The Arena

GIANNA

“You’re seriously agreeing to this? He’s just trying to provoke you, and you’re falling for it.” I faced Bryant, anger bubbling through my veins.

Did I look like a doormat or a trophy?

“I understand that this makes you angry but..” Bryant tried to explain but I immediately cut in.

“Oh it makes me angry, all right. And you don’t understand anything about me, because if you did, you wouldn’t agree to such a dangerous thing.” My voice had begun to rise at this point. “Who gave you or him the right to fight for me? Did I ever say I would accept either of you even if you did this? I was wrong to think you to be a rational person. Maybe you’re just as crazy as that jerk over there.” I pointed at Marco without a glance at him.

I didn’t even care what Marco's expression looked like. All I wanted was for them to stop the madness.

“Gia dear.” Enzo started softly as he placed a hand on my shoulders in a bid to calm me down. 

I spun and faced his direction.

“I’m sorry that the pack allows such an outdated rule that objectifies women and takes away their right to choose. I’m sorry that all I can do is watch as a rule from the pack lets an egotistical bastard fight over you like a toy.” He glared at Marco who snorted before turning back to me. 

“I promise that immediately after this whole fiasco, I'll sit down with the elder council to try and change this rule again. But remember that you don’t have to accept the winner.”

I had begun to calm down, but I still didn't want this to take place. I allowed him to pull me into a hug, yet my mind was all over the place.

“Get your hands off of her.” Marco growled and both Enzo and I turned at the same time and shot him a glare. Even Bryant growled at him.

“Shut up”

He looked taken aback at first but he then decided to keep quiet.

He still thinks that Enzo is one of my suitors. But anyone with eyes would be able to tell the relationship between us was more like family, and less romantic.

Even Bryant had his suspicion, although Enzo only announced it only to our pack members. Meanwhile Marco couldn't see past his own ego and urge to claim me as his own.

“But you can relax as no one would be killing each other. At least not on my own watch. The match is guided by quite a lot of rules, and as the Alpha of the pack where the duel will take place, I have jurisdiction. So this will not be a battle to the death.”

I relaxed at that but it still bothered me. “Then at least tell Bryant to reject it.” I pleaded softly with Enzo.

“Sadly, I can't do either. It's his own choice whether I like it or not. This is just a thing of ego between Alphas. Bryant will look weak if he refuses to fight.”

“Fine! If you guys want to tear at each other like rogues, be my guest.”

I made to leave but Bryant grabbed at my elbow gently. His eyes held a lot of emotions I couldn't understand, but I could see guilt swirling in them.

“Stay please.” I would have immediately jerked my hand away from his, but looking at those mesmerizing eyes that seemed to threaten to lose their sparkle should I refuse, I couldn't say no.

His lips arched into a half hearted smile. He didn't let go of my hand though, instead sliding it down to my palm and Interlocking our fingers. “Thank you. I still haven’t forgotten about our date, despite the interruption.”

My cheeks flamed. Nalia was right. It had actually been a date.

His palms felt warm and comforting, dispelling the last remnant of unease in me.

“Enough of all this. Let's get to the actual battle.” Marco said impatiently as he glared at where Bryant’s hand was joined to mine.

Neither of us responded as Bryant turned and began leading me to the arena close to the training grounds, Enzo in tow. I could hear Marco's annoyed grunt in the background but I didn't care.

At least not now that I was worried about both their fates.

The arena was most definitely not what I was expecting. Honestly I didn't know what I was expecting but it wasn't this - Rows and rows of medieval type weapons. An open ring with an actual row of seats for the spectators. I hadn’t been here yet, because I didn’t see a need to visit.  

What confused me the most was that spectators had already started arriving and were all seated, cheerfully chattering away like two grown Alpha's weren't about to beat themselves to a pulp. I mean, how did they even find out about the duel so quickly?

Enzo must have seen my confusion because he answered me. “New gets around pretty fast especially when one is staying in a pack house. That is why you must always be careful of what you do and say, as you don't know who's listening.”

Did these people have nothing better to do than to poke their nose in other people's business? Also, does that mean that everything I've done since I came to the pack has been heard by every member of the pack.

An unsettling feeling settled in me at the thought that I would always be watched. I would always have to watch the way I talked, moved and did everything? I shivered at the thought. When I was insignificant at my old pack, no one really cared. So going from being unseen to being in the spotlight was a little crazy. I would still choose this pack though. At least I was being cared for here.

That was besides the point, anyways. I walked towards one of the empty seats at the front and sat tensely.

I could feel different kinds of gazes on my back. Some were jealous, probably at me for being the center of such a ruckus between two gorgeous Alphas. 

I sighed in frustration. I'm not the cause of this. It's their male egos.

I could also see some curious stares as well as just plain malicious stares. I could also hear all sorts of whispers. Everything was overwhelming and made me feel like a specimen that needed to be studied and dissected. I tuned it all out though when I noticed that Enzo was now standing in the middle of the ring.

He released a very powerful Alpha command. “Silence.”