My chest was heaving with exertion as I stared up at my mate. My hands were on my knees, I could feel my heart pumping blood through my body, my legs shaky with work. I panted, gasping for breath as I stared up at him through sweaty hair. He smirked at me, straightening his posture to look down at me.

"Give up?" He smirked.

"Nope." I snapped, shaking my hair.

His grin widened when I stood straight and without hesitating further, I shifted to Cel's form. He wanted me to train, he was going to get all of me, and that included Cel. His eyes widened as I launched myself at him, his Alpha wolf was nothing against my quick Lycan shift, and I had him pinned beneath me in a flash.

He frowned at me when his head collided with the grass but I merely nipped at his neck in return. A small rumble of pleasure came from his chest and I let out a bark before jumping off of him.

"Very well. Celimene is your best defence." Lyra clapped her hands. "She is fast and strong. To knock Phoenix over you had surprise on your side but the contestants may not."

I nodded my large head at her, since taking in her advice today I found myself nodding along a lot more than usual. We had arrived back on pack lands, and whilst Phoenix went to debrief Charlie and settle in the females, I was dragged straight into training. I had assured Felicity that she would be okay, and her parents would be here soon. Calida was still wrapped up in her blanket and didn't speak much as she was led to her room.

Sean and Rose had disappeared inside, and after about an hour he emerged alone. My brother Leo had been another to go inside and I had not seen him nor Molly since, so I really didn't want to think about what they were up to whilst they were...reconnecting. Pollux, however, was with me; sat to the side in a lounge chair as he ate endless snacks. Right now, it was crackers with some kind of cheese, the smell of it was enticing but I had to focus right now.

I trained with Lyra, and discussed strategies and general small talk during breaks for about two hours. Phoenix had finally arrived and wanted to test me, and so for the last half an hour, I had battled him in human form. He had said I wasn't to shift but he was bugging me so much by that stupid handsome smirk.

"Alright, shift back Nova. The first guests just entered the border." Phoenix smiled, brushing his jeans off as he stood to his feet.

I glanced around and eyed my torn clothes. I had forgotten to even think about that when I shifted; Phoenix got under my skin more than Sean ever did. Fabric smacking me in the snout had me growl and glare at the culprit. It wasn't Phoenix as he was dressed in a nice button-down, nor Lyra as she was still dressed, nor was it Pollux who seemed like he was about to fall asleep. The approaching steps to my right had me turn to see Charlie approach, a wide grin on his face.

"Alright there Nova." He laughed.

I barked a growl and shifted back quickly, not wasting any time being nude was my priority as I pulled on the dark dress. I shifted it around my body, finding comfort in its baggy summer style. Charlie winked at me when I turned back to thank him and I saw Phoenix shake his head from the side of me.

"So, what's the plan?" Charlie rubbed his hands together, eyeing us all greedily.

Lyra scanned his form, raising a well-formed eyebrow at him. "Nosey aren't we?"

He shrugged. "I wanna know what's going down. Sean has finalised the battle area, wolves have been prepping it all afternoon. Soon as that sun sets there's gonna be a battle whether you like it or not."

Phoenix scowled at him. "Nova has been training. She is going to eat, stretch and then greet guests with me."

Charlie's eyes narrowed. "There's food?"

I rolled my eyes, crossing my arms as I awaited his childish battle.

"Yes. There is food being cooked right now." Phoenix replied.

"Why wasn't I invited?" Charlie pouted.

"Do you want food?"

"Uh, yes?"

"Then make your own."

"Hey, no fair. You had the chef cook you and Nova food, why can't I have some?"

"Because..." Phoenix laughed, coming to wrap his arm around my waist.

"Because?"

"I didn't think you'd like it."

"Well, what is it?" He cocked his head.

"Salad."

Charlie's face turned into a grimace. "Salad? Nova, have you turned into a rabbit since you've been gone?"

I giggled at his horror. "I don't want anything too heavy. Chicken Caesar is nice, you should try some."

Charlie shook his head like a five-year-old. "I will make my own food."

"Okay then." I laughed.

Phoenix then began to lead me away from them, and as we got just far enough to be left alone, I heard Charlie asking Lyra if she wanted to split a meatball sub. I shook my head, amused. Charlie always knew how to lighten the situation, whether he intended to or not. He was a breath of air in a tense moment; made all your worries disappear.

We made our way into the kitchen and Phoenix collected our food with thanks to the chef. Two bowls were covered on a tray and he held it with one hand as the other guided me away from the kitchen. He lead me to his office and opened the door, gesturing me inside. I went in confused but sat myself down on the sofa and he placed the tray on the coffee table in front of it.

"Why are we eating in your office?" I wondered.

"I just wanted some alone time with you." He smiled, sitting beside me.

He uncovered the dishes and passed me the smaller size. I smiled gratefully and picked up my cutlery, eyeing the bowl beneath me. It was a chicken Ceasar salad, and despite my nerves, I was so hungry. I ate slowly, savouring the taste and crunch of the croutons.

"Are you nervous?" Phoenix wondered after I had started to eat.

I swallowed and shrugged. "I am...but I know it was inevitable. When I first found out about it, when you told me... I was so angry with you for hiding it, for making this the information that kept me from having you. But now... I-I guess I've grown to accept it, and things have happened that I don't want to go b-back to."

I cursed to myself at my slight stutter, dropping my eyes to my bowl again. He sighed and dragged himself closer to me, his thigh pressing against my own. I drifted my eyes from his food to his face, his eyes staring down at me in sympathy.

"I know, I'm sorry. I truly am, for hurting you. I just thought it was the best way...to push you away and try to not let you get attached..." He sighed. "Then there was the whole I could kill you by marking you... I was scared now. Terrified. I didn't expect so much to come with having a mate, I honestly expected just another Alpha's daughter who I'd mate and mark within a week. Never in my wildest dreams did I expect someone as wonderful as you."

I felt my heart flutter in my chest. "I hadn't expected my life to be like this either, but I'm glad it did. If I hadn't gone through what I did, I don't think I would be strong enough now to take on the battles."

He nudged me with his elbow, a small smile on his face. "You are stronger than you realise Nova. Even if you weren't, I would go to the ends of the universe to get you back. I will forever search for you beyond the horizon, don't forget that."

"I remember." I nodded, smiling. "I never thought I'd up beside you... your reputation precedes you. I feel like I don't deserve such a title sometimes."

He grumbled, dissatisfaction flooding the bond. "You were made to be mine, Nova. You are the light in my darkest nights and guide the lost through the dark. You calm the stormiest of seas and bring peace and prosperity to those who desire it. You change and evolve, breathtakingly beautiful and gentle. You are kind, and peaceful and mine. No one will change that. You are the moon, the moon to my sun. I cannot rise if you are not there to guide my way. You ease my life and make things simple. You are better than I could have ever imagined, and you have come so far. I can only but admire you from the distance."

I blinked back the tears, my chest heaving with emotions. "Phoenix..."

He shook his head, pulling me into his side; the food is long forgotten. "You are everything to me, I know you will get through this because it is who you are meant to be. You are meant to be a Lycan, meant to be a Luna. Forget about the Moon Goddess, because this is who you are. Strong."

I felt the tears drip down my face and my neck. I felt so loved; something I never thought I would ever feel. I was always made to believe I would not have a mate as I did not have a wolf, but that soon was forgotten, and Phoenix found his way into my life. I couldn't be more grateful. Bad things aside, we have come so far from the day we met, despite him creating distance, it gave me a chance to discover who I was without the titles.

We stayed in each other's company a little while longer before he pulled away and made me eat my food. I felt so full of hope and care, that when the time came to leave the office to go and greet the participants and guests, I didn't feel nervous. Phoenix had instilled in me the hope to try, to come out on top.

Memories of what I had accomplished so far, these girls would be nothing. As we approached the field, the sun starting to set only settled the idea of Phoenix in my heart. Sunsets were something I craved now. The longing of Phoenix beside me as the day finished, for the moon to appear and start the process of a new day...

Heads turned towards us as we approached the field. Many large men crowded the area and I could smell the dominance. It didn't affect me, at all in fact. I stood with my head high a Phoenix introduced me to the visiting Alpha who sneered down at me. A few had some distasteful comments about my build, how their daughter would defeat me with no problem, or how I was already marked.

I could sense the Royals watching my every move as we greeted them, burning holes into the side of my face. The contestants would sneer at me, and scan my body as they towered over me. They were strong, well-built and cocky. None of them seemed forced to be here, all seemed very willing to kill me for Phoenix. I had ignored the comments and the looks and ignored the way they shamelessly flirted with my mate before me.

We approached the King and Queen at the end of the crowds and bowed with forced etiquette. They were dressed well once again primed to perfection. They stank of power, forcing it out so everyone knew who they were. It seeped into my senses and made Cel unhappy at how much they were trying to make themselves higher than everyone. Did they have no shame? To boast of their status without dignity?

"I cannot wait for the fights to commence." The King cheered. "I, of course, shall introduce them. As soon as that sun sets, you are to step up to the podium little Nova."

I frowned at his demeaning comment but nodded my head firmly. Phoenix had explained he was not allowed to interfere nor touch me whilst we were out here and the foot of distance between us was hurting me more than the fact I was about to fight to the death.

Ten minutes passed by as the sun finally set beyond the horizon and I let out a shaky breath as the King made his way to the front. I followed behind, still in the dress that Charlie had given me. This battle was wolf form, and I did not care to look primed and proper like every female here. They had only tried to look nice for Phoenix, and even though some did, it was stupid for them to even try.

"Good evening everyone." The King shouted and they all settled into silence. "We are here to witness the battle of mate-ship of Alpha Phoenix Titan. Thank you all for coming, please can each contender step forwards into the circle."

The girls to battle all followed his instruction and I counted sixteen of them. I clenched my jaw, nerves trying to force doubt into my mind. I wouldn't give in and stood stoically by the King's side.

"The battles are a fight to the death. Once the battle commences there will be no substitutions nor submission. If you are to submit or forfeit your only time is before the match commences." The King explained. "Each female shall fight separately, with a five-minute recovery for the defending female in question."

Five minutes to catch my bearings and force bandages onto any injuries.

"Nova James, do you accept the rules that have been laid out to you?"

"I do." I nodded.

He sneered at me. "Ladies, do you accept the rules that have been laid out to you?"

Sixteen voices agreed in synchronisation.

"Very well. May the first female step forwards and both of you state your name and status."

A brunette from the first Alpha I greeted stepped into the circle. "Gracie Lowe, daughter of Alpha Lowe from Greenwood pack."

I nodded my head in respect and cleared my throat. I sent a glance to my mate, Pollux and Lyra who stood on the sidelines and I knew this was my opportunity. I willed Cel forwards and gently pushed my aura to the crowd, just the way Lyra had shown me earlier.

"Nova Hope James, birth name Cassie Hala, true Lycan of Hala pack, daughter of Lycan Isabella and Fredrick Hala."

Muted gasps and mumbles filled the air and I straightened myself up to look over the crowd with a straight face. Many were staring at me in disbelief but some were talking obscenely to each other. The girl who had stepped forwards was staring at me with wide eyes, as did many of the other females.

"Enough! Silence!" The King shouted before snapping his head towards me. "You! You are Lycan! Why did you not speak of this before?"

I smirked at him this time, which cause his eyes to widen at the disrespect.

"I did not see it fit to give you that information, King Edward." I rolled his name from my tongue, so he could hear the distaste I had for him.

His mouth opened in shock, and the crowd around us began to mumble again. The Queen, previously quiet had stepped up to the King and raised her hand.

"A true Lycan is a sacred thing, and such blood is to be taken with care. Those who wish to stand down from the fights, please do so." She announced and gave me a sorrowful smile.

Murmurs quietening, the girls before me began to drop to their knees with their heads bowed. Some hesitated, their fathers giving them stern looks before they submitted to me.

Gracie was the first to speak, "I am sorry, Lycan Nova, for disrespecting you and your mate. I do not wish to take part in the battle of mate-ship."

I counted thirteen other girls who had submitted meaning the only two who remained standing clearly had a death wish as they glared at me.

"Thank you. I accept the two challengers." I announced. "I may not look like much, but I can assure you that I am stronger than you think."

Like a mantra in my head, I repeated the sentence over again as I shifted into Celimene's form and stepped into the circle.

Ready to begin.

•••••

Hello helloOoooo

Some cute little bits in here I loved writing.

:

What is or was your favourite subject at school?

Lots of updates this week weren't there haha

Have a wonderful weekend !

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