Deceiving My Mate

Chapter 14

***Nova***

The sun hung high in the sky, casting a golden light over the sprawling training grounds that had been transformed into a battlefield of sorts. The first Alpha Wolf tournament focused on weaponry was set to begin, and the air buzzed with palpable energy. Alpha’s from different packs gathered, each vying for prestige, power, and glory. I stood among them, heart racing with anticipation and anxiety.

Today was about more than just competition; it was about proving I had what it takes to be king. The stakes were higher than I’d ever imagined since stepping into this tangled web of politics, alliances, and rivalries. I took a deep breath and reminded myself that this tournament was my chance to validate my place among the Alpha council; to prove I was more than just a small-looking Lycan King.

“Remember, Nova,” Dante said in the mindlink, his voice a low rumble that cut through my swirling thoughts. I adjusted the grip on my weapon, a finely crafted sword that gleamed in the sunlight. His piercing hazel eyes locked onto mine, serious yet encouraging. “Watch your footwork, that’s your weakness.”

I nodded, absorbing his words. He was right. In the heat of our training, my footwork sometimes faltered, leaving me vulnerable. I’d spent countless hours in training, yet the pressure of the tournament reared its ugly head, amplifying my self-doubt. I couldn’t let that happen today.

“Keep your movements fluid and light,” he continued, tossing a mock punch toward the air between us. “You need to be a shadow—swift, unseen, and always ready to strike. Use that small frame of yours to your advantage. You lack strength, but speed is your greatest advantage against these bodybuilding Alphas.” Dante flicked a playful smirk. I frowned at his humor.

“Trust me. I won’t let my footwork be my downfall,” I replied with a strained smile, attempting to mask my insecurities. The truth was, the weight of my secret felt heavier than ever. No one could know that I was not a male—my identity as Nova, the hidden heir’s younger sister, must stay concealed, until my brother is found.

We all walked out onto the arena with only five minutes until it began. The last alpha with brown hair and blue eyes stepped onto the arena, and the gates started to close. The huge gate to the left, the one that was closed the entire five minutes we had waited for, began to open. A roar sounded, and to my shock, about ten bears came running towards us. The group of about twenty Alphas turned towards them. If I thought that we were going to use weapons against each other without something getting in the way. Well, bears never even entered my mind.

Oh, my goddess. Bears had the same strength as a Lycan. I have never faced a bear, and I never thought I ever would. The Alphas here, on the other hand, would hunt as a pack. They were known to kill bears as a pack. Lycans had more of a fight with bears than against a wolf or Alpha.

I gripped my sword tightly, preparing for this first challenge. The clang of metal against metal echoed behind me, and I turned to see several alphas challenging each other. This wasn't just a challenge to display our skills with weapons or to face a bear, but also each other.

Unlike the hunt, we weren't friendly for this event. I have heard stories of Alphas dying during this tournament. This battle was more about combat skills, and with my lack of experience.. I only thought of my father. How his words would instruct me during training, when he was alive. If the odds are against you, never back down. That's when your enemy will sense weakness.

My first instinct was to shift, but that was the rule of the tournament; no one was allowed to shift. We could use our strength and speed, but had to stay in our human form. I guess that's why we shifted during the hunt, so everyone knew the form of each participant.

My heart thumped in rhythm with the sounds of the bears approaching. I held my sword up, ready to attack. I couldn't help but hear the alpha behind me scatter from the approaching bears, and just when I thought I had this fight, I got tackled to the ground. The bear lunged, its claws out to where I stood, but turned to chase another target.

"Are you crazy!" Ceaser's voice came through the ringing in my ears from the impact on the ground.

The impact on the dirt was not something I was used to. I slowly sat up and stood. "Why did you do that?" I shouted over the noise of bears roaring and men shouting.

"You could have gotten yourself killed," Ceaser yelled, as if he were scolding a child.

I looked at him, glaring at me. "Well, won't that fix a problem for you?" I shot back.

He frowned and shifted awkwardly. Just as he opened his mouth to say something back, I now did as he did, tackling him to the ground as another bear lunged at him. I had landed on top of him, landing in an awkward position. For one second, I could hear Dante's playful voice making a joke about this. I was sure he would say something once this was over. If I survive this.

Before I could get off of Ceaser, he pushed me off and rolled the opposite way. He stood quickly, and I did the same. A huge brown bear had chosen to continue the fight with Ceaser and me.

"Over here, you fat piece of shit." Ceaser called to the bear, his own weapon a sword.

I saw what he was doing. He was letting his mate instinct take over. Some part of me liked it, but most of me didn't need him to think I was incapable of defending myself.

"No, over here!" I stood and shouted, weapon ready.

I didn't miss the slight frustration in Ceaser's face.

I quickly looked around. The air was thick with the scent of blood and sweat. A wide array of weapons was lying on the ground —from swords and axes to spears and the more intricate throwing knives. I scanned the terrain, noting who held what and how each competitor moved.

My focus went back to the bear, who looked between the Ceaser and I as if he was trying to decide who to attack first.

“Focus,” Ceaser said.

He must have noticed my wondering eyes. The bear charged at Ceaser. The second he spoke those words.

Without hesitating, I lunged towards the bear to help him. I was sure no other alphas would help, seeing as this was a tournament to show power and strength. However, I had to win this, but I found it hard considering the damn mate bond had me wanting to protect my mate as well. Just as I reached my mate in the middle of the battle, I got knocked sideways and hit the ground with my back.

I threw my sword up like a shield to defend myself from getting his teeth into my throat the second his jaws came down. I used whatever strength my lycan had to hold my sword. Everything seemed to drown out of my senses as I stared at the beast on the other side of my weapon. My sword is the only thing that is keeping me alive right now.