***
When the announcer gave the signal, the two werewolves began to circle each other, both looking for an opening to pounce. The first clash was explosive, both clearly meant business. It was definitely not like any mating combat that had ever happened. Stan was bigger, taller, and had experience on his side but Troy had speed. The young in the crowd were impressed and inspired by the sheer power and skill that was being displayed whilst the grown-ups couldn’t help but appreciate and admire the beauty of the combat. Neither held back. It was definitely not an act. After about eight minutes of awesome display of strength and skill, Stan finally got the upper hand.
A collective gasp went up when Stan pinned Troy and raised a hand to deliver his victory strike. What the crowd didn’t anticipate was the swift, brilliantly-executed move that Troy pulled. They did see the shock on the warrior’s face a split second before everything changed. One moment, a cocky Stan had his hand up ready to strike, the next moment, he’d been upended and locked in a pin so strong he didn’t have any choice but to give up.
The crowd went wild.
“Damn, you’re good.” Stan chuckled breathlessly.
“Thank you.” Troy panted, his eyes filled with excitement. “Know what pisses me off? Everyone is going to say you made me win.”
“No, they’re not.” Stan drawled. “Listen to them.” Both men turned their heads to look at the roaring crowd. “They know you beat me fair and square. I didn’t expect anything less from the son of The golden wolf and the baddest warrior that ever lived.” Stan grinned. “Tell me, did your mama have anything to do with…”
“Some things have to stay between mothers and their sons don’t you think?” Troy laughed as he stood and pulled Stan up.
“You Stantons!” Stan scoffed as he hugged Troy. “I’m proud of you, kiddo.” He grinned just as Katy Perry’s ‘Roar’ began to boom through the arena, the power of the surround sound effect felt in every soul. “Now, that’s a song for a champion.” Stan laughed but his laughter turned into an amused smirk when he gazed beyond Troy. “Fuck, I’ve never seen this twerp look so proud. He’s literally bursting with it.”
Troy turned to see who Stan was talking about and felt his breath hitch in his throat when his gaze fell on his sexy mate who was walking towards the boxing ring. In jeans, boots, and a sexy t-shirt that fitted him like a second skin, Philip was an assortment of ripped perfection. For a moment, Troy couldn’t breathe. The pounding of his heart had nothing to do with exerting himself in the just-ended bout with Stan.
The sheer masculinity, confidence, and swag that oozed from his mate got his blood pumping like never before. What killed him, even more, was the intensity of emotion in those grey eyes. The awe, love, and totally floored look in Philip’s eyes absolutely melted Troy. Neither man looked like he could even hear the harmonious roaring as the crowd sang along to ‘Roar’ delightfully. Troy started towards Philip on shaky legs just as the alpha leapt over the ropes like a sleek panther, into the boxing ring.
“Philip…” Troy whispered when he got to his mate.
The two men stared at each other. No words were needed. Troy felt deliriously thrilled at the waves of pride he felt flowing from his mate and didn’t think anything could make him happier. Philip, on the other hand, looked utterly overcome. After all, he’d never felt such intense anxiety in one moment and then such explosive pride in the next. The emotions swirling within him were so overwhelming he didn’t know how to articulate it. His gaze dropped to Troy’s slightly parted lips. He wanted to plunder those lips so bad he felt light-headed.
“Are you okay?” Troy whispered, seeing the dazed look in his mate’s eyes.
Philip lifted a hand to Troy’s cheek and rubbed a thumb against his lower lip. “I ought to take you over my knee for what you just pulled.” He breathed. “But all I want to do right now is kiss you.” He groaned. “Of all the people in this pack you picked Stan? Really?” He growled.
“I just wanted to make you proud.” Troy whimpered.
“Oh, you more than made me proud.” Philip rasped. “I’m so hard for you I’m in pain.” The desire in his eyes couldn’t be masked. “Confidence looks so sexy on you, baby. Damn!” He topped that off with a slow sexy wink that totally floored his mate.
Troy couldn’t suppress his delighted grin. He could already tell from his mate’s expression just how proud he was of him. But hearing the praise sent warm shivers of delight down his spine. He swayed towards his mate, wanting that kiss there and then. He didn’t care at all that they were being watched by thousands of eyes. He just wanted Philip’s lips on his. But before he could put his thought into action, the crowd began to roar along to the song, the roaring so loud it penetrated both his and Philip’s mushy brains.
With a groan, the alpha grabbed and raised his mate’s left hand to declare him the winner. The applause and cheers from the crowd were thunderous. An excited Gloria blew her totally ecstatic son a kiss and then burst into laughter when Troy made a gesture that indicated he’d caught the kiss. The alpha and his mate went to all four corners of the ring to acknowledge the crowd as was expected of them.
Then almost as if he couldn’t help himself, Philip wrapped an arm around Troy’s waist and took his lips in a toe-curling kiss that left both of them shaken. It was almost as if they’d forgotten about their audience. As they kissed, Philip lifted Troy such that his feet didn’t touch the ground, and then languidly and lovingly, spun him around. It was sensual, intimate, adorable, and absolutely beautiful to watch. The excited screams from the crowd said it all. They were loving it.
Philip eventually set Troy back on his feet and raised both fists in a sign of power and authority. The message was loud and clear… He had a strong mate who was going to help him rule. The crowd roared even harder. The two left the ring and went to the podium where the high priestess and her council members were waiting.
“Finally.” Both Philip and Troy heard the high priestess mutter in an amused tone and laughed.
“Apologies, ma’am.” Philip breathed, his forehead pressed against Troy’s. “I couldn’t help myself.”
“Clearly.” The high priestess chuckled. The connection between the alpha and his mate was so intense and exciting to behold. Their body language said it all. They didn’t just feel the mate bond, they were madly in love with each other. “Ready?”
“We are, ma’am.” The alpha grinned.
“Have anything you’d like to say to each other before we proceed?” The high priestess asked and then smiled at the surprised look that flashed across Philip’s face.
“Err… As a matter of fact, I do.” Philip seemed surprised at his own response. He chuckled as he grabbed a microphone. “But before I do… Hey, Stan?” He called to his friend with a boyish grin. “Don’t worry too much about being the loser tonight, buddy.” He said teasingly. “It won’t always be this bad. Something good is coming your way.”
“I claim that shit,” Stan shouted with both thumbs raised high, making everyone burst into laughter.