Nikolai
Dimitri, Max, Nat, Andrei and Mikhail were standing outside, talking amongst themselves. They paused when they saw me.
Huge smiles formed on their faces as they all pounced on me, hugging me. At least someone is happy I’m home.
“We missed you!” Nat exclaimed.
“I missed you too. All of you.” I looked at my family. I did. I really did.
My eyes fell on Dimitri. He had been silent and was looking at me silently. My happy brother was lost. There was a lingering sadness in his eyes. I could feel sadness clinging to him like a second skin. And it would most probably remain that way.
I patted his shoulder and squeezed, silently telling him that I was here for him. And that I was here to stay.
“It’s good to have you back.” He gave me a small smile that was gone as soon as it appeared. I’ll have to do something about that.
“We thought you were dead, Nikolai. What happened?” Andrei asked, his eyes bright with excitement.
“It’s a long story. I’ll tell you all after I win my fight.” I said and began walking outside.
“Fight?” Mikhail asked.
“He challenged me for the position of the Alpha King,” I informed them.
Max clapped me on the back. “He is a formidable opponent, it will be difficult, but you can win it.” They have no idea how much I have grown in time. I was trapped in that world with Fiyona and Valerie.
“You have to win it!” Nat hissed.
“This is not a good idea.” Natalia protested. “It’s not just about you two, Nikolai. You need to think about your kids too.”
“I’m not going to lose. So there is no need to worry about them.” I replied.
“Just go easy on him,” Valerie muttered as she walked beside me.
“It’s scary how much you both look alike,” Mikhail muttered. “Fiyona too.”
“Like mother, like daughter.” Valerie smiled at him.
When we reached the training grounds, I turned to look at my family again. I hesitated but asked, “Is he a nice person?”
“Yes.” Max gave me a sharp nod.
I gritted my teeth. But what needs to be done needs to be done.
“A lot had happened in the last seven years, brother,” Mikhail patted my shoulder, “go win first and then we will tell you everything.”
I nodded and then turned around.
Andrei walked to the centre. “Gabriel Volantis has challenged Nikolai Volkov, the Alpha King of Soare- Luna, the King of Air and the King of Fire for a duel to death for the position of the Alpha King.”
The crowd started gathering around us, curious to see what was happening. My lips twitched. Let everyone see just how much of a pussy he is.
“The fight won’t be on equal footing. I have powers, and he does not.” He told Andrei. “I can fly and he cannot.”
I snorted. He was one of those. The overly righteous ones. The worst kind.
“Don’t worry about me. I can handle myself just fine.” I said nonchalantly. “You have powers. I have a couple. You have wings; I have a wolf.” I waved my hand. “Just begin already.”
“Nik-” I gave Andrei a look, and he shut up before he nodded.
Ava went to him and whispered in his ear. “You have my best wishes. Win.” And then kissed him.
I didn’t look away. I stared straight at her, letting the scene anger me.
‘Go easy on him.’ Valerie mind- linked me. ‘He is not as strong as those monsters; you don’t need to use your full strength. And he sure as hell isn’t as strong as you.’
I turned my head to look at her. ‘Are you really taking his side?’
‘He is a good soul, Nikolai. And I’ve finally met my daughter. I don’t want to see her hurt.’ She replied pleadingly.
‘To be hurt, you need to have feelings, Val. She has changed. She still might be your daughter, but she’s not the Ava I once knew. You’ll be disappointed if you know how she was and then see what she has become.’
‘She’s my daughter, Nik. I love her. Just like I love you.’
‘Are you asking me to not kill him?’
‘Yes.’ She replied. ‘Please. This will be the last thing I ask of you.’
‘Okay.’ I let out a breath.
Not killing him does not mean I cannot make a show of the fight.
I looked at Ava and saw that she was looking directly at me before turning away and unclenched her fists. She saw the exchange between Valerie and me. And she didn’t like what she saw.