When our turn came, I stepped into the makeshift ring. The other girl attacked first, throwing a messy punch that I could have easily dodged. Instead, I let it graze my shoulder as I fell backward. We exchanged several more blows, and I carefully ensured each of my strikes landed just shy of any vital points.
Finally, I saw my opportunity. When she aimed a kick at my midsection, I deliberately dropped my guard. The kick sent me down into the dust.
"Pathetic," the overseer spat as I lay there, pretending to struggle for breath. "Take her to-"
"I'll take that one."
The voice cut through the courtyard like a sharp knife. It was deep and commanding, carrying an authority that made everyone stop moving. I turned toward its source and found myself staring into the most compelling eyes I'd ever seen.
He stood at the edge of the courtyard, and his presence was impossible to ignore. Everything about him radiated power – from his imposing height to the aura of strength that seemed to pulse around him. He looked like a deity stepped down from the heavens, beautiful and frightening in equal measure.
"My King," the overseer stammered, dropping into a deep bow. "She just lost her fight. She's meant for the mines-"
The Lycan King? The ruler whose name struck terror into the hearts of warriors? I suddenly found it hard to breathe, but not from my pretended injuries. His scent hit me then, overwhelming and intoxicating, and My wolf suddenly pushed forward with such force that I nearly lost my careful mask.
No. No, this couldn't be happening. My wolf's whispered confirmation made my blood feel cold.
Mate.
The Moon Goddess had given me a second chance at a mate bond with the most dangerous wolf in existence.
And I was supposed to be nothing but a weak, cursed omega.
