Chapter 6

Freya’s POV

“Frey,” Clay and Alec called. I was glaring at Joric and Britney because, honestly, that was all I could do right now.

“I didn’t sign up. It’s them,” I said, pointing at the future alpha and the frustrated Luna. “The dumb and the dumber,” I added. Clay and Alec laughed, then got serious.

“You know you can’t back out, right? The Lycan prince wants us to take responsibility for our actions. That’s why he made the tournament with a week of prep,” Alec said. I nodded, still unsure how I was supposed to act.

“I don’t know either. You know I didn’t want to join,” I replied. Mom and Dad are going to freak when they hear about this. I sighed. Pi had been on edge ever since we met our mate. She seemed different—still sensible, but something was definitely up with her.

Sometimes you can sense your mate’s anger. I could feel hers. She was furious, like she wanted to kill whoever our mate was with. Just like last time, she howled in pain, calling for him and letting him know how she felt.

“Just give up in all your fights,” Alec said, worried.

“No way! I’m not a coward!” I snapped. I could fight, and I knew it better than anyone.

“What are you going to do? Let your opponent hurt you? How long will it take to heal without your wolf?” Alec kept asking.

“I’m going to find out what I can. I’m not backing down. That’s final,” I told him. Clay and Alec sighed. They were worried, and I got it. We’d been friends for years, and they’d seen me get bullied by a lot of people—led by the future alpha idiot and his whore. They even tried fighting for me before, but I always stopped them.

Jack had no son, and Britney was his only child. Too bad for him—his line as a good beta ends with her. The pack would never accept Britney as the next Beta. Not because she’s a girl, but because all she does is try to get Joric’s attention, which he clearly only wanted for one thing—warming his bed.

Our beta kept announcing until my mate showed up. I didn’t expect him—he said he had important stuff at the neighboring pack and wouldn’t be back until dinner. He scanned the room as he sat down, so I ducked my head. I had a feeling he was looking for someone.

We were seated, and I was short, so a she-wolf and her friend blocked me in front. He probably wouldn’t see me—unless he knew I was with Alec and Clay, who were both huge, which could give me away.

“I’m glad so many of you signed up for the tournament. Remember, this is a friendly fight to test your strength. Your Alpha planned a great event, and I hope you follow the rules,” Matteo said. I kept my head down, listening. Respect for royals, that’s all.

“I’ll be watching to see how much you’ve improved since I came. Give it your all. Even if you feel you can’t beat your opponent, at least try,” he added. Wait—was he hinting at me? How did he even know I was on the list? I hadn’t smelled any Lycan here earlier. Why am I assuming it’s about me?

“Thank you, Your Highness,” Alpha Daniel said. Matteo finished, and our Alpha went next. “Tomorrow is the start of the tournament. But today is the opening, so we’ll do a pack run led by His Highness,” he added. My eyes widened—I had no idea what to do.

“Relax. We all know you don’t have your wolf, so you won’t be running with us,” Clay said, noticing my tension. Oh, right. I wouldn’t join the pack run. Relief washed over me.

‘Frey,’ Pi called.

‘Yes, Pi?’ I asked.

‘Something’s happening to me,’ she said.

‘I noticed that too. What do you think it is?’ I asked.

‘I don’t know. But whatever it is, I like it,’ she replied.

‘What do you mean?’

‘Can’t you feel it? We’re lighter, faster. I didn’t have anger issues before, but now I feel them—rage, like wolves should,’ she said.

‘I think we’re transforming,’ she added.

‘What?’ I asked, worried.

‘Maybe because we’re mated to the Lycan prince, we’re starting to become one,’ she said.

‘Seriously?’ I asked, shocked.

‘Yes. Four full moons have passed since we found our mate. Tonight is the fifth, and by the sixth, we’ll be fully transformed into Lycans. Our only worry is whether he can smell us.’

‘So that’s why I suddenly feel stronger? Alpha blood aside, I feel even stronger than usual,’ I said.

‘I guess. You'd better be ready. I don’t think I can control myself if I get angry. You’ll need to manage it too.’

‘You’re supposed to control me, not the other way around!’ I panicked. She’d always been the calm one, stopping me from hitting Joric and Britney countless times.

‘Then we should just try to stay calm and hope nothing happens during the tournament,’ she said. I nodded, hiding in the back of my mind.

“Hey, what’s wrong?” Alec asked. “You sighed pretty hard.” I smiled at him. “I’m fine. Just annoyed at Joric and Britney for signing me up.”

“Don’t worry, Clay and I have your back,” he said.

“Thanks.”

“No biggie,” Clay added, smiling.

“I’m going to run,” I told them. They looked at me like I was crazy. “Not on my fours, though,” I added, smiling. They grinned back, and Clay said, “You can ride on our backs if you get tired.”

“That’s sweet, but no. I’m doing the whole run myself,” I said.

“Then we’re here if you need us,” Alec said.

“Let’s go,” I said, and we all stood. I looked back at my mate over my shoulder before following my friends. I just hoped nothing would happen during this run.