Chapter 137 Game Of Alphas (II)
Kristen's POV
A few hours earlier.
I know what today is
The Game of Alphas.
It's a yearly contest for all Alphas to see who's fit enough to be prominent. And I know Calhoun will be there because he's the head Alpha in the East.
I love him more than life itself, but I've been keeping out of his way since yesterday. He hasn't apologized for calling me weak and insensitive, but his eyes give out that he's sorry when I see him. Still, I am yet to forgive him. It still hurts deeply that his perception of me hasn't changed. He still sees me as a weakling who he's to protect at all cost, because I was dependent on him.
Calhoun thinks I cannot carry out the Luna's rite. He's afraid I'll fail and I'll eventually get kicked out of his pack, where he'll have no access to me or Aiden.
Speaking of Aiden, I am yet to start breastfeeding him because no milk is spurting from my nipples, so he's living on just milk and water. The situation is bothersome, but the more pressing issue at hand is the Luna's rite which will take place in the next two nights, at the large courtyard.
I need to convince Calhoun I am capable of doing this, that's why I am dressing up to attend the Game Of Alphas, to prove him wrong for underestimating me.
I want to be a part of the game of Alphas, upon knowing quite well it's meant for Alphas alone.
Right now, I am standing in front of my mirror, putting the last of my earnings, when Janette storms into my room without even knocking.
"You're attending the Game Of Alphas?" She's almost out of breath, something which gives out that she ran all the way here, upon hearing the servants gossip. Earlier, one of the butlers overheard me telling my friends on the phone, about my intention at the Game Of Alphas.
"Miss Kristen, I don't have a good feeling about this," Janette continues.
"Me neither," I mutter, upon stepping back to take one look at my red suit pants.
"Then don't go, you know how these games are. Brutal. From chess playing to fist fights in the arena, wolves are contending with each other. Some Alphas don't even survive." Janette leaves the door and nears my side.
"Calhoun thinks I'm a weakling," I blurt out after staying quiet for some time.
"You don't need to hurt yourself to prove anything, Miss Kristen. You're a mother," My bodyguard sighs, "If there was a way to tie you up, I will do that."
"Do you think I'm doing this for myself? It's for Aiden. I don't want him to grow up being a rogue without a father," I turn to face her, but my expression is neutral.
"But..." She persists when I hold up a hand to silence her because I am fed up with everyone perceiving me as weak.
"Calhoun wouldn't let me perform the Luna's trial if I don't surprise him tonight," I explain.
"What will you do at the Game of Alphas?" Janette inquires.
"I might know a little about these games. I've seen how things are done." I say.
"But women aren't allowed to participate, you are not even an Alpha, "Janette has frustration clearly written on her face.
"A few female Alphas will be present," I point out, as I put the last of the pins on my bun.
And I notice Janette blink.
"What if you're restrained from gaining access into the hall? Why not stay at home and take care of Aiden? You're still not well enough to walk about."
"I can manage," I tell her.
"Alpha Calhoun will kill me if anything happens to you."
"You know he's not cruel enough to do that. And for the records, I'm not dying." I wink at her.
All the confidence I had flew away when I arrived at the venue that evening. The game of Alphas has eight stages, and the men around here seem way too burly, something which gives out that they've spent months preparing for this night. If Calhoun loses tonight, someone else will take over his position as Alpha of Alphas in the
East.
I am so unsure of myself because it never crossed my mind that I would show up to attend such, ever in my life. I've only watched from afar. The brutal aspect is always unbearable to watch. And yes, I've seen some Alphas die. Mainly looking at everyone now, you would think nothing of such will happen because they're dressed to perfection, exchanging pleasantries. Even drinking and laughing. The need to leave Calhoun dumbstruck is so overwhelming that I forgot how things get too bloody. I can see men staring at me, wondering why I am here because I am clearly uninvited.
They're staring at me a lot, and I feel out of place.
And I am the only one clad in red, so it's easier to notice me.
What am I even doing here?
These men are way too scary-looking. I look like a little wolf amid burly, dangerous ones. Someone has tattoos all over his face. And he's so big that if his arm gets measured with my torso, it would be
larger.
And I can feel my paranoia rising.
It was stupid of me to come here anyway. Janette was right after all. I'll only make a mess of myself, and disgrace Calhoun.
That's right. And if I leave without running into Calhoun, he'd have no idea I am here. I haven't seen him. But if he does see me from afar
with my back to him, he'll of course recognize me.
I am about turning back when my eyes immediately catch a glimpse of Calhoun and this tall blonde who was all over him.
And all the fear I had in me subsides.
The emotions I feel at this moment are anger, and jealousy. And
they're coursing through my veins.
She's almost as tall as Calhoun and it makes me bitter about my own
height.
And the fact that I am not on speaking terms with Calhoun doesn't
mean I'll let another woman throw herself all over my mate and
husband-to-be.
Calhoun doesn't seem comfortable.
Wait a minute.
Did something happen between the two of them in the past? Why is
she staring at Calhoun like he crumbled her world?
I ground my teeth until my jaw begins to hurt.
In a rush, I find I space to check my face once more.
I undo the first two buttons of my shirt, reapply my lipgloss, before
approaching Calhoun and the woman.