Lottery Arena: Escaping my Mate

Challenge accepted

AMARIS

Ms. Anne had led me to the Commander’s office. This wasn’t my first time here, every new unmated shewolf brought through the barracks went through Commander Koda first.

Everyone just called him Commander though, at least all the times that I had seen him addressed.

He did all the work pertaining to the single females for the Alpha.

He was mated and considered safe for such a position of authority over the shewolves.

I’d never been left alone with him, and I was glad for it.

He gave me the creeps, something seemed off about him but I could never quite put my finger on it.

I waited impatiently in one of the two small chairs in front of his large desk. Ms. Anne sat behind me on the small settee against the wall.

I wondered what he wanted, shewolves could release their pheromones on purpose if we wanted too.

Maybe he thought I was pulling some type of stunt to ruin inspection? I wondered.

If he knew you at all, he’d know that’s the last way you’d go about it. Annukka thought to me. I giggled out loud a little before I could stop myself. Ms. Anne shushed me immediately. I guess her wolf isn’t very funny. I smirked thinking to Annukka.

I heard heavy footsteps approaching, I could scent my mate. They wouldn’t bring him in here to us would they? Annukka asked, trying to hide her excitement.

Before I could answer her the door swung open and the Commander walked into his office with Valerian directly behind him.

My breath caught in my throat as I locked eyes with him. He was even more handsome up close. I could see his strong jawline with faint stubble sprinkled across it.

His eyes were the prettiest dark blue, he wore his black hair a little longer and it hung on his forehead brushing his eyes and around his ears.

He’s at least 6’3, don’t you think? Annukka thought to me as I was still eyeing him up and down.

Shhh. I thought back to her. Alright, Ms. Anne. she said as sarcastically as she could manage.

“Sit.” The Commander ordered Valerian pointing at the chair next to me. Valerian sat next to me without breaking eye contact from me.

I looked forward to the Commander, but I could feel Valerian’s eyes still on me. “Amaris. Would you kindly explain what happened at the inspection? I have been given the general details but I’d like to hear it from you, since you were the shewolf being inspected.” The Commander said, sitting back in his chair.

I glanced at Valerian to see him very much still staring at me. “Ughhh… I’m not sure there’s much to tell. Several males wolves led by the future beta, approached me with the intent to… well... they approached me and this man jumped between us at his own risk…” I glanced at Valerian again. “Until I, along with the other shewolves, were safely removed.” I’d never stumbled over my words so much in my life!

I wanted to crawl under my chair from embarrassment. “Did you purposely release your pheromones?” He asked point blank.

“What? No… I… I wouldn’t do that.” I told him. He looked over my head to address Ms. Anne.

“Is her heat cycle near?” He asked her as if they were talking about the weather.

I kept my eyes downcast as I felt my cheeks turn pink. “Ummm, I don’t believe so, but I don’t have her medical records in front of me so I’m not sure, Commander.” Ms. Anne replied, clearly uncomfortable she didn’t have the answer he wanted.

Just as he was about to speak again there was a rapid knock on the door.

“Not now!” He shouted out immediately, making me jump in my seat.

“It’s important Commander, we’ve found a pair of unmated sister shewolves, they’re quite young and frightened. We need to get them processed as soon as possible, sir.” The voice said.

“One moment.” He shouted back as he rifled through his drawers pulling out an admitting packet.

“Ms. Anne? I may need you for this.” He said, indicating she should follow him. The Commander opened the door and ordered the young wolf to take Valerian to the entrance gate.

“Sir, I’m the only one that knows their location.” He said, sounding apologetic. “Fine.” He said turning to Valerian and I.

“I’ll send a guard from the gate up to see you off the compound. I’m going to assume you’re trustworthy if you willingly put yourself in front of the shewolves to protect them.

DO NOT try anything. The guard will be along immediately.” He said closing the door behind himself, leaving us alone together.

“We don’t have much time. I’m going to assume correctly that you know we’re mates, or your wolf wouldn’t have released her pheromones?” He asked me, never breaking eye contact.

“Do you know what it means if we’re fated mates? It means we have Alpha wolves. We were meant to be together, Amaris. Do you think you can tell me an easier way to find you inside the arena?” He asked, glancing nervously at the door, waiting for the guard to arrive any second.

“Excuse me?” I asked in disbelief.

Oh god, Amaris, please don’t. Annukka knew exactly when I was about to go on one of my rants.

“What's wrong? Can’t you feel the pull?” He asked me confused. I ignored his question.

“You know, just because we have Alpha wolves doesn’t mean we’ll actually ever be Alphas. It doesn’t really mean anything anymore. I appreciate what you did for me back there and everything, but I’ve known you for all of five minutes and I’m not willing to up and change what I want, what I’ve fought like hell for just because we’re mates. I plan on walking free out of that arena after seven days and nothing, and I mean nothing is changing that, do you understand? So you can go f**k yourself if you think I’m giving you tips on how to find me.” The corner of his mouth ticked up like he was fighting a smile.

“Yeah Red, I understand, looks like I’ll just have to capture and claim you if I want to keep you.” He said to me.

I was shocked. I don’t know why I was so surprised by this, of course he thought that was acceptable.

All these males were cut from the same cloth.

“Oh Valerian, you couldn’t catch me if I was hogged tied and placed right in front of you.” I told him purposely wafting out a little bit of my pheromones, because f**k him.

His eyes clouded over for the briefest moment.

“Challenge accepted, Amaris. I look forward to seeing the look on your face when I trap you, and claim you. Oh and Amaris?” He said, hitting me with his own scent, my mouth watered at the smell. He leaned in close to whisper in my ear “believe me when I say you’ll want me to claim you, you’ll be begging for it. Just wait and see.” He stood and walked toward the door just as the guard opened it and entered the room.

Valerian winked at me before turning around to follow the guard silently out the door leaving me alone with my own thoughts.