Fight

The glass of wine in my hand slipped down from my hand, but I paid no attention to it. Suddenly, my hands had turned sweaty. “No. No, sir. You're very wrong. I'm not your mate,” I scooted back, shaking my head. “I'm not your mate.”

But he was, the realisation dawning on me with a twisty feeling to my gut. He was my mate. I could feel it, too.

He didn't say a word, just kept staring at me with uncanny green eyes.

He took a step towards me, and I took a step back.

“You don't have to be scared. I'm not going to hurt you.”

I swallowed, tears pricking my eyes as I saw Alpha Roman standing up at the table. “Please just go. Leave me alone. Please.”

“You're a Breeder,” he said silently, but I gave no response.

Suddenly, Alpha Roman's voice boomed out. “It will serve you well, Agnar, if you step away from her.”

Agnar didn't turn, kept his eyes on me as he replied back, “And if I don't?”

“Then I will be forced to relieve you of the burden that is your feet.”

It was then that Agnar turned and made his way back to the table. Roman met him halfway, and they stared each other down.

“She's my mate, and I'm taking her with me,”

Alpha Gerald pounced up from the table. “That is his Breeder. No other man has a say over her but him!”

Agnar cocked an eyebrow. “Hmm. That so, Roman? She's yours?” He turned away from Alpha Roman, walked to the table, and poured himself a glass of the wine they had been drinking.

Everyone watched him, silence thick in the air.

Glass in hand, he shoved the other hand into his pocket and leaned casually against the table. “What do you say, Roman? I want my mate.”

“Over my dead body, would you take her away from here.”

“I can make that work, dear Mister Roman, and believe me, it will be my utmost pleasure.”

“This is not a place for you, Agnar. It never was, and it never will be.” As he spoke, Alpha Roman gestured to me with a crook of his fingers, and I made my way to him, trembling.

Now, he grabbed me close by my hair, slowly licking my neck as everyone watched. “Tell me, Agnar. How does it feel to be so close to your mate and knowing you will never be able to touch her?” His hold on my hair tightened, and I let out a squeak.

Agnar's face remained unreadable, but he said, “Let her go,”

This time, Alpha Roman grabbed me by my breasts and aqueezed. Hard and tight. “And if I don't?”

“I'll kill you and everyone related to you, Roman.” His voice stayed calm and quiet, but with a deadliness that made me believe his words.

Roman smirked. “You and what army, child? I'll tear you open and leave your carcass for the birds and wild animals to feed on.”

Surprisingly, Agnar smiled. “You'll have to wait in line for that one. A whole lot of people want my head. Let her go,”

“Enough of this tomfoolery and respect the presence of the King,” said Alpha Noel, the host. “Agnar, she can't go with you. You know the rules.”

“He would,” began another Alpha, “if he operated by the rules of our ancestors.”

He was fast. Faster than the eyes could ever follow, but the next thing we all saw was Agnar pressing the Alpha who had spoken against the wall, his hand tight around his throat.

“How about I send you up there to go throw a party with our ancestors? Huh, Erik? Would you like that?”

Everyone at the table were already up on their feet, clutching at their knives and daggers. All with the exception of the Alpha King.

“Gentlemen, gentlemen, let's quiet down,” he drawled out lazily. “No need to revert to our animalistic tendencies. I'm sure we can come to a desirable conclusion,”

Roman bowed. “With all dues and respect given, your majesty, there is no say to this matter. This Breeder belongs to me.”

“Sit down first, Roman. And for Goddess sake, let the girl go.” He muttered a curse. “I'm too old for this.”

With a push, Alpha Roman released me, and I almost went tumbling into the ground if Agnar hadn't caught me.

I jerked myself free from him. “T-hank you,” and scrambled away.

“Agnar, won't you have a seat?” said the Alpha King, gesturing.

Agnar sat, body relaxed and casual, but you could tell from his eyes that it was false.

“Does anyone have a suggestion—” began the King, but Agnar broke in, voice quiet.

“I just want to input, your majesty, that if your judgement so much as breathes a hint of favor on Roman's direction, I will unleash a terror so mad that no one here or after will be left alive to tell the tale.”

“How dare you speak to his majesty that way?!” erupted Alpha Noel.

The King raised a hand. “It's okay, Noel.” Then he turned to Alpha Roman and Agnar. “You men want bloodshed? Then bloodshed you shall get. Another full moon sets next month. On that full moon, you both will fight to the death. Winner takes her home.”

“I accept,” said Agnar.

“I accept, Your Highness.”

I was doomed. I was ruined.

“Are they really going to fight because of her? Her?” I heard the Breeders whispering amongst themselves.

This wasn't going to end well for me. Situations like this never ended well.

I should have jumped into the lake when I had the chance. Now, two bloodthirsty Alpha were going to fight to the death because of me.

I'm never going to catch a break, am I, Goddess?

But this... this might be my chance at a better life. If Agnar wins, then perhaps I could live a somewhat normal life.

But then? What would happen to my pregnancy? Who would be its Father?