Mating Games: The Huntress

Episode 7

RESSA POV

We made it. We got in earlier than we anticipated, and got some rest so we’d be prepared for whatever we were about to face.

Now we were waiting in some sun room s***h office inside a massive lodge in the middle of the woods. I can hear the ocean waves and smell the salt in the air, so I know we’re close to the ocean.

“I can’t believe we did it.” Mia whispers, and her eyes smile at me broadly.

“I can.” I whisper back and then the door opens and an elegant and very regal black woman stepped into the room.

“Hello, ladies. I must say you’ve surprised us. That doesn’t happen often. My name is Shayauna Carter, I’m the Luna of the Dark Tide Pack. I’m here to quickly go over the rules and to explain what will be expected of you by entering into the games. Forgive me, but you’ve cut it close to the start of the first game so I’m going to make this brief.” She walked over to a desk and opened a folder, pulling two pieces of paper from it.

“To begin, what are your names?” She asks.

“My name is Mia Aimes.” Mia answers first.

“And my name is Andressa Ribisi, but I go by Ressa.” I add.

“Alright..” she nods as she writes down our names on the pieces of paper. Then turns to us when she’s done.

“I’ll need you to look these over, read them and sign them. They state that you are aware this is a competition based event, and that you accept you could sustain life threatening injuries. Though it is rare, even with half-bloods. It also asks you to acknowledge that if you find your mate and and he or she happens to be of high rank, anywhere from Alpha to Lead Warrior, you will follow him in his duties to his Pack. And become his equal, not only in title, but in all things.” She says, and I’ll admit that gave me pause.

“And what of his duties to us? As you‘ve already stated we’re half-bloods.. Hunters. What is their obligation to us if the Pack we are supposed to call home rejects us?” I ask, maybe a bit too bitterly. To her credit Shayauna takes my smarminess in stride and answers me right away. With an understanding smile on her face.

“That will be between you and your Mate.. I will say this; If you are their fated mate then their center of gravity will revolve around you, whether they like it or not. I won’t sugarcoat it though, how he was raised and depending on which pack he belongs to, could effect his desirability considering who the both of you are. But you are not trapped and you can reject them at anytime. It will sever the bond immediately and free you both. I do not suggest doing that unless you absolutely have to, it can be quite painful, especially if you’re of high rank. Speaking of, what are the rankings of your shifter side?” She asks, and my heart drops.

Can I not enter if I don’t know that?

“I’m half Beta and half Human.” Mia answers and then she looks to me and smiles, waiting for me to answer.

“I’m half Human, and while I know I am half Wolf I do not know what rank I am. I’ve never met my father and my mother has been less than forthcoming regarding my lineage.” I say quickly, choosing to rip the band-aid off quickly.

“I see. That could be an issue if you are mated to a high-ranking Wolf, especially an Alpha. But the rank system is an ever evolving one these days. You should know that it will put a target on your back, it means you’re gonna have to work extra hard to gain points so you have an advantage for the final Game.” She says seriously, and I nod once stiffly.

Challenge accepted.

“The first game is called The Run and it begins as soon as we’re done here, so I hope you’re rested up. You and all the other females who’ve entered into the games this year will be at a starting line, and a shot will be fired signaling for you to start running. This isn’t a concern for either of you, but just so you know the she-wolves who can fully shift are not allowed to during the Run. Otherwise they’re disqualified. Will you need to change? Most of the females are wearing work-out clothes, those cloaks might slow you down.” She adds.

“They won’t.” Mia and I say at the same time, and then we glance and each other and smirk.

“Alright, if you’re not worried I’m not worried. The last thing you need to know is that a point system is in place and it will ultimately effect the head start you get for the final game, and I’ll warn you now, if you have a highly ranked and undesirable Wolf after you when that event comes into play you will want the advantage. I’ll explain more on that matter later. My point is, the closer you are to first place and the finish line, the better.” She explains and we nod in understanding.

Then we look over the paperwork she pulled out for us, which highlights everything she’s just discussed since she came into the room. We sign after a minute and the Luna takes it and puts it into a locked drawer in the desk.

“Alright, now we’re going to walk and talk..” she says as she heads to the door and indicates for us to follow “.. the first event is the exact same for the males, however they will have their own separate Run this afternoon. It’s just the girls to begin with. No one is to interact with any of the un-mated male wolves before this evening, and they are not to interact with any of you. We have a meet and greet Gala, where everyone gets introduced and gets a chance to get to know each other this evening. You also need to know that during the first game attacking another attendee is frowned upon, but allowed. However..” Shayauna stops at the start of a path leading into the woods behind the log cabin we just exited and turns to us.

“If you try to throw someone off course and fail you’ll be disqualified and gain no points. Something as simple as trying to side swipe them into a tree and failing will hurt your chances. The best course of action for this first event is to keep your eyes on the finish line and to react to any attacks as quickly as possible. Are there any questions before we proceed?” She asks.

“Yes, will they see us racing? The males I mean.” Mia asks and Shayauna nods before she answers.

“Yes. They’re are cameras set up everywhere and they livestream the event to a viewing room where the males will see everything. Anything else?”

“No.” Mia says and Shayauna goes to turn around until an idea pops into my head.

“Wait..” she turns back around and quirks a curious eyebrow before I continue “.. can we wear our hoodies and masks? Is there a rule against anonymity for this game?” I clarify and a slow dazzling smile spreads up Shayauna’s face.

“No, there is no rule stating as much. To be honest most girls are eager for the male wolves to get a look at the goods, so to speak.” She answers and then she turns and starts on the path again.

“You wanna wear our gear, full out?” Mia whispers, and I just answer in a single nod. She seems to ponder the idea and then gives a single nod in acknowledgment.

We’re already gonna stand out, might as make them even more curious. We bring up our mask and cover our heads with our hoods just as I hear the distant chattering. We’re getting closer to the line.

As we approach I can hear the whispering quiet down, until it goes completely silent.

“Ladies, you have a little more competition. This is Mia Aimes and Andressa Ribisi. They’re half-bloods.. and Hunters. We will begin shortly.” Shayauna states easily and then she walks back to where we just came from.

“Hunters? Really? Is this some kind of gimmick? Who’s gonna want them?” Some tiny brunette teases. She has long brown hair tied back in a ponytail and dark brown doe eyes. Though nothing about her screams innocent, what she’s wearing is skimpy and is barely holding down what she has. Which is a lot.

“Calm the double D’s, Jenny. The Mating Games are serious, so they’re here for the same reason we are and it isn’t a joke.” Another girl claims, and while her words placate the brunette her assessing gaze is rigid and just as judgmental. Girl number two is tall with long sleek blonde hair that’s braided back. She has big blue eyes and she’s wearing a significantly more appropriate outfit. Hers at least isn’t neon pink.

“Welcome, take to the line. The Run is about to begin.” Another girl says sternly, but her assessing gaze is more inquisitive than suggestive. She’s also tall, and she looks almost bored. She has stunning red hair pulled up into a high ponytail and a set of warm hazel eyes.

I step in next to her at the middle of the line and Mia joins in beside me. The neon pink brunette, Jenny I assume, rolls her eyes but faces front and doesn’t say anymore.

“I’m Elsa Bailor, from the Bay Wolf Pack, it’s nice to meet you.” The red head says to me and then shakes mine and Mia’s hand.

“You as well.” I add, then some drums start to pound into the air suddenly, pulling all our focus and slowly rising in force until it feels like the ground below me is shaking. In sow motion all the girls seem to phase into a hyper focused mode, looking straight ahead.

“Keep to the trees.” I whisper to Mia and her eyes crinkle, telling me she’s smiling beneath her mask.

“Fly through the leaves.” She whispers back.

And then a shot goes off. And so do we.