The Wolf Games

Two little favors

"Joseph, you're getting so fit and strong. It hasn't been that long and I can already notice the difference" I cheered, giving Joseph a huge hug.

"I feel good... I actually don't think I have ever felt this happy and strong before" Joseph says not letting go of my embrace

"Give me ten laps and then we can go eat some breakfast" Joseph lets go of me and slumps his shoulders and groans. I gave him a smack on the bum to move it.

"Come on Sasha, it's my birthday" he confesses giving me puppy dog eyes

"What! Why didn't you tell me it's your birthday?" I shout giving him another big hug

"Well, I don't really celebrate it. My parents just take me out for dinner with my brothers. I've always been a bit of a loner" his words break my heart.

"I care, and I want to celebrate your birthday. Tell me, what would you want to do today? I'm not fighting so I'm all yours" I say giving him a huge smile

"I have to help my dad at the pack hospital today and then I think I'm going out for dinner with the family. How about when I come to Rome you take me to your restaurant and feed me yummy Italian food".

As I watch Joseph wipe the sweat off his forehead with his towel I have a brilliant idea. I'm going to throw him a surprise birthday dinner and I'm going to make all the dishes I make at the restaurant. I'll get Taylor to ask his parent's permission first and when he's working at the pack hospital today we can set everything up without him getting suspicious.

The only problem is I need to ask for permission to use the Red Moon's many kitchens and I don't really want to ask the Alpha and Luna Grace and have her have another crying episode.

I'll have to put my big girl pants on and ask the future Alpha, Mr. Blue eyes.

.........................................................................................................................................................................

I asked Taylor if she knew where Erik was and she told me today was his first match and that he is fighting in the main arena. As I enter the back entrance to the arena I can hear the crowd going wild. The match must have already begun and I suddenly feel anxious for Erik. My stomach is in knots and I have this sudden urge to go out there and protect him... this can't be good. I need to keep reminding myself that he is my competition and I'm here to win to save my mum.

I walk through a tunnel that leads to the arena and I can see him slamming into his opponent. Erik, is precise with each punch and his opponent is too slow to block any of his hits.

I look out to the crowd and I see Elly, Dom, and Robbie sitting with Alpha Michael watching the fight and cheering him on. Erik's parents are sitting in the VIP spectators box along with Naomi and two other men that look important.

I hear a loud thud and Erik is standing over his knocked-out opponent with his hands in the air and the crowd roars. I'm not sure how long the fight went for but Erik doesn't seem badly hurt and he starts walking in my direction.  He doesn't notice me at first as he is skulling his water and wiping the blood from his mouth.

"Hi" I say too high-pitched like I've just been caught doing something wrong. I must have scared him because he lets out a deep scream and squeezes his water bottle and water flies everywhere. I can't help but laugh

"I'm sorry! I didn't mean to scare you" I chuckle

"Geez Sasha!" Erik has his hand over his heart with water dripping down his head 

"I'm sorry, I didn't think you would be so scared to see me. Here let me grab you a towel" I run over to the lockers and throw him a clean towel. I'm still laughing at his reaction and Erik has a big smile on his face

"I don't think I've ever heard an Alpha make that kind of sound before" I tease

"Yeah, yeah, real funny. Did you come here just to scare me? he walks over to me and backs me up against a locker "Or were you just checking out your competition?" he whispers in my ear and my core begins to heat up.

"I- I needed to ask for a favor" I pant and he moves my hair away from my neck and his touch makes my knees go weak

"Go on" as he nibbles on my ear 

"It's, um, it's Joseph's birthday today and I wanted to make him dinner" I'm trying to focus on what I'm trying to say but there is something about this arrogant Alpha that makes my body go crazy. He continues giving me little kisses down my neck and I don't want it to stop

"I just need your permission if I could use one of the kitchens and if I could set up a little surprise on one of the outdoor tables and make it special for him". Erik stops kissing my neck and looks me deep in my eyes

"Under two conditions," he says and I roll my eyes thinking he wants a kiss or a date

"One, I want to be invited," he says with a cheesy grin

"and two, I want to help you in the kitchen" 

"Why do you want to come? You're not friends with Joseph, and I don't need or want your help in the kitchen" I try and push him back but he is standing his ground and is just staring at my lips 

"I'm his future Alpha and I have no plans tonight and I also love cooking. Take it or leave it" he says and walks over to the showers. He takes off his socks and shoes and is about to take off his shorts. 

"FINE! You win. I'll meet you in an hour at the packhouse" 

I storm off and I can hear him laugh and say can't wait.