Fifty Seven

Chapter Fifty-Seven

Jacob's POV

"Are you two okay? How's your talk with her?" Brent pried after he assists Chew and Kiara in the registration table.

"Mind your business, beta." I groaned.

My eyes never once left Lucianna ever since she moved a step away from me. I've watched her interact with people and continuously mesmerized by her. She was serious in lecturing her co-female fighters, lively while with acquaintances and powerful as she stands alone when no one approaches her.

I think I know why she has no friends back at her pack. It was not because she was orphaned, nor pitiful. Those people were intimidated because she managed to live and stand even though she was alone.

And those who denied her were idiots.

I was one of them. Was.

But my advantage is I had the chance to know her, find out her real character, and be by her side. I planned the latter to remain until my last breath.

"She won't be participating the fight. Did you know?"

"Yeah. Too bad. I'm looking forward to watch her fight down there." She boasted a lot about it before.

"Ohh. So you are eavesdropping, huh?" Brent chuckled, nudging on my side with his elbow.

Ugh.

"No." I said in full denial, frowning so to hide being ashamed.

Brent laughed. "There's no way you'll know when you never move a bit from here, Jake. It's alright, I won't judge." he laughed hard again and I swear my ears felt hot from embarrassment.

"Shut up." I hissed and walked forward to avoid the conversation. Brent followed, of course.

"Care to tell me what the blonde hottie's name?"

He meant the girl Lucianna was talking to earlier. Well, I never heard him become interested with any woman. Is this a trap? One of his manipulating techniques, huh?

I shrugged and didn't gave any attention to him again.

"Ugh! Not fair!" Brent complained.

Harley was now talking with my mate but left after a few words. Lucianna turned to me next, and I made sure to capture the moment when her eyes met mine.

I smiled.

"Stop following, Brent." I said in a whisper and moved on to her. What surprise me is that she's as if waiting… for me.

When I stopped in front of her, she crossed her arms and one of her brow raised. That was when I realized that Lucianna was not waiting for me in a romantic way.

"Am I in trouble?" I asked hesitantly, it feels like I am.

Lucianna rolled her eyes and sighed. She grabbed my wrist and pulled me until we reached what it seems to be an open field by the backstage.

I was confused but her tiny hands grabbing me with such force is too cute. I can't stop looking in it.

"Tell me the truth." she said and stopped. She sighed before facing me and again, with those 'you are in trouble' look. "Don't lie to me." she pointed a finger at me.

Ugh.

Is she trying to be threatening? I chuckled from how cute she is.

"Sure." I held her finger and put it down, not letting her hand go. "I'm always honest."

Her cheeks flushed and she was quick to take her hand back, hiding it behind her. Her reaction made me groan in dissatisfaction.

"Did you pulled some strings so I wouldn't take part in the fight?" she asked cautiously, giving me a suspicious look.

I frowned. So that is what's bothering her?

"I didn't."

Her brow rose again. "Are you sure? Because I know what you did about the mattress I won in out-of-nowhere raffle, Jacob."

I gulped hard.

"W-What?" I looked away. "I don't know what you're saying--"

"Oh please." she rolled her eyes. "You're obviously lying."

I bit my lower lip and looked at her with my head tilted on the side.

"Alright." I stepped closer. "Then if you want to hear the truth, I have to do this."

My arms snaked around her, pulling her close to my chest and locking her in a longing embrace. Her scent is so strong when we're like this and I've been dying to held her so bad.

Lucianna gasped and stunned, she froze for a while.

"What are you doing--"

"I want to see you fight, Lucianna. I want to see how you fell in love with fighting in these arena, to watch you do what you love. So no, I did nothing to sabotage your match. The people believe in your skills and knowledge, I don't need to do anything for them to choose you. You already deserved it."

Her breathing is heaving and I can hear her heartbeat loud and fast against my chest.

"O-Okay… Let go now--" she tried pushing me but I held her more tightly.

"I also sent the mattress, yes." I whispered. I planted a kiss in her earlobe, causing for her to hiss.

"S-Stop it--"

"Have you been sleeping well?" I leaned in, pressing my forehead on the middle of her neck and shoulder.

This is my home. This woman right here is the warmth I always yearned to have, the peace I needed, the love I'll forever devote myself into.

"Jacob…"

" 'Cause I don't, baby."

I wanted to have her. Right this moment, all I wanted is to grab her and carry her home. No matter the miles away, I'll take her back to where I wanted her to be.

"The Chequer 30th female fighter tournament will start in a bit, everyone! Calling all participants, staffs and critics to please head on the stage."

I closed my eyes shut upon hearing the announcer speak through the speaker. Slowly, I let go of Lucianna and pushed her a bit. I took her hand and smiled when I caught her eyes.

"I'll take you there." I offered though what I desire was to stay here and be alone with her.

**

Lucianna's POV

I've been sitting at the long table with four other judges for ten whole minutes and I can't count how much saliva I've gulped since.

I'm still at the scene where Jacob confessed all that about the mattress, and my head can't imagine what he meant when he said he never had a sleep.

It's impossible that he never sleep for a whole two weeks, right?

Or maybe it isn't?

"Ohh! That was awesome!" a guy cheered beside me. He is one of the judges, too.

My thoughts were distracted and I decided to focus in the fight instead of letting Jacob repeatedly hit at the back of my head.

The fighters on arena are one muscular and tall female and her opponent is slightly smaller. The latter is getting beaten up. I could say that the big female is gonna win this round, she has the upperhand of the game.

The former kicked the other in her chest, causing for the smaller female to fly three meters far. Instantly knocked out.

I was ready to scribble the score I would give for the winner, which was the bigger female but my hand froze mid-air when I saw her ran towards the unconscious fighter. The winning female gave the helpless girl a strong punch in the face as she came from the air.

I gasped.

The crowd cheered, entertained for what had happened but for me, that was too much! That's beyond too much, actually!

"That's against the rules!" I said loud enough for the other judges to hear.

I looked at the four of them who looked at me as if I said something funny.

"She should be disqualified!" I pushed.

"Come on. The female is not dead, stop making an issue of it." the older male judge said and the other three shrugged it off.

What the hell? Yes, they are right but still! Over-violence shouldn't be allowed!

"But--"

"And the winner of this round, Harlow!" the announcer yelled that cut me off. The crowd cheered again. "Harlow is the winner of the first bracket and she will advance to the finals. Everyone, Harlow from Chequer pack!"

I'm almost deafened by the cheer around the arena. So that's why, huh? The reason that they are letting it go, whatever she did wrong was because she's in her home base.

What a cliche.

My teeth gritted. I feel like this tournament are far from entertaining and closer to death. Which is not honorable, in my opinion, for a fight and for the fighters.

The semi-finals of second bracket started. Kiara and Chew are in the second bracket.

Kiara is buffy, muscular and almost the same body type with Harlow. Though Harlow is taller. She fights well and I was wow-ed when she did a spinning kick coming from the air that knocked-down her opponent.

Chew lost in her fifth match but she also fought clean and fair. I believe she's too exhausted and her body gave in after receiving a strong blow from her opponent that she lost. Meanwhile, Kiara has won all her fights.

Both of them are good fighters, really has potential and considering that this is their first tournament. I was really impressed.

"Kiara of the Shadow pack of the North won the second bracket! We have our match made from the Moon for finalsss!!!" the announcer yelled and the crowd cheered now that they know who's fighting for the finals, or for me: who's their bet gonna fight with.

Most of the spectators are from Chequer, too. So they are holding the crowd because they are in territorial advantage.

Harlow was waving non-stop like a famous legendary hero and the crowd is cheering for her. It's fine, though I find it irritating because of her lousy style of fighting.

On the other hand, Kiara was on her bench and beside her is Harley and Brent who were giving advices. Chew is there, too but she sat and rested after tapping Kiara's shoulder. No one cheers for Kiara, and I am glad it didn't bother her.

'You think she'll win?'

My eyes scanned the crowd when I heard Jacob in my mind. I found him sitting with other Alpha's who attended the tournament.

And he was not listening to them as his eyes were focused on me.

'We'll find out after the fight.'

'But she's good, right?'

I smiled unconsciously from how boastful he sounded. My mind wondered what kind of reaction he might have if I'm the one fighting down there. I suddenly yearned for some petting and compliments.

Cleaning my throat, I shoved the unnecessary thoughts away.

'She is. Both of them are.'

'I regretted that I didn't see you fought. I bet you're the best.'

And here goes the compliment I longed but now that I heard of it, I was embarrassed.

'No, I'm not.'

'Hmm. You clearly overpowered me, though. I'll say you are the best.'

I badly wanted to laugh right now.

'I'll say that when I beat you for real. You didn't get a scratch from me, you know.'

'You did, but I healed fast so you didn't had the chance to see it.'

I frowned. What's he saying? I know I always lost, and he always win by pinning me somewhere.

'No, I didn't.'

'Believe me. You did.'

Argh. Now, it starts to irritate me.

'Ah-huh? When and which part of your face?'

I saw Jacob chuckled from where he is and it probably too loud that he caught the attention of those sitting beside him.

'Baby, I'm not talking about my face. Always is the answer to when, and its my back that you keep marking beautiful scratches.'

It took me a while to realize what he meant! Oh god! Did I really dug my nails in his back when we are doing 'it'?!

I flushed from reminiscing all the making loves we did, looking for proof that will help me oppose what he was accusing me of. But all that came into my mind was how good it was, and how pleasured I am to notice such trivial thing!

Dang it!

'Ohh, I'm waiting for you to ask what we're doing--'

'Shut up now.'

I saw his shoulders moving from his suppressed laughter. Ugh.

'Alright.'

I didn't answer him after.

**

The match of Harlow and Kiara started. The people are cheering their bet fighter and booing Kiara every time she manages to land an attack.

I can see that Harlow is getting hyped up, and she can't hide how irritated she is by now. Kiara managed to be a match for her, despite the slight difference in height and experience, if I may guess.

"You think you can win with your weak attacks?" I heard Harlow said, trying to agitate Kiara. "I understand all the trembling and shaking, weakling. You're fighting an all time champion." she boasted.

Harlow jumped with a fist formed in her hand, directing it to Kiara's face but Kiara crossed her arms and dodged it perfectly. Perfect, I mean without her own bones breaking from that strong impact.

"Then you shouldn't lose to a beginner like me." Kiara smirked even though I can see how much her body trembled with fear.

Harlow seems to be angered by what she said.

The two exchanged punches and kicks with fast movements. Both has confident in their strength that they denied to use any sort of equipment. This fight results to be a pure brawling match.

When Harlow throw a punch at Kiara's face or torso, she would dodge it, take a step back and advances the same. Harlow dodge most of Kiara's attacks but she's losing in points. Why? Because as the two exchanges attacks and defenses, Harlow is starting to get exhausted which results in slow of her movements. On the other hand, I think Kiara is being fueled.

In the last quarters of the match, Harlow has been receiving attacks from Kiara. Repeatedly. Though she still stands, I believe she already had enough damage than Kiara.

"I think we'll have a winner in no time." one of the judges said that made the other three chuckle.

"This feels like all we're waiting for is a knock-out." another said.

I smiled as I feel proud for the first ever female fighters of the Shadow pack. I'm not this good when I first step inside the arena. But I didn't lose either.

This newborn fighters are way better than my old self.

"Oh! Harlow grabbed a weapon, everyone!" the announcer said.

I gasped when I saw Harlow swing a huge mace directed to Kiara's head. Kiara managed to dodge it by leaning forward.

"Against the rules!" I yelled quickly. Hitting in the head with a weapon is a taboo in games like this! "Hey! Against the rules!" I screamed louder when no one seems to care!

The crowd are cheering loud as if asking for Kiara's death. The announcer looked at me but only for a second before he continued barking through his microphone.

"She should be disqualified! That's against the rules!" I turned to the judges.

"Come on! Just enjoy the show!" one of the watchers yelled when they heard my complain. The judges shrugged because of what the guy said.

Fuck!

I saw Kiara crawling backwards to get away from Harlow but her position is complicated which also hinders her movement, she's too slow while continuously dodging the attacks.

My teeth are gritting. I have come to realize that these wolves are in favor of death and waiting to witness it. As if this tournament made it legal to kill a fellow werewolf.

I can't stand it.

Low growls came out of my throat.

From where I stand, being one of the judge of this event, I can't think of anything I could do to straighten out what is happening.

The hits of the mace is directed to Kiara's head and the bones from her arms are probably broken by now because of all that dodging.

Hitting the head is against the rules! And though Harlow hasn't landed a perfect attack in Kiara's head, I know that she's aiming for it.

But knowing is not enough to call for disqualification.

Damn it!

"You think you're the same as me?!" Harlow shouted as she swing the mace, hitting Kiara's elbow when she protected her head with it. I swear I heard a loud crack of her bone breaking completely.

Now, both her arms are in limbs and the next attack will hit her head.

"Damn it…" I whispered as I watch. All I can do is watch. "Bare yourself, Kiara. The next one will hurt like hell."

Harlow swing the mace again and this time it landed in Kiara's head. Thankfully, Kiara managed to flow with the impact that she received less damage than what it can be.

I stood up hastily causing my chair to fell.

"Calling for a ground of disqualification for--"

"YES!"

"Harlow! Harlow!"

The cheering of the crowd buried my petition and though the judges heard me, they just shrugged me off.

I growled loud when I saw Harlow is preparing for another attack, and the mace is once again focused to Kiara's face as she lay half-conscious.

There was no second to think. I jumped off the railing and landed in the arena with utmost speed. I grabbed a wooden shield to use for stopping Harlow's attack.

I don't even know if the shield I took can withstand such strong wield but I don't care! I'll use my own body just to stop this murder from happening!

My eyes are focused in the mace head and I don't think I'll make it in time. Gliding in, while in my knees, I prepared and brace for the impact.

"Luna!" Kiara whispered in concern.

My eyes clearly saw the wooden shield cracking as the spiked of the mace head begun to penetrate the wood.

Damn! It will hit me! It's a wrong move that the shield is right in front of my face! And everything is in slow motion right in my eyes!

Before the mace hit me, a huge set of palm stopped it. Then a loud growl echoed the arena.

It's Jacob!

Harlow was taken aback from our sudden appearance but her knees turned to jelly from Jacob's growl of wrath.

"Someone's dog has gone rabid." Jacob growled to Harlow, tearing the mace head into pieces. "And needed a leash."