June and Tara stood before Zeus and the NightShade Pack the next day. Both dressed in tank tops and joggers.
The entire field was silent as Zeus addressed the women. “Today marks the beginning of the Luna games tournament.”
He looked pissed as he spoke. “As you all know, Tara Gilbert challenged my mate and Luna to a duel.”
“It is in line with our customs for the incoming Luna to defend her title in times like this, hence the need for this exercise.”
“Make no mistakes.” Zeus warned. “I do not forgive.” His eyes trailed towards Tara as he spoke.
“As you all know, there will be three exercises which will determine the winner of this exercise.”
Mrs Georgina stood beside the king with a light expression. “The ladies will be tested on their wrestling prowess, intellect and hunting abilities.”
“The winner will be decided based on the results. Anyone who wins two out of three would be declared the winner.”
He faced the women with a frown marred on his face. “Good luck.”
June and Tara bowed their heads, as well as the members of the pack who came to spectate the event.
“I won’t need it.” June heard Tara mutter while their heads were bowed. “Are you ready to die?”
Soon enough, June and Tara faced each other as opponents. It was time for the first round. They were to wrestle. A battle of strength.
A male warrior stood between them, and just when they were about to call the fight, Tara raised her hand with a cocky smirk on her face.
“Is there a problem?” The referee asked and she smiled.
She turned to Zeus who sat with his lips pursed. “What happens if one of us dies?”
Georgina smirked on her seat. She didn’t know if Tara was cocky or stupid. If this was geared at weakening her opponent’s confidence, it might have been smart.
However, when taking Zeus and his formidable expression into account, she was certain I’d Tara’s stupidity.
“I’m afraid something might go wrong. I’d hate for someone to die at my hands.” She feigned concern.
June remained focused, and refused to be intimidated by Tara who seemed to be in best shape.
Judging by her eye colour it was clear that she was controlled by her wolf who tethered at the brink of her skin, waiting for an opportunity to attack.
Georgina stood up when Zeus remained on his seat. “We already know that the Luna game is a fight to the death.”
“This means that each candidate is expected to do their best, and fight to the last. Even if it leads to death. There can only be one winner.”
June felt her blood freeze from Georgina’s words. A fight to the death…? Zeus felt her hesitation from the mate bond and it threw him to a downward spiral.
“Just say the word. Say the word and this is over. I will burn her to ash and make you Luna. No questions asked.” He spoke in the privacy of her mind.
June shook her head, signalling she was fine. This was a fight she planned to win. She’d be damned to give up at the slightest opposition.
The whistle was blown and the girls began their wrestle. Tara came in with a powerful offence, going straight for the nose.
June staggered at the impact of her blow, and returned one just as well. Tara wasn’t phased, however, she was surprised.
“Nice try.” She tutted, messing with June. “I bet all that training paid off.”
Tara delivered a series of blows before the words could leave her mouth. Forcing June to cough out blood minutes into the fight.
She didn’t stop at that. Tara continued with her blows, giving June little to no space for retaliation.
Coupled with June’s petite body, and her obvious disadvantage in strength, the fight was looking less of a fight and more of a beating.
People cheered for Tara with every hit and the scent of blood mixed with sweat rose to the air. Everyone was having a great time watching the match.
Everyone except Zeus who was forced to watch his mate get beaten to a pulp. When Tara landed the final hit which sent June straight to the ground, he got on his feet.
The entire field hushed at the sight of Zeus up on his feet. Although beaten up, June could feel Zeus’ anger. She raised an arm, signalling she was okay and tried to get back to her feet.
Tara stood by the corner, breathing heavily from the work out she had gotten from pounding into June.
Her goal was not just to kill her but to make sure everyone, including Zeus, sees how weak and unfit of the position she had stumbled into.
That way, when she eventually kills her, it’ll be doing her a favour as no one should be allowed to live after failing so badly.
Tara watched June get up on her feet. Her nose, mouth and eyes were bloodied from the blows she dished.
Looking at June’s shaky legs was enough to fan her ego. So much so she spoke again. “Did I hurt you, Luna?” She mocked with faux concern evident in her tone.
“My bad.” Tara stepped forward. “I should give you an opportunity to defend yourself. I shouldn’t be so cruel to our dearly Luna.”
Snickers were heard from the crowd who enjoyed a good show. Tara was fearless and evidently the winner of this round. At this point, she was the star of the duel.
“Come on. Hit me.” Tara urged June who bit her lips in anger from the humiliation.
It was clear she was no match for her. Everyone with eyes could see just how unevenly matched they were. The worst of June’s failures was the fact that her wolf had utterly abandoned her to the job.
Compared to Tara’s impressive strengths and experience, she was nothing, almost useless without the additional help of her wolf.
“Don’t be scared now.” Tara taunted, “I promised to let you get another hit. You shouldn’t lose so epically.”
“You are Luna. The Alpha’s mate. You should defend that title with every drop of your blood, else you are not worthy of it.” Tara gritted, eyes ablaze in hatred.
June pushed herself to get in another hit on Tara, but as expected, she dodged it and retaliated with an uppercut that sent June to the ground. Unconscious.
Zeus watched as the referee raised Tara’s arm in victory as he announced the results.
“Round one. Tara!”