Chapter 3

Jaden

We head to the back of my office that leads to a secret staircase my father had installed. Lifting the trap door underneath the frayed carpet by the bookshelf. The hinge clangs as we pull it open. The stagnant air makes my nose itch as dust particles scatter before we each climb down the ladder. Underneath the pack exists an intricate network of hundreds of subterranean tunnels. These tunnels were crucial to my plan, not only to bring the contenders for my queen, but for my guests to observe without disturbing my pack.

I had ordered an arena and spectator area to be constructed for the luna games. It needed to be spacious enough to accommodate all six of them to compete, but also have a viewing deck for everyone else to observe. I wanted to know everything about these women. Their strengths and weaknesses. The games would begin the second they arrived here. We would monitor each of them day and night. Nothing could occur without my knowledge.

We take a couple of minutes to reach the arena, turning through the tunnels as we head lower down to where it has been built. Pax and Hunter lead the way as each of us strides with power and purpose. I experience a flicker of excitement, ready to see the finished creation. Hunter takes a key from his cargo trousers pocket unlocking the door with a click as it opens before us. I step in first, taking in every detail that has been executed to perfection. Hunter and Pax follow closely after me, standing on either side as we each gaze around the space.

Located at the back of the arena were six spacious bedrooms, two bathrooms, a lounge, and a fully equipped kitchen. They would each live here for the week it took for the games to be completed. Each bedroom had the essentials and clothes for them to wear. They each had a different colour or tag, so we could distinguish them in the arena clearly in either wolf or human form. They would be graded on their performance and if they performed well, they would be given advantages in the other rounds. Of course, I had the final say.

In the arena itself, they constructed towering trees, thorny bushes, dank treacherous caves and tall grass that offered enough camouflage but also allowed us to watch their every move. It spanned 5 acres. The arena was just as dangerous as the fighting would be. I even had a few surprises up my sleeve to ensure things stayed entertaining.

We all stood in the observatory looking at the arena, a glass panelled screen the only thing keeping us and them apart. “It’s perfect,” I declare. My whole body hums with a twitch of a smile on my lips as I look at everything ready to go. Red walls and carpet bathe the observatory, with pristine black leather recline chairs offered for each viewer. “Alpha, they’re going to be impressed. No one else has attempted something like this.” Hunter gruffly nods in approval. It looks better than I imagined. I just hope they are right.

“I’m glad you agree, but I know you’re just looking forward to watching them rip each other to shreds,” I deride, as he grunts, folding his arms over his broad chest. Hunter and I consider fighting foreplay. There’s nothing that gets me going like seeing a she wolf take down her opponent with ease. It’s sexy as fuck. I like them defiant, untamed I don’t play by the rules. I don’t want my luna too either. “We both know you are,” Paxton chides as I roll my eyes, raking a hand through my dark chocolate locks. Pax chuckles, his short hair and clean-shaven face getting on my nerves. I hate how they know me so well.

“You’re not wrong Pax. Fighting is like fucking. You gotta to be agile, reactive, and have enough fucking stamina to render your opposition powerless.” I feel my dick twitch just thinking about it. Seeing a woman panting, glistening with sweat after she has won a battle or defeated by her climax is perfect. We all snicker as I shove my hands in my pockets of my black ripped jeans.

“The contestants from the other packs are here, waiting in their rooms. You wanna see them?” Pax offers. I nod. “I’ll handle it on my own. The two of you need to keep an eye on the contestants from my pack, bring them to their rooms!” I order as they both bow, turning their necks before leaving through the labyrinth of tunnels until they find who I am looking for. “Yes alpha, what do you want to do about Sta-” I growl, cutting Hunter off before he can even utter her name. I see both him and Pax share a look. Maybe it’s too risky having her compete. “I’ll handle her, you two bring the others,” I bark as they both nod smirks on their face before sauntering off.

As I make my way down the dark hall, the lights flicker with each step. I can’t help but smile. This is my moment to prove to the other alphas I am worthy of the title. If they are impressed with what they see, I plan to grant them the chance to host their own luna games in this arena. Perhaps one day, even my own sons will have their chance.

But for now, the girls are patiently waiting in separate holding cells. It is crucial that everything goes smoothly. I can’t have them trying to escape or form alliances before the games have even begun. None of them know what exactly they are in for. I had told their alphas they had been selected as my luna. No one asked any questions. They simply handed them over to my men to be brought here. This is the power of the fated mate bond. No one bothers to ensure the safety of their pack members by conducting proper investigations.

I know there are laws for our kind about the mate bond, which many view as sacred and unquestionable. But it just proves to me how dangerous a fated mate bond truly is. A few alphas did ask me what I was up to, although they were the ones attending the viewing of my games. I think they were more intrigued than actually concerned for their female pack members.

I hear several noises as I draw closer, my boots slapping against the cement, echoing down the hall. It’s muggy down here, the downside of being underground. I haven’t turned on the air conditioning yet for them. I’m going to host the games the day after the full moon in two days’ time and I can’t fucking wait.