Lottery Arena: Escaping my Mate

Still captured

SKY

18 years old

I told my body guards I wanted some privacy for my doctor’s appointment. I usually had at least two of Haze’s guys following me around everywhere I went.

They’d dropped me off at the medical clinic after I’d told them I cleared it with Haze. They didn’t question my lie, I was usually very easy to look after.

I’d been shocked to see Valerian’s name on this year's list of participants for the lottery arena. I’d only seen my brother a few times after being captured by Haze inside the arena.

He captured me on day four, day five I’d spent fighting like hell. Haze was amused by my fighting spirit at first. By day six he’d had enough of it though, we bonded that day.

My wolf, Azul, couldn’t resist the urge of surrendering to an Alpha wolf. Haze’s wolf, Arctic, claimed Azul first, Haze followed after they were done.

I shuddered at the memory, things had gotten better since then but I always felt like I was walking on eggshells.

Haze controlled every aspect of my life, he was domineering to say the least.

After I’d seen the doctor, I slipped out the back of the clinic and ran the few blocks to Valerian’s building.

I’d stolen Haze’s master keys from his nightstand while he slept so I could get into Valerian’s complex. He didn’t answer so I let myself into his apartment.

It was a small one bedroom. He kept it tidy with very few personal effects around. He did have one picture of us with our parents hanging on the wall in his living.

I was maybe 8 or 9 when the photograph was taken, I had the biggest grin on my face. Valerian had me wrapped in a big hug as our parents looked on with loving expressions. Our world had changed so much in such a short time, I stared at the picture feeling like it truly was a lifetime ago.

I heard the front door open and Valerian walked through with his eyes widening when he saw me. I was probably the last person he expected to see standing here.

“I hear you’ve been selected for this year’s lottery arena.” I told him as he ran to scoop me up in a giant hug.

I squeezed him back just as hard, how I missed him. I knew I didn’t have long, I was sure if they hadn’t figured out by now I was gone, they would very very soon.

Haze was going to be furious with me, we had such an odd relationship. He was so tender with me sometimes, gentle even, while we made love. Other times it was like a switch flipped and he was truly in “Alpha” mode or like he was trying to please his father.

Two years later and I was still just getting to know my mate, for better or for worse he certainly didn’t make it easy.

“Valerian, I don’t have much time, I came because I need to tell you what to expect in there.” I told him.

Male wolves were ruthless in the arena. I’d witnessed at least a dozen killings within its walls.

I didn’t want my brother to underestimate how brutal it got once the gates locked.

“Sky, God. I’m so happy to see you, I wish we could talk like real brothers and sisters but you’re right, we have a lot to go over.” He told me, pulling me on his couch. “Is Drake abusive toward you? Haze’s beta? I had a run in with him today, and he taunted me and Tikaani.” He asked me.

“Drake? I hardly ever see Drake, and no. Haze would break any males neck for even thinking about hurting me.” I told him truthfully.

Valerian looked relieved. “Why are we talking about Drake? Why was he taunting you?” I asked him. I didn’t like Drake, he was an arrogant prick.

Haze had been disappointed in him for emerging from last year’s arena alone.

Haze had made it clear that Drake had to secure a mate this year or he’d be replaced.

“He went after my fated mate.” Valerian said.

“Your what?!” I practically shouted. I couldn’t have heard him correctly.

“Shhh!” He said getting up and listening at the door for any footsteps. After a few moments he came back to the couch.

“I’m sorry, but did you say you have a fated mate? I didn’t think wolves had those anymore, no one’s had or talked about them since before the fall out.” I said, I was still shocked.

“I didn’t think so either. But I’m positive, I scented her immediately. Her name’s Amaris and she really doesn’t want a mate, or me for a mate it seems. What am I supposed to do, Sky? I don’t want to force her into anything but I also don’t want to take the chance of Drake capturing her either.” He told me as he sighed.

“Amaris? It’s Amaris? This just gets better and better.” I told him.

“You know her?” He asked me surprised.

“Yeah, we were in the first arena together. I liked her... a lot. She was incredible at evading the males. We spent the first two days together in there before getting separated. She’s a fiery shewolf, that’s for sure. You’ll have your hands full trying to catch her. As much as she says she doesn’t want a mate, I think you could change her mind Valerian. You’d make a wonderful mate for any female.” I said.

“Do you know anything that could help me find her?” He asked with hope in his eyes.

“Well, I don’t know how much she’s changed up her tactics over the past two years but she doubled back to the starting point after the males had been released. We sat pretty peacefully for two days before our scent was picked up on and I lost her.” I told him. “What are you taking with you? You’ll need a weapon, guns aren’t allowed but knives and bows are. Take matches and a first aid kit. There’s plenty of fresh water and game so I wouldn’t bother with more than a few energy bars for emergencies. Take rope and cuffs as well, you may need to tie up other males.” I told him trying to cover all the big things I could think of.

“Got it, thanks for all the advice, Sky. You’re a lifesaver, truly. I miss you so much.” He told me, hugging me right again.

“I miss you too brother.” I told him, tearing up. “Valerian?” I said his name as a stray tear ran down my cheek. “I need to let you know, I’m pregnant with two pups.” I whispered through my tears. He looked shocked and at a loss for words. Just as he was about to say something his apartment door was kicked in.

Haze’s nostrils flared in anger and his strong jaw ticked with the effort of holding back Arctic. I immediately stood up with my hand protectively over my abdomen, Haze’s eyes followed the path of my hand before he locked eyes with me. He took several steps into Valerian’s apartment and scooped me up immediately. “We’ll discuss this at home. Say goodbye to your brother.” Was all he said.

I could tell he was holding back his anger, and I wasn’t looking forward to being alone with him. “It’s not her fault, she was…” Valerian started saying but I cut in.

“He didn’t have anything to do with this, I stole your keys, ditched my guards and snuck over here. Valerian didn’t know I was coming.” I said honestly, I knew Haze held no love for my brother and I wouldn’t see him punished for my actions.

“Say goodbye.” He repeated without acknowledging either of our words.

“Goodbye Valerian. Remember what I said. I love you.” I told him tearfully.

“I love you too, Sky.” He said back just as Haze carried me through the open door.