Parker arches a brow. “Everything okay?”
“He's restless.”
Parker nods and watches the tape outlined square that designates the official ring area while the first challenge takes place. It's two betas who are smiling as they circle each other barefoot. That's how it is in the packs unless people need to settle something between them. Fighting is fun. It can lead to lost tempers, but usually it's just a fight and then it's over and everyone goes back to having a good time.
That fight ends and another starts with the same friendly bout. Genie finally makes her way to the side of the taped square to wait for her first challenge. By now quite a crowd has gathered and bets are being made. Genie's name comes up a lot. And mine, but that's irrelevant. “Really, Parker. Do you know how many challengers she has? Did you see the list?” I didn't look. I should have, but I didn't.
“The rule is two.”
“Does she have two?”
He twists his torso to give me his full attention. “Yes. She has two. I asked around. It's two of the women from that class you and Genie have together. I don't remember their names, but I overheard them talking all kinds of wild shit. Are you worried about Genie?”
“No.” Yes.
He rolls his eyes. “You don't have to lie.”
“I'm not worried.” I look away from him and at her for a moment. As if she can feel my eyes, she glances at me for a quick beat before moving her attention back to the current match. “It's not worry.”
“Uh huh.” Parker nods. “Not worried.”
“I'm not. I just don't –“
Alpha Tinsley's voice cuts across the gym. “And now, Genie Barrett of Pack Barrett will take on her first challenger, ErinCarson of Pack Moore. Ladies, you understand the rules. At the bell.”
The two women step inside the taped boundary. Erin has been liberal with her attention over the past few weeks. I have ignored most of it. There's no chemistry there, but I haven't been dismissive. I've been polite and cordial. That's it. I don't know why she challenged Genie, unless it isn't about me at all. Maybe it's like the other matches and it's just for fun.
The bell rings and it becomes apparent that it isn't just for fun. Genie doesn't give Erin time to blink much less defend herself and the match is over within minutes. Erin storms off, red-faced with exertion and anger and Genie returns to where she was sitting. She doesn't look at me, not even once, but I see her. Her face is set in determined lines. She's fightingforsomething. I want to know what it is.
There are two more matches before her next one and I barely keep up with them. When Alpha Tinsley announces her second challenger I inwardly cringe. Of all the females here who have made their intentions towards me known, Bella Reeves is the most obvious and insistent. She is the youngest daughter of the Pack Reeves alpha. She isn't an heir to any power, but she has status and influence. Her pack is strong and she knows it. They are from the farthest reach of this region and they're just mean. Meanness doesn't equate to power, but it's still a bitch to deal with. Bella wants to be my Luna. She has insinuated and stated her intentions. This challenge is important and everyone takes notice.
The crowd buzzes as bets are placed and gossip is spread. That's the other thing wolves love, fucking gossip. We thrive on being in each other's business. Everyone keeps looking from Genie to me then from Genie to Bella, then back at me. They all know how explosive this could be, including Alpha Tinsley. He'sstaring straight at me with the strangest look. He isn't nervous. He looks... expectant.
The bell rings and it is immediately a much different fight than the last one. Genie takes several hits early on that were fair but rough. She doesn't falter. Then Bella starts fighting dirty. She grabs Genie's hair and drags her to the edge of the mat where a few other females are sitting and screaming encouragement and insults. Alpha Tinsley is watching closely, but Bella has angled their bodies in such a way that he doesn't see when one of them grabs Genie's ankle and does something to her foot. I can't tell what, but Genie screams and I stand up.
“Sit back down,” Parker says sharply.
“Did you see that?”
“Yes,” Parker clips. “Sit down. You can't interfere.”
“They interfered.”
“It doesn't matter. It's just like what happens at home. She-wolves handle their own shit, you know that. You have to let them. Your dad doesn't get involved.”
Because Mom would make him regret it. “I know, I know. But it's bullshit.”
We watch as Genie changes tactics and form and forces Bella away from the edge of the mat and back to the center. Then she takes Bella to the ground and it's over. Alpha Tinsley gives her a few extra seconds to really make sure Bella understands that she lost before he calls the match and the crowd watching erupts.
I stand there watching Genie collect herself and redo her ponytail while people exchange money all around me. She turns her head to look, not at me, but at Parker. Her stubborn chin raises and an entire conversation bounces silently between them before he looks away from her.
“What was that about?” I ask him.
“Nothing,” he mutters. “You want to get out of here?”
***
We walk the path that winds around the main building instead of heading straight to our rooms. The grounds really are nice. There are gardens and lounge areas scattered throughout and nothing feels crowded. Most of the classes are outdoors and that helps make things feel lessrequired. By the time we get to our building, I almost feel like I'm enjoying myself.
