Sharp Edges

Pre-Pregame

Two weeks pass faster than I thought possible, and before I know it, it is game day. Zack, Jules, and I are in Zack’s truck following the instructions on the GPS. No one really knows what to say, so aside from John Legend’s song ‘Slow Dance’ playing in the background, the cab is silent. Today could very well change the dynamic of our pack… and the weight of that change weighs heavy on our hearts.

I let out a sigh and Jules squeezes my hand encouragingly.

“We are almost there.” Zack says, pointing at a turn off up ahead.

We had expected the GPS to take us to some random, secluded, spot in the woods…We could not have been more wrong. Instead, we turn into a driveway only to be stopped by a large iron gate. The kind of gate that tells you wealth and entitlement live on the other side. There is a speaker box on the driver’s side, so Zack rolls down his window.

An unknown, gruff, voice sounds from the speaker, “How may I help you?”

“Skye Colman, plus two, here for the game.” Zack answers simply. His disapproval of the situation evident.

No reply comes from the speaker and there is a moment of silence before the gate swings open. We make our way up the long, winding driveway. At the front of what looks to be a fricken castle, the drive circles around an elaborate water fountain. The house itself is made of rock, with three stories and easily the length of a football field.

When we exit the truck there is a young, handsome valet waiting. He gives Zack a ticket in exchange for his keys and greets us, “Welcome to Hudson Manor. You will find everything you need inside along with instructions for the mating game.” He finishes with a nod, leaving us to park Zack’s truck.

Jules, Zack, and I all turn to the intimidating entrance.

“It is all so fancy. The base of that fountain is larger than my entire apartment!” I say, giving the fountain one last look over my shoulder.

“Who are the Hudsons’ anyway?” Jules asks Zack.

“Just some rich werewolf family. Super stuck up. They only allow family, and the mates of their family, into their pack.” Zack answers as we come to a stop in front of an enormous set of double doors. Jules lets out a low whistle... clearly impressed.

Our conversation is cut short when a man comes bustling out. He does not even spare us a glance as he makes his way past us. The mysterious stranger brings the phrase tall, dark, and handsome to mind. His jet-black hair matches his leather jacket and jeans, and his tanned skin and sharp jawline only add to his bad boy vibe. We turn and watch him storm down the marble steps we had just ascended, before he climbs onto a black motorcycle.

Of course, he drives a motorcycle. I think, chuckling to myself.

Turning our attention back to the task at hand, we make our way inside where we are greeted by a beautiful redhead. Unlike the infamous Stacy, this girl is a natural redhead with a short pixy cut and a kind smile.

“Welcome to Hudson Manor. If you would follow me, I will show you to your rooms.” She says, attempting to lead us up a flight of steps to her left.

“Our rooms?” Jules, Zack, and I all ask in unison.

“Yes… Your rooms. The events, of the mating ceremony, have been extended upon the request of Mr. Hudson. We have provided a room for all those in attendance to accommodate for the unexpected extension. Today will consist of a meet-and-greet cocktail party at 3 p.m. where a relaxed formal attire is expected. Tomorrow morning, we will hold the mating game, followed by a formal ball in the evening. These events have been approved by the elders and are mandatory.”

“Why were we not informed that this would be a two-day event?” Zack asks angrily.

“Relaxed-formal and formal-formal?!” Jules squeaks. “We did not come prepared for that.” She finishes gesturing to our work-out attire.

When did a game of chase through the woods require formal attire?! Not to mention, now the actual game itself would not take place until tomorrow. All I want is to get this over with. I mentally roll my eyes. Whoever this Mr. Hudson is, he just got himself put on my s**t list.

The gorgeous redhead ignores Zack’s angry question and chooses to address Jules’s concerns instead. “Do not worry. Where the alpha female is concerned, no expense was spared. You will find the wardrobes in your respective rooms fully stocked with clothes, of the proper size, for you to choose from.” When she finishes, she turns and ascends the staircase.

Knowing a fully stocked wardrobe, that was purchased by a billionaire, is waiting for her… Jules follows happily up the stairs. Zack and I follow, though we are a little more apprehensive about the situation.   

Upstairs we are shown to our rooms where we are left to prepare for the cocktail party.

“I’ll go pick out an outfit from my room and then meet you back here to get ready?” Jules asks me.

“Sounds good Hun.” I tell her, opening my door.

“I don’t like the idea of leaving you two alone here. If its okay with you, Skye, I’ll grab my clothes and meet here also?” He asks, obviously worried I would tell him no.

“Of course, Babe.” I tell him, kissing his cheek before he leaves for his own room down the hall.

Turning my attention to my temporary accommodations I am awestruck. From the four-poster bed, rapped in expensive looking drapes, to the candle chandelier hanging from the high ceilings… and even to the clawfoot tub in the corner, this room is straight out of a medieval castle.

I make my way over to the large floor-to-ceiling window. The view is breathtaking. Below, a stone patio houses an inground pool and spa along with an extra-large balcony for entertaining. Currently people, who I assume to be the event staff, are running around the balcony setting up tables and chairs.

 Beyond the chaos, a double staircase leads down into a beautiful yard and garden area. The yard gives way to a massive tree line that spans into the mountains behind. If I look closely, I can see the snow at the peaks of the mountains…. The sight has me reminiscing about my first shift, when a knock sounds at the door.

“You are not going to believe this view!” I say excitedly, yanking open the door only to find a stranger.

“Considering the fact that I have lived here my entire life… I think I’ll believe it.” He replies with a chuckle, stepping around me and into my room… without an invitation.

This stranger has the same raven black hair as the handsome bad boy we saw leaving the mansion earlier, but he appears older, and his look is more sophisticated. He is wearing blue jeans and a white dress shirt… Hot in a CEO you want to bang kind of way. Regardless of his looks, however, he is obviously arrogant and rude.

“I’m sorry… I don’t know who you are, or how you were raised, but in case you were unaware… It is considered rude to let yourself into a woman’s bedroom without an invitation.” I address him, intentionally leaving the door wide open as I cross my arms over my chest.  

“Where are my manors?” He asks.

How the f**k should I know dude?

“My name is Andrew.” He continues, offering me his hand.

Still skeptical, but doing my best to be polite, I take it and he gives my hand a small, firm, shake. When I attempt to withdraw my hand Andrew pulls me into his personal space, and whispers into my ear, “I look forward to catching you tomorrow.”

Jokes on you buddy. I think to myself. His demeanor gives off a vibe saying he was probably born with a silver spoon in his mouth and has had everything handed to him since. I doubt he would even come close to having what it takes to make my wolf submit.

I let out a snort and a small chuckle at his remark.

“Good luck with that.” I state plainly.

He has yet to release me from our handshake and is still holding me near him. I do not know who he thinks he is, but I am about tired of him invading my personal space. If he does not release me, he is fixing to get a good taste of who I am.

“You think you can take me?” He asks, pulling me in tighter.

This dude really wants his ass kicked.

“If you do not release her right now, she won’t have to take you, because you will be dead by then.” Zack’s voice booms angerly from the door.

“Now, now… it is impolite to threaten your host.” Andrew replies to Zack but does not release his hold on me.

“You are not our host… Your father is. Now release her!” Zack growls.

He has about two more seconds to release me willingly or I will release myself and it will be very unpleasant for him. Plus, Zack is about six seconds from ripping this guy to shreds so in all fairness I would be doing him a favor. An unpleasant favor but a favor still.

Andrew, with his death wish complex, has the nerve to lean in and kiss my cheek before releasing me. He then turns to address Zack, “Very well. She will be mine soon enough anyway.”

Before he makes his exit, he stops and looks at the wardrobe, “Where the navy-blue dress to the ball. I picked it out especially for you.”

This guy has some nerve, I think rolling my eyes at his suggestion. If anything, he has only guaranteed that the navy-blue dress will remain right where it is. Zack, who is on the verge of shifting, moves away from the doorway so Ass-Hole-Andrew can make is exit; the prick does not even close the door on the way out.

“I don’t think I have ever wanted to throat-punch someone, that I just met, so badly in ALL my life.” I tell Zack, completely flabbergasted.

“Frank Hudson has four sons. All unmated. Andrew is the oldest. I was told, by a maid, that Frank is forcing all four sons to compete in the ceremony, in hopes that one of them will catch the alpha female.” Zack informs me.

“This is going to be a very long two days.”  I sigh.