pulled up in front of the packhouse, and I stepped out of the car.

"Took you long enough," Hayes called out. He was standing a few feet away, waiting for my arrival. Beside him was the gamma, but I completely ignored his presence. My heart sank when I didn't see Zylon. Where was he? I was starting to feel anxious since I hadn't spotted him around, and my wolf, Ria, was whining restlessly.

"We're on time. If you're not impressed, you should have come to get her yourself," Tate chuckled as he removed my bag from the trunk.

"Just one bag?" Hayes frowned.

"I'll need to go shopping soon. I didn't bring enough from my grandparents because I thought I wouldn't be staying here as long as I have," I explained. He nodded in understanding.

"Welcome to your new home," Hayes winked. I felt butterflies in my stomach at the word "home." He grabbed my waist and turned to take me inside, but we stopped when we saw Zylon approaching. My heart began to race. It had been days since I had seen him, and I was restless. Damn, this mate bond was going to be the death of me.

Zylon's elegant face broke into a soft smile as he spoke, "Ruby, you're here."

I walked towards him, meeting him halfway. I hadn't even realized I had slipped out of Hayes's arm until that moment. "Zylon, it's good to see your face,"