Alpha Loves Alpha

Chapter 8:

Alpha:

Xavier looked dumbfounded. I was a little taken aback myself. I hadn’t planned to challenge anyone for rank, at least not during my first Alpha Summit.

I thought it was a disrespectful and immature thing to do, but now I was a hypocrite. I wasn’t any better than Xavier.

Now I could see how he’d be rattled enough to want to challenge another Alpha. It seems we have more in common than I thought.

“Looks like we have a challenger,” King Edward announced to the audience. “What will the challenge be?”

I stood tall and gave Xavier a smirk. “I challenge Xavier to a sword fight.”

I mind-linked to Tallia, telling her to bring me my sword. I didn’t know what events I would have to compete in, and I wanted to be prepared.

The spectators looked in awe. I saw a few knowing glances from the other Alphas.

His face had blanked since his initial reaction. I continued to watch Xavier, trying to find anything that hinted to how he felt about me challenging him.

I knew he had to be annoyed. I had called him a Luna in front of all the ranking members and refused to discuss the possibility of us being mates, and now I was challenging him for his rank. But it wasn’t my job to inflate his ego even more. I’m not going to be his cheerleader.

This was my opportunity to rile him up and get him off his game. “Are you scared? You can back out at any time, Mate.” I gave him a mocking smile and batted my lashes. I knew he would hate the fact that I referred to him as mate, yet refused to accept him.

I could see his jaw flex as he clenched his teeth. His nostrils flared and I could see the irritation in his eyes begin to surface.

I continued my verbal assault. “I’m sorry, Honey. Have you never picked up a sword before? I know it’s a dated practice, but it’s the pointy end you need to use.”

I laughed internally. He was trying so hard to contain his anger. I knew he would snap at any second.

Tallia ascended the stairs to the stage. She opened the case to reveal my sword. The scabbard was embossed with gold flames that swirled around, with a sun nestled near the cross guard. A fire opal was adorned in the center of the sun, glowing with multiple colors.

I took the sword from the case and unsheathed it to reveal a thick, carbon steel blade. “Thank you, Tallia.” We exchanged smiles before she walked away.

I looked over at Xavier who was watching Tallia as she descended the stairs and returned to the bleachers. I smiled internally as I saw the fury in his eyes grow, as he eyed his rival. I should have kissed her. That would have had him fuming.

“My number one fan. She’s such a sweetheart.” His head snapped in my direction. I could see his madness growing, but he managed to hold it only in his eyes.

We stood observing each other. You could feel the tension build, I gave him a wicked grin, daring him to make a move in front of everyone.

“Xavier, do you need a blade,” King Edward asked, interrupting our staring contest.

“Yes, your Majesty,” he replied.

The king gestured to a servant who shortly returned with a sword. He handed it to Xavier.

He unsheathed it to reveal a blade the size of mine. It looked like an antique with the unique style of the handle. It had a loop guard and intricate carvings. On the blade near the hand guard was a crest, but I couldn’t make out which family it was from.

Xavier waved it in the air a few times to get an idea of it’s weight and fluidity.

“This is the sword that was once owned my King Marcus. Use it with care,” Alpha Edward said.

Everyone stared at the sword. I didn’t know it still existed. This was a piece of history. Even Xavier seemed awestruck. “Thank you, King Edward.”

We walked to the field to the left of the stage and circled each other, measuring up our competition.

“Are you sure you know how to use that thing? I wouldn’t want Alpha Alpha to get cut.” He was finally letting out some of the anger that had been building.

I gave him a sly grin. “I’ve trained with one since I was a babe. Somehow I doubt you know how to use a sword.” I gave him a look over to make it seem like I was suggesting a different kind of sword.

He chuckled. “Baby, I’d have you begging for more.” He gave me a sexy smirk that took me off guard. A part of me wanted to know what it’d be like to be with him in that way. I wasn’t expecting for him to effect me this way. I know we were mates, but I’d never been with a man. I never had an interest in anyone but Tallia.

“I’m not one to beg. If I wanted it I would take it, and I don’t see anything worth conquering.” I gave him a deadpan expression. I couldn’t let him know that I could feel a pull towards him.

He seemed angered my my last statement and lunged forward. I blocked him easily and pushed him away.

“That wasn’t much of a challenge. It’s okay to quit now while you’re ahead,” I teased.

“I don’t give up easily.” He thrust towards me again. Our swords clashed back and forth. I held my grip tightly. He had more force in his movements than I thought he would.

“Sometimes it’s better to give up if the battle is pointless,” I retorted.

He cut his sword through the air in a swift move. I ducked and tried to swipe his feet from under him. He jumped, avoiding by blade and flipped backwards, landing on his feet with a smirk.

He was a stronger opponent than I thought he would be. Many didn’t learn the art of sword fighting anymore. Most used there bare hands, or would fight in their wolf forms.

My father insisted it was the best way to train. If you could wield a sword through the air effortlessly, then it would make throwing a punch that much easier.

Xavier laughed at my annoyance. “Sometimes pointless battles are worth winning.” He gave me a flirty smile.

I rolled my eyes. “Are you always so cocky?”

“Is there any other way to be?”

His arrogance was starting to annoy me. It was time for this battle to end. I wanted to get back to my pack. I didn’t want to worry about the mate I was supposed to be destined too. I needed to get back to the life I knew before. I couldn’t waste my thoughts on Xavier. He was too distracting.

“You’re just an emotionally driven woman. You wouldn’t understand pride,” he said in a teasing tone.

His words lit a fire with in me. He would never see me as his equal if I lost this battle. Play time was over. If you poke the wolf you get the claws.

I propelled forward at lightening speed. I caught him of guard, but he still managed to stop my swing.

He looked at me surprised, then a devious smirk crossed his lips. He could see the rage in my eyes.

We were at a stalemate. We eyed one another as our swords pressed against each others, neither one of us wavering.

“I thought you were stronger than that, Alpha Alpha,” Xavier mocked with a grin. It would be the last smile he held today.

I pushed away from him, but let out a blow before he could regain his balance. He stopped my swing just in time, but I didn’t stop there. I continued to advance, swing after swing, stabbing my sword through the air. He countered every one of my moves.

I could see his stride waning slightly. He had strength and speed, but lacked skill and technique. I could tell he didn’t spend hours training like I did.

I continued my assault, increasing my speed with every thrust. Xavier kept backing up, trying to ground himself to no avail. With a final slice through the air I was able to knock the sword right out of his hand.

I pointed my sword to his chest with a smile of victory on my face. I did it. I beat Xavier and now earned the gold rank. “Sorry, Sweetie. You lost this battle.” I turned and faced the audience with raised hands. They all cheered and clapped louder than they had during the entire Ranking.

I felt like I was on cloud nine. I was now the Alpha of the strongest pack. I accomplished everything I set out to do and now the gold was mine. This moment was so blissful I couldn’t wait to celebrate with my pack.

“I am pleased to announce that Alpha of the Sun Pack has just secured the rank of gold,” the Queen announced to the crowds delight.

“How the f*ck did that happen,” Xavier demanded. He stomped over to me, towering over me. He was trying to intimidate me with his height, but I didn’t waver.

I narrowed my eyes at him. “Don’t like that a woman beat you? I guess you just aren’t strong enough. Maybe next time.” I gave him a condescending pat on the chest.

He caught me off guard and pulled me close to him, as I dropped my sword on the ground. “A woman isn’t meant to lead. Why don’t you go back home and put a man in charge? You’re supposed to be my Luna, not some bitchy brute, stomping around and insisting that she gets her way.”

What a f*cking prick! “That sounds like you, Xavier. I won fair and square. I’ve earned everything I have.” He growled at my statement. “And I will never be you’re Luna. I’m rejecting you!”

“Not if I reject you first!”

“Silence,” King Edward roared. He seemed like an even-tempered man. I was surprised at his outburst. “Alpha Xavier and Alpha Alpha, follow me now!”

He headed inside the castle with us right behind him. We walked past the bleachers. Many spectators giving us looks of curiosity and confusion.

We walked through halls, passing the ballroom and the kitchen. The king didn’t stop until we reached the library. His eyes glowed as he chanted a spell. A shelf of books opened to unveil an office. We walked inside and the hidden door closed.

The office had a large desk made of moonstone with a leather chair behind it. Two chairs were place in front. A large portrait was mounted on the wall above, depicting the Moon Goddess. I wondered if that was what she actually looked like or if it was someones impression of her.

A table with four chairs was in the left corner. A map of all the territories was hung on the wall above. In the corner to our right, book shelves lined the walls. I couldn’t read the titles. I assumed it was a language only those with the power of the Goddess could understand.

King Edward walked behind his desk and sat down, while Xavier and I stood by the door.

I wasn’t sure what to expect. The king seemed to be upset by our behavior. I would be too if I were him. I thought about how I kept pushing Xavier to the edge, trying to make him break. It wasn’t what a proper Alpha should do. I need to keep my head level at all times. I couldn’t let this man get a rise out of me.

Alpha Edward stared at us a few seconds before speaking. “Take a seat.” We did as we were told and he continued to talk. “I understand this is a unique situation. We’ve never had two Alpha’s destined to be mates, but as Alphas you have a job to keep your packs safe. You can’t have outbursts like that. You two have been at each other’s throats during the entire Summit.”

I looked down and sighed. He was right. I felt like I wasn’t doing my job properly at this moment. How could I be so blinded by my emotions?

“I know you two don’t want to be mates, but the Moon Goddess always has a reason. I need you two to at least try to get to know each other. I can’t have two Alphas arguing and risking a war breaking out. You both know the rogues will take any opportunity they have to overthrow one of the packs. Do you want to risk that?”

Xavier and I looked at him and shook our heads.

“Good. Now I will have each of you spend five days together in the other’s territory. If by that point you’d still like to reject each other than feel free to do so, but peace must occur regardless of your choice. Understood?”

“Yes, King Edward,” Xavier and I said in unison.

“Now let’s go complete the ceremony.”

We left his office to return to the field. The entire walk there I wasn’t sure what to think. I thought Xavier and I would go our separate ways from here, but that was no longer the case. I had to spend ten whole days with him.

I don’t know if we’d make it ten days without fighting, but I would at least try. I had to for my pack. It was my obligation to find a mate to stand by my side to rule with. I don’t know if Xavier and I could ever find that middle ground, but if I didn’t have a mate to rule with it wouldn’t be the worst thing. I had done it for three years. I could do it for the rest of my reign.

Xavier:

I stood on stage and took the silver shirt that was handed to me without a fuss. I could see Daniel laughing at my disdain.

Sighing I looked over at Alpha as she pulled the gold t-shirt over her silver one. I had to admit that gold looked good on her. With her red hair she looked like a flame blazing with her smile dazzling everyone.

I internally smiled. I hated that my rank was demoted, but a part of me was pleased that she was beaming with happiness. As her mate I wanted her to always smile, but my ego was bruised by how it occurred.

I was surprised her small figure could wield such a large sword. She had some lean muscle, but I didn’t think she had that much.

I was arrogant and when her blade kept coming after me I lost my barrings. I couldn’t seem to keep up. Her lips curled and her nose was scrunched. I could see that look in her eye that said nothing was going to stop her. Alpha was like a tigress slashing forward, until her final blow.

It had taken me a few seconds to realize what had happened. I saw my blade on the ground as she celebrated her victory. I couldn’t believe she was able to do that.

Then it sunk in that I had lost my rank and all I saw was red. How did that petite woman beat me? She wasn’t supposed to be an Alpha. She should be my Luna by my side. I knew I shouldn’t have lost it in front of everyone, but I was furious. This woman, my Luna, won. I was supposed to be the strong one, and now she made me look weak.

And she had the nerve to reject me in front of all of the ranking members again, as well as the entire audience. Everything snapped at that point. How the f*ck did she think I’d let that happen? I had to reject her at that point too. How could I have such a stubborn mate by my side? Now we have to spend ten days together?

I had never wanted a mate to begin with. There was no point if I was strong enough on my own. Woman could be fickle, and as her mate, our fates would be intertwined. I couldn’t risk her dragging me down.

I don’t know what the next ten days entailed for us. I’m sure we’d bicker the whole time. But King Edward was right. We couldn’t let this come between us. I already had rogue problems. I didn’t need to add to that.

 I would try to bond with Alpha the best I could. If it didn’t work out then I would command my pack alone.