I nodded, determined to make sure Caelan knew I had the utmost faith in him.
Tonight, I won’t let him see my fears. I’ll walk in there with my head held high so he knows how much I believe in him.
***
By the time the sun had set, we still had not heard from my father or his delegation. My anxiety doubled as Taffy and Oliver escorted me to the arena with a full procession of pack warriors following behind us.
What could he be planning?
It was traditionally accepted that those in attendance would wear dark colors. Their alpha was being challenged, and it was considered a somber occasion.
I was already filled with enough trepidation about tonight’s event to come dressed as if I were going to a funeral, and I wanted Caelan to be able to easily find me in the crowd. I wanted him to know I was there.
Heads turned as we walked up the pathway to the arena, eyes on me as I entered. I had double-checked with Taffy, ensuring that the dress code was not actually a set rule before I donned a long white dress that swept down to my ankles.
The airy fabric cinched at my waist before flaring out into a flowy skirt. I looked like a princess from some ancient land. Like I’d stepped right out of an old Grecian artwork. It felt appropriate as my eyes fell on the arena for the first time.
I had seen it from a distance, but since it was only used in exhibition-style events like this, I had no reason to visit it before today. The large, dirt-covered stadium looked like somethingout of a history book, a place where brave gladiators battled for freedom and glory.
There were no walls or fences, the rough circle in its center ringed by a series of torches. Their flickering flames cast an eerie glow over the space.
Several benches and a couple of old bleachers sat around the perimeter for spectators, and a small stage with several chairs rested at one end. That is where I would watch alongside Alpha Leal and Luna Maty.
I spotted Caelan at the far end of the arena, and I could hardly contain myself, ready to rush into his arms.
“Whoa there,” Taffy said, stopping me. “You can’t just step out there. That’s the battle arena.”
“Why not?” I whined, looking longingly toward Caelan. “The fight hasn’t started yet. My father hasn’t even bothered to show up.”
“It’s part of the rules,” Taffy hissed. “We have to escort you to him since you’re ‘the mate in question.’ Caelan is trying to prove he’s worthy of you. You can’t be alone with him until after the challenge.”
“That’s a stupid rule,” I huffed.
“You’re a lot feistier nowadays,” Taffy chuckled. “I like it, but you still have to obey tradition.”
Oh. She’s right. I didn’t back down like I normally would have, and I’m not bothered by it. It didn’t feel like I did anything wrong, like I could express myself without fear ofrepercussions. I like that. It makes me feel like I’m slowly becoming the Shade I was always meant to be.
“Can you take me to him?” I begged, not ashamed to show my neediness for my mate around Taffy.
“Just a second,” she chided. “Oliver has to get the warriors in place.”
“Warriors?” I asked, noticing the four wolves lining up behind me.
“Yes. You have to be surrounded while in the arena,” Taffy explained. “Two will walk behind you, one on either side, and Oliver and I will take the front.”
“Will I be able to touch him?” I asked, hoping I would at least be able to hug my mate.
Taffy didn’t answer, moving the warriors into place as we proceeded to step onto the arena.
I frowned as they led me toward Caelan. I desperately needed the calm his touch brought, but if they had to surround me at all times, would that even be possible?
At least I’ll get to speak with him.
“Alpha Caelan,” Taffy said, her voice uncharacteristically stern. “We present your mate.”
Oliver and Taffy stepped aside, and there he was. My heart felt like it would fly out of my chest as I gazed at him.
He wore only a pair of loose-fitting sweatpants slung low across his hips, his muscles deliciously on display. Desire spiked within me as he looked up, his hazel eyes going wide as he caught sight of me.
