Chapter 163
Chapter 163
79. The Time to Face Him
ROYCE.
A week has passed since the funerals of those who lost their lives in that battle.
We have also buried Aleric at the borders of the pack, a place that was safe to visit yet away from where the rest of the Ardens were buried.
He didn’t earn that right, yet we still kept him. on pack grounds where Mom could visit if she so wished.
The day after the burials, we had returned to the Arden mansion, and Skyla had come with me.
Ready to start her life with me.
Although her dad wasn’t too keen on it, he understood and simply told her she will need to attend the Academy until she has takes her exams. But I still liked the fact that my queen will always be beside me.
Seeing her belongings in our room, set beside mine, felt good. Her presence is something that lightens up my day and night.
Today there are going to be many spectators in the Pack Arena, a place where we held some of our training exams and competitions.
However, today it would be used for something entirely different. I would be challenging my father for the title of Alpha. Not something that was a necessity when I am the Solaris King, but something that I felt was an etiquette I should fulfil.
I have not seen Father since everything went down, and although I didn’t want to spend another minute in his presence, I have to. I still have more than this match to settle…
I tighten the string on my black sweatpants, looking at her mark that adorns my neck. It’s good to have it back where it belongs… 1
I’m shirtless. Two necklaces hang around my neck and my hair is pulled back into a bun.
I hear her footsteps behind me, her scent invading my senses before she slips her hands around my waist and kisses my shoulder.
“You got this.” She whispers, her hands running down my waist. I place my hands over hers, tugging them around me as I look at her in the mirror.
“I do… but I wonder exactly what the price will be…”
She kisses my neck. “I’ll be right there, and if you want me to take over, I will.” She smirks.
I cock a brow. “I’m sure he wouldn’t know what hit him if you did.”
She kisses my cheek, slipping her hand into my pants and stealing a feel of my cock, which makes me smirk as white-hot pleasure rushes through me.
“Someone’s in a naughty mood…” I say, trying to control my own desires.
“When am I not?” she counters, and I cock a brow.
“That’s correct, well said, Love.”
“Win that thing… and I promise you a lot of fun tonight…” she whispers seductively as she slowly pulls away. “Tonight… neither of us is sleeping.”
I turn yanking her into my arms, and look down at her, her heart is thumping as she stares up at me, her eyes wide.
“No… we’re not…” My gaze dips to her lips as I caress her ass and raise an eyebrow.
“I can’t wait. Maybe we can even squeeze something in before the night.” She winks at me, her hands caressing the side of my waist. before she places them on my abs and leans closer.
“Oh really? Then I better get this over with fast.” I reply huskily before kissing her and she presses her body flush against mine, knowing exactly how crazy she makes me…
It’s a short while later, and I walk past the crowds, heading to the arena.
The entire pack seems to be here, along with others not of this pack, including Alejandro,
Kiara, Kataleya, Leo, Azura, Liam, Elijah,
Rayhan, Winona, and Marcel. There are also several others from the council…
Here goes nothing… I wrap my bandages around my hands, ignoring the stares from several women who don’t hide their fangirling and glance at Skyla. I know my kitty has claws and the last thing I need is to have to satiate her.
She looks at me, cocking a brow, before her eyes scan the group of women behind me, but the moment our eyes meet, her eyes soften.
‘Smart move, Magic Fingers,’ she says through the bond, a smirk on her lips.
‘You know you’re the only one for me, Love.’ I remind her.
‘Oh I know,’ comes her confident reply as I make my way out into the centre of the arena.
“Presenting to you, our future Alpha, The Solaris King himself, Royce Jonathan Arden!” Gideon, who I have already made known will be my Beta once I take the title from Dad, announces.
Cheers erupt in the crowd, and I spot Skyla walking past some of the stands and taking a seat beside Mom, giving me a wink. Winona, Marcel, Charlotte and Grandad are also there, and I give the four women a faint smile.
The sound of footsteps approaching makes me glance at the opposite end. Four men flanking Dad come into view, and my smile fades.
“And Kenneth Arden,” Gideon says quietly.
A silence falls, and I hear Alejandro scoff. 5
“Fucker,” he mutters, and I turn to look at Dad.
He’s wearing his white Tae Kwon Do outfit with a black belt. He’s showered, and I had made sure he was fed and rested before the match because I didn’t want anyone to think it wasn’t an equal battle.
Today will be the last of such luxuries.
His head is raised in arrogance, and I wonder if he knows about Aleric. I’m certain he does, but not once does he show remorse as he glances at the council members before turning his attention to me.
He looks me over critically before he shakes his head and scoffs.
“And do any of you think that this boy can be a better Alpha than I? I brought this pack to where it is today. You won’t win this match. King or not, a true battle requires wit and intelligence.” (1)
I don’t say anything knowing the rules. Hand to hand or in wolf form… there is not to be any use of power…
I can take him, my analysis skills are completely fine, although I know he can play with trickery. I’m still ready. I have taken on stronger opponents than Dad.
“Shall we get on with it?” I ask quietly.
He frowns slightly before he looks at the stands as if wanting someone to step up for him.
“I made a small mistake… one I have already asked for forgiveness for! She’s alive! Look at her!” Dad shouts, pointing with his chained wrists at Winona. 3
She frowns, but this time she doesn’t try to hide or look away from him. Instead, she glares at him, her heart thumping.
“Enough,” I say sharply as I hear Marcel growl warningly at Dad.
It’s obvious he wants to rip into Dad himself.
Dad looks at me again, his piercing eyes ice cold.
Alejandro motions for the guards to remove his chains and they oblige. The clanging of the chains as he is unbound fills the air.
“Your attitude shows you have no remorse towards any of the crimes you have committed. Tell me, Father… Do you know that Aleric is dead?”
“I heard.” He answers quietly, as a tense silence falls around us. He looks down and exhales. “I also heard that you were the one who killed him. You and his mate. Ah, just to be together…”
My eyes flash with irritation.
“You will mind your words when it comes to the Alpha Queen of this pack.” I snarl in warning.
Everyone is silent. This is no tournament for fun, nor a friendly joust… but a necessity.
There’s a heavy weight around us and I shake my head, trying to clear it as I begin to circle him. Property of Nô)(velDr(a)ma.Org.
Today… I am the predator and he… he is the prey