I felt air getting stuck in my lungs as I could not get a breath into my lungs, and it was not because Daniel was restricting my air flow... now it was emotions and the realization that I would not be able to stay in this place anymore. That my sanctuary, the little life I had built here, was gone with no way back.
With each second, I felt myself sinking into the depths of darkness and hopelessness as the shouts of disapproval bled through my chaotic stream of thoughts.
The crowd was roaring with disapproval, and I was not sure if it was because I lost or because neither of us got killed.
I had a sinking feeling that it was due to the lack of blood.
Which was no surprise as this was the first time a match ended without a death. Before, I had never hesitated to kill, but this time I just couldn't. Hunting him would go against my very nature, it would kill the last part of me that was somewhat human, not to mention that my wolf would not let me, she would fight me and I have no idea how this internal fight between us would end.
In previous fights, I killed everyone, no matter how weak, pitiful or strong they were. They all died by my hand and I did not really give it much thought, mostly I saw that as the price for moments of peace and metal clarity.
But this time... this time I just couldn't.
Shouts proved my suspicion that the crowd was just bloodthirsty, and they did not care who was going to die today as long as they got to see the death.
As it was starting to get really crazy, the pack alpha released a loud growl, silencing the whole crowd instantly. From everyone's reaction, my guess is that he used his pack alpha power. Everyone in the arena went quiet and froze in their places. It was clear that everyone was affected by his alpha power as their stances became submissive, and they lowered their heads.
Well, everyone but me and Daniel.
Daniel didn't give a f**k about what the alpha was doing or saying, as all of his attention was concentrated on me.
He was still on top of me, not moving, just staring into my eyes, ignoring the chaos around us.
It was completely silent for a few moments as the crowd was affected by alpha power and neither I nor Daniel said anything as we stared at each other.
Completely honestly, I didn't think I could make my voice work right now. Not only that, but I did know what I should say.
The silence was erupted by the pack alpha's loud voice as it filled the deadly silent arena.
"Today's game is over. Everyone leaves, I will announce the time of the next fight in the next few days."
Voices of disapproval filled the arcana, but no one dared to question the alpha's decision as they left the arena completely empty.
Once the arena was completely empty, leaving only me, Daniel and the pack alpha, he turned to us and started talking to Daniel.
"As we agreed, she is yours. You have two hours to leave my territory or this deal will be off."
And with those last words he turned on his heel, leaving us completely alone.
Daniel stayed in place until it was clear that we were alone. Then slowly he released my hands and the moment he did that, I slammed him off me. Sending him flying to the nearest wall. He crashed with a loud bang against it and I jumped to my feet ready to leave before he recovered.
"You could just ask me to get off, there is no need to be so violent."
His voice was calm as he slowly climbed to his feet and dusted off his clothes.
I could feel his eyes on me as he talked, but I paid him no attention and started moving to the nearest exit.
It was clear that he struck a deal with the pack alpha, meaning he owned me now in a way. Sure I had refused to kill him and I stand by my decision, but it doesn't mean that I will stay here to wait for him to drag me back to the pack or do whatever he came here for.
There is a reason why I left and nothing has changed. It was my decision to leave in the first place, and I was not really held prisoner here, and I never planned to stay here for forever. He just made my decision to leave come faster.
So I turned on my heals and walked to the exit of the ring, but before I could reach the door, he caught up with me and grabbed my shoulder.
In one swift movement, I pushed his hand off, but this time he was expecting that and, just like always, he was fast to react grabbing my hand and pulling me to his chest, locking me in place right next to him.
"You have become even more violent over the years, I see, but there is no need for that, Erin. I came to collect you and there is no need to try to fight. Let's get back to the pack."
Him saying my name felt like a sword piercing my heart and the need to run became even stronger. So with all my strength, I tried to break out, but he had me in a tight lock.
"Stop it before you hurt yourself."
He said with a stern tone as his hold on me tightened. I really wanted to say a snarky comeback, but the only sound that left my throat was a low-broken growl. But it was a kinda pathetic sound of an animal that didn't raise any sort of reaction from him, he just continued to hold me patiently. He had me beat in strength, so I knew that I had to fight smart. So I calmed down, pretending to give in, and waited for him to relax, needing a moment to break free. I guess he knew me better than that because his hold on me stayed the same.
"When I am going to release you, you will stay in place, and then we are going home."
He said in a tone as if he was talking to a child he was scolding. I guess he waited for my answer and when I gave him a slight nod, his hands slowly slid down from my shoulders, giving me the moment I needed to set myself free. With all my strength, I pushed him into the nearest wall again. A clear sound of breaking bones filled the arena, making me flinch as this time he released a little sound of pain. That sound hit me hard, but I pushed any concerns for him down and started walking out of the arena again, knowing full well that he would heal in a few moments. I walked at a fast pace, hoping to put enough distance between us, and I was almost lucky as I was outside when he caught up with me.
"You know that you just broke one of my ribs? That kinda hurt."
I rolled my eyes at him.
"Do not pretend that it left any permanent damage. Now release me, I'm not going anywhere with you."
In one swift movement, I pushed his hand off my shoulder and tried walking again as he pulled me to a stop.
"Erin, stop this bullshit we are going home."
I turned on my head and faced him, my quick movement surprised him and I took my chace to bash my forehead into his nose. With the force I used to deliver the blow, I knew that I broke his nose. The blood and pain would keep him occupied for long enough that I would be able to slip away.
Blood was running down his face as he released a sound of distress and pain that pulled my heart strings, but I ignored them as I took off running into the crowd.