The Lost Goddess, A War On Mates

Chapter 25

As I finished cleaning the living room, I heard a loud ruckus down near the training field. I bit my lip and shifted from foot to foot. I knew better then to go watch the men spar but it was one of the few chances I had to learn new moves. Making a quick decision I hid my clean rags and ran out the back door and took the long way around to the training grounds. No one seemed to notice me as I neared the fights. I paused in awe, Jake was fighting Drew in the middle arena, and I could not take my eyes off how fluid his movements were. For every hit Drew made Jake put down three. It was amazing how fast he was, but Drew barely seemed to be breaking a sweat whereas Jake was drenched.

Drew was using a weird strategy and Jake seemed distracted, Drew would go in heavy and then pull back allowing Jake into his openings. It kept going like this while Jake was tiring out Drew seemed fine. Suddenly it clicked,’ He is doing it on purpose to wear him down now and later he will be on the offensive.’  I watched in awe at how good Jake was, but his strategy was terrible. After another five minutes he was visibly slower, and Drew had a smile with his impending victory. He started hitting Jake hard and fast in his ribcage and then swept his legs out form under him. I gasped as he fell to the ground with a resounding thud.

Drew straddled him and pummeled him in until he was knocked out. Colt helped take Jake back to the side lines and get him fixed up.

Suddenly Adrian stepped into the ring with Drew, As I watched the fights the same thing happened. It took much less time for him to tire out Adrian though. I shook my head, ‘What are these guys thinking. Drew was supposed to be Beta. He is too strong.’ As Adrian fell to the ground he hit his head hard with a crack noise vibrating the air.

It was silent as Basil stepped forward, “Drew call it off. They made the deal in a blind rage, you know I cannot win this battle against you…”

I tightened my lips and listened closely.

Drew smirked and crossed his arms, “Either beat me and have permission to hang around Aeris or suffer defeat by withdrawal and stay away. It’s easy Basil. Come on and at least fight for her, if she means so much.” Basil was shaking in rage, and I could see his wolf trying to get free to fight. This was too much.

“I refuse to fight you withdraw the deal. She would not want you hurt or any of us hurt. She’s too good for all this.” I smiled at that, and Drew rolled his eyes. I frowned at him and suddenly I felt angry.

Walking forward everyone gasped knowing I was never to go near the training ground. Colt smiled and waved; I gave him a small nod keeping my face blank.

Walking right up to Drew I ask, “What is Basil talking about?”

Drew Hugged me and I stayed still, “Him and his friends wanted to fight me for your guardianship love. So, her we are, I must beat Basil and then they will leave you be. They broke your heart how could you want such friends?” He smiled down at me as I frowned and pulled away.

I looked up at him, “I can pick my friends Drew…”

Drew smirked and shrugged, “I know honey, but they are the ones who made the deal. I am just giving them what they wanted.”

I looked over to Basil with a deep and angry frown, “This is not the way to prove you cared before you left…” Turning back to Drew, “I will be fighting in Basil’s place.”

The crowd gasped and murmured. Drew Paled along with Colt and Basil. Each tried to protest but the hot anger was building and needed out.

“Aeris I will not hurt you.” Drew scrambled,

“You should not do this sugar…” Colt pleaded with his eyes,

“Aeris it’s our mistake to fix do not do this!” and Basil begged.

I pulled my hair into a tight braid and then took a fighting stance in my jeans and shirt. I could not remove them, or everyone would see the tattoos. I had to focus. Breathing in I exhaled out heavily and reigned in my anger. Every angry thought rushed forward, ‘Everyone wanted me when they wanted me but not when I wanted them. I needed love and was pushed and pulled constantly, I will not be dictated who I will allow into my life.’

Drew shuffled awkwardly and stared at me, sighing he got into his fighting stance. Everyone quieted down until all that was heard was the beach nearby. Drew stood frozen for a few minutes as I waited for his move. I may be mad at Jake, Adrian, and Basil, but I refuse to lose any more control over my life.

Suddenly Drew launched himself forward towards my legs trying to sweep them. I jumped up and front house kicked his chin landing back a few feet. He seemed stunned so I quickly dodged to his left and kneed him hard in his sternum hearing a satisfying crack. He curled inward and I punched his spine in three separate locations dislocating at least six discs. He crumpled to the ground groaning. I got onto his back and put him into a chokehold, “Submit, you know I will win at this rate. You may heal fast but you cannot let those discs heal in the wrong place.” I kiss his cheek as he shows me his neck in submission and Colt yells, “Slave Aeris wins the Fight against warrior Drew. According to the Deal Aeris will decide her friendship standing and where she stays.” The crowd stayed silent.

“Alright Drew, I am going to hit them back into place, okay?” I nuzzled his hair and he smiled panting from pain. I kiss the top of his head and quickly punch all his discs back into place. Each hit came a loud groan and whimper. I helped him stand up and hugged him.

“Let’s go home, okay?” He smiled brightly as I hugged him from the side and helped him walk home. I looked back to see a hurt looking Basil and a still unconscious Jake and Adrian.

Walking up to the house I opened the door and set Drew on the couch. Before I could leave, he pulled me onto his lap and nuzzled into my neck, “You must really care about me to beat me to a pulp, fix me, then pick me to come home to.” He smiled and laughed airily the whole time.

I petted his hair and hummed in agreeing,” I hate what you did though, that was supposed to be my decision to be their friend or not.” He nodded back and yawned.

“Aeris, you know I love you right.” He looked up at me and I looked away nodding. He sighed and hugged me tight and then let me get up.

As I started up the stairs, he yelled over his shoulder, “Will you ever love me the way I want you too?” I froze and thought hard.

Looking back at him I saw tears in his eyes, “I have no idea, Drew. I do not love myself so how can I let anyone else love me?” I smiled at him and walked back upstairs to change into clean clothes. Once into a new long sleeve shirt and new pants I walked back downstairs to find Drew snoring on the couch with a line of drool down his cheek. I giggled and walked up to him kissing his forehead and heading out to finishing cleaning the other rooms and to cook the pack lunch.

Lucas watched the fights take place from his bedroom window and could not comprehend seeing his father’s ex-Beta being beaten by a mistreated slave. She was something else and he needed to watch her closely. She had been avoiding him and any chance he took to try and speak with her she stayed formal. It was starting to anger him and Adonis. He needed to know why she hated him this much, he did not want to put her in the dungeon, but she already knew that was her place during the treaty. Sighing he went to his father’s office.

He barged in and found it empty. Pinching his nose and rubbing his temples he cursed, “Seriously, where is this old f**k. He is never here anymore!” Plopping down into his father’s chair he starts looking through all the paperwork on his desk.

Mumbling he looks at the money ledgers,” This cannot be right, we do not own a building in that human territory.”  He slowly skimmed over all the sheets in front of him. It looked like regular business license and financial receipts and business ledgers, but they were for buildings that did not exist. He knew because that was human territory and most of it was near woods. His frown deepened as he opened his father’s computer and found everything was blank.

Sitting up and leaving the office Lucas went int search of Beta John. After another three hours he finally found John in the dungeon keeping that omega Tyler company.

“John I would like to discuss something’s with you?” Tyler did not move and seemed to be sleeping on his stomach. His wounds still had not healed properly. I had only heard of the whipping but found it to be a bit excessive. No one would tell me the real reason he was whipped so much.

John stood to his feet, “Yes, Alpha?” I motioned for him to follow me, and he did to my dad’s office.

“John, where are these businesses?”  I showed him the paperwork and he stiffened. I narrowed my eyes and he refused to look at me directly.

“They are private businesses of your father’s.” I nodded and motioned for him to sit.

“Alright, what are you doing with the Tyler boy?” I change the subject and he breathed out a sigh of relief.

“He has no one and someone had to be his caretaker, I planned on doing it. His punishment was a bit too cruel, and I think he deserves better. I doubt your father will let him leave the pack either.” His voice sounds hollow and broken.

“Interesting. Alright, you can take him out of the dungeon, he has been there for five months since January, correct?” John nods solemnly and I wave my hand at him.

“He can stay with you John, if you want him too. I know your son left the pack to find his mate.” He stiffened and clenched his fists.

“Thank you, Lucas, I do miss my son and I hate the way they treat Tyler. He is a good boy.” He smiles sadly.

“How is your son? How come he never visits with his mate; I am sure she is a beauty. I also find it odd that she did not move here to be with him.” He started to bounce his leg and smiled.

Waving it off John laughs,” Oh, she did not want to leave her pack as she was the Beta for them. They requested he go to their pack.”

I nodded and raised a brow, “Uhuh, which pack?” John’s head jolted up and he stilled.

“What?” His lip trembled slightly. I felt guilt ebbing at me for bringing this up but I never understood where his son was. Maybe we could have him come visit more.

“I said which pack is he at? I am sure we can request a meeting occasionally.” I smiled at him, and he looked down.

“Yes, Lucas I would love to see him, but I know he is busy. If you would excuse me, I will get Tyler back to my room.” He stood up and left faster than I could respond.

I frowned and sighed,” What son does not visit home?” I took all the paperwork I found and made copies for my desk. I would short through all these different finances later. Putting all the originals back onto the desk I left for my room until dinner.

The dungeon door creaked open, and I heard loud footsteps. I smiled knowing it had to be John. He was kind to me and constantly talked about his son and how I would love him. I think I could love John’s son. His name was Zachary and he seemed like a hard driven and sweet person. As I continued to think about Zach John opened the cell door.

“Tyler would you want out of here and to come stay with me on the Beta floor?” He was crying when I looked up.

“John, what’s wrong?” I reached out and winced at the giant scab on my back pulling. He got onto his knees and helped me sit up without ripping it open. I gave a faint smile.

“Nothing’s wrong Tyler, I just miss Zach. Please let me take you out of here?” He gripped my hands and seemed to be begging.

“You do not have to ask twice John.” He smiled and stood helping me to my feet. I felt shaky, the whip did a number on my strength. As we made our way up the stairs, I could smell the cleaning supplies in the air. The smell of lavender hit, and it felt good to be out from the dirt, mildew smell. I heard a faint gasp and looked around for it. My vision was fuzzy, and it was extremely bright, but I felt a small hand touch my cheek.

I leaned into the cool feeling and sighed, “That feels amazing.” I heard a giggle and tried to rub my eyes, “Aeris?” She smiled sadly at me, and I hugged her tight half collapsing onto her. Tears fell down my cheeks like a waterfall. I mumbled, “Thank Goddess, I could not find you anywhere!”  Before I could hear anything else I felt heavy and safe. I blacked out smiling.