Marcus POV
As I walked back home, my heart felt heavy in my chest. The rejection from Alyssa weighed on me like a ton of bricks, and I couldn't shake the feeling of sadness and disappointment that consumed me. I tried to keep my composure in front of my brothers, but I knew they could see right through me.
I couldn't help but replay the conversation with Alyssa in my head, analyzing every word she said and every expression on her face. But I could understand why she didn't want to be with me, why she didn't feel the same way she used to feel for me anymore.
I hurt her badly but all I can think about right now is how much I want to be with her, how much I love her, and how much it hurts to be rejected. Only if she could see how sorry I truly am.
What worries me more is Ethan. I did not need to be told that I now have a rival.
Alyssa is a beautiful woman and it would be impossible not to have men who are interested in her but Ethan was not just any man. He is her childhood friend, the only person who has been with her through thick and thin. Probably the only man who has never let her down.
I understood from our conversation in the past that she trusts him beyond imagination and now he is interested in her. At a time like this when I have let her down. This is bad timing. I am angry but doing all I can to hide it.
As we walked in silence, I felt like a failure. I had my hopes high, hoping Alyssa would be forgiving, and it was all for nothing. I felt like I wasn't good enough like I didn't deserve love. I wondered if I would ever get a second chance. Is it possible for someone to stop loving just like that? Could it be that Alyssa has truly stopped loving me? Now that Ethan is interested in her that is a possibility and this possibility scares me to death.
My brothers tried to cheer me up, telling me that there were plenty of other fish in the sea, but their words fell on deaf ears. All I wanted was Alyssa, and I couldn't imagine being with anyone else. I felt like I had lost the one person who meant everything to me.
By the time we reached home, I was exhausted both physically and emotionally. I retreated to my room, feeling defeated and alone. As I lay in bed, staring up at the ceiling, I wondered how I would ever get over Alyssa, how I would ever move on from this heartbreak. But for now, all I could do was lie there, feeling empty and numb, hoping that someday the pain would fade away.
The preparation for the forthcoming Inter-region- Wrestling Competition was in top gear. Youths who were interested in participating were busy training all day.
This was the time of the season when the animals in the bushes heaved a sigh of relief. During this period you hardly see anybody hunting. Even those who are not going to participate gather at the arena to watch and cheer those who are training for the competition.
Before the day of the competition. A friendly fight is organized by the alpha.
The pack members who are interested in representing the pack are called upon to fight in the arena. Whoever wins qualifies to represent our pack at the inter-pack level. Our pack is not short of good fighters but we haven't been able to bring the trophy home in about three years.
This year, they are hell-bent on bringing the trophy home and this anticipation is exciting everyone.
I am not excited about it. I have never been interested in wrestling fights. In the past, I had participated in the hunting competition for my pack severally.
I once qualified to represent my region at the inter-region level but wrestling has been a big no for me right from my early years.
To make matters worse, this year's wrestling is to be hosted by the Red Hill Pack. That is Marrieta's pack. I haven't set my eyes on her since the last time we threatened each other.
I have a feeling she will try to create a scene if we should meet at her pack. I am already depressed enough. The last thing I need right now is anything that will toy with my emotions.
I would love to stay back home but my father won't let me. He says it is very important for me as the first son of an alpha to be present at events that directly affect the pack.
The following day we gathered at a large clearing inside the forest to watch the friendly wrestling fight organized by my father. This is where the pack representative will be chosen. I was still hurting but I was better than yesterday.
The wrestling fight between our pack members was a sight to behold. As I watched from the sidelines, I couldn't help but feel a sense of pride in our pack's strength and skill.
The wrestlers lined up in a row. They were 12 in number. All stripped down to their bare chests and pants. They were evenly matched in strength and skill, and it was clear that each one was determined to come out on top. Nicole and Tyler were number four and five.
Viewers surrounded the makeshift wrestling ring. The ground was dirt and leaves.
Two people are to face each other at a time. The one who wins will advance to the next level and the other person will be disqualified instantly. This is to go on until only one person is left.
As the fight began, the sound of the rustling of the trees and the grunting and shouting from the wrestlers was heard.
I could see the muscles in their arms and legs straining as they grappled with each other, trying to gain the upper hand. They would lock arms, twist and turn, and try to trip each other up, all while maintaining a firm grip on their opponent.
The bouts were intense and lasted several minutes each. Sweat poured down the wrestlers' faces as they fought tooth and nail for the win. The crowd cheered and shouted encouragement, adding to the excitement of the event.
So far six people are out. Nicole and Tyler are still in the game. At the end of the second phase, Tyler was out.
The final phase came and there are only two people left. Nicole and this other guy who was twice Nicole's size.
I was worried that Nicole would not make it but it didn't take five minutes before Nicole put him on the ground. The crowd cheered. We were all taken aback my Nicole's swift move.
He stood triumphant in the middle of the ring, his chest heaving and his face beaming with pride. He had earned the right to represent our pack in the upcoming competition.
It was a thrilling experience to witness our pack members' strength and skill on display in the wrestling ring.
Nicole is a good fighter and I am confident that he will make us proud in the upcoming competition.
"Nicole" I called out. "There you have it. What you have been training so hard for. Don't forget to bring the trophy home" I said jokingly and he laughed.