Tournament
1500 Words
**Amelia's POV**
Roman and my dad have been held up in the office since two mornings ago. Four days. Four days until I was supposed to get married to my mate and become Luna. It still feels so surreal that it is not happening. Or more like it will only half happen. I either marry Roman and stay human or I marry another man and become Luna. I know everyone is anxious to hear my answer, but I do not have one. I want to be with Roman, but I want to be a mother. Sure we could adopt or just get a bunch of dogs, but I will still never be fully mated and bonded with him. I will never mark him and our bond will never be as strong.
After our short encounter when Roman told me the truth I didn't want to hear, we haven't spoken or seen each other. He hasn't come to the room and I have refused to get out of bed. I haven't eaten, or drank anything. I only get up to use the bathroom and then I crawl back into bed. Maddie and my mom has brought me food, but I refuse to eat. Brandon Jr has tried to come in and make me laugh, but I just end up crying. My life is basically over, so why bother?
I am in my side of the bed, staring at Roman's empty spot next to me. I really wanted him to come in and tell me he has figured something out, but I know there is nothing he can do. Once the Council makes a decision, it is final.
Roman: Amelia?
Oh now he wants to talk to me. I know I shouldn't be so petty, but I decided to ignore him like he ignored me. If he wants to talk to me then he better come to the room and face me.
Roman: Seriously, Amelia this is important.
I know that what he is saying is true. He never calls me by my first name, but I couldn't stop myself form being severely childish. I put the block up so he would not be able to reach me. I give him about eight seconds before he comes through the door.
Eight, seven, six. What could be so important anyways? The biggest bomb was already dropped on us, so surely whatever this is, is no big deal. Three, two- the door swung open. Off by one second. Darn.
"Seriously, Amelia. You blocked me from mind linking you? What are you seven?" Roman yelled.
It actually hurt my feelings when he got angry at me. Like a child being reprimanded by their favorite parent. But I am too stubborn to be the one to stop. "Actually I'm eight and a half." I mumbled under my breath, but I know he would still be able to hear me.
"Stop your games and bring your spoiled ass to your dad's office. We need to talk." He started to walk out of the room, but I did not move.
"Oh NOW you want to talk to me." I scoffed.
I heard his footsteps stop and then he stomped back to the room. "Fine have it your way."
Before I could figure out what he meant, he lifted me into his arms and threw me over his shoulder. I screamed and banged my fists on his back and demanded he let me go, but he continued to walk out of the room and towards my dad's office. The door was swung open and there was a few chuckles around the room. When I was finally set on my feet, I looked around to see my dad, brother, and uncles Brandon, Joseph, Henry, and Lincoln.
"You look like shit." Brandon Jr scrunched up his nose. "You smell like shit."
Everyone chuckled again and I rolled my eyes. I could feel Roman's eyes on my face, but I decided to continue my childish ways and pretend he wasn't there. "What do you want?" I crossed my arms across my chest like an angry toddler.
"Little Warrior-" My dad stood up from his chair. "We have all been discussing a plan to make sure that you and Roman can marry and be the next leaders of this pack."
"But the Elder said-"
"I don't give a damn what he said!" Roman growled and my eyes finally looked into his. I felt the tingles I always feel when he looks at me, the warmth in my heart when I can see all the love he holds for me. No matter what, I know that I am his. "You are my mate. And even if you did not want to be with me, I would never let someone else have a say in your right to be Luna of this pack. You will be Luna with me, or with someone of YOUR choosing. NOT THEIRS!"
This is what I needed and wanted to hear. That no matter what, he would not stop fighting for me. I took a deep breath and released all the stubbornness I was holding onto. I felt relief to be rid of the anger and frustration, but the worry and pain was there to stay for now. When I relaxed I could feel and see Roman relax as well.
"Okay so what is the plan." I asked. No one could look at me straight in the eye. Not my dad, or my brother, and not one of my uncles. "I'm not going to like this am I?"
"Love?" Roman whispered softly. He stood in front of me and grabbed both my hands in his. Something he does when trying to comfort me before giving me bad news. "I am going to fight. Fight whoever challenges me for your hand. We looked further into the werewolf law. They cannot stop us from being together without asking for a challenge. If I win, you are mine. If they win, then they win the right to claim you."
"Okay that doesn't sound too bad. You are a strong fighter I know you will win." I smiled at him full of hope and love. However, he did not return my smile. "There is more, isn't there?"
Roman closed his eyes and took a deep breath. With his eyes still closed he whispered. "It is a fight to the death. And it would not end until the last challenger is dead."
"You would have to kill any wolf from the Elder's bloodline that wants me?!" I yelled.
"Love, word went around to every pack in the world about you. It won't just be the Elder's bloodline. An official challenge is open to the entire werewolf community." Roman whispered. And that is when it clicked.
"There could be thousands of challengers!!!" There was no way Roman could kill thousands of wolves. There is just no way. Panic's ugly, cruel hand took hold of my heart and clenched tight. "You cannot kill thousands of wolves alone."
"He wouldn't have to." My dad finally spoke. "We could make it a tournament. It would be in three stages. State tournaments, Country tournaments, and then one National tournament. Winner claims you."
"A tournament for me?" I whispered. My mind could not wrap my head around the idea. All these power hungry wolves fighting for me? Some girls may be flattered, but I was afraid. "Would the Elders even allow this? They said it would have to be someone in their bloodline."
"If a challenge is open then it is to everyone. I don't like it, but it is the only way I can fight for you. The hard part is getting the Elder or his son to say out loud that he challenges me for the right to claim and mate with you to make it an official challenge and start the tournament." Roman answered.
"Why can't it be a smaller tournament with just the Elder's bloodline so it won't be so many?" Brandon Jr asked. "Why make it National?"
"Because we cannot risk the Council cheating. It has to be official because if it is off the books then they can manipulate the whole thing and take Amelia. With it being an official challenge, it will be carefully supervised by the Goddess herself." My mother spoke as she walked in. "To have an official challenge is to challenge the Goddess' judgement." She came and hugged me tightly then held me at arms length. "I have spoken to her. As long as we get them to say out loud they wish to challenge Roman, then she will put things in place."
"How are we going to get them to say it?" Roman asked. "They aren't stupid, they would be careful with their words to avoid all of this."
We all stood around a few moments trying to come up with a plan, when one hit me. "I have an idea." I smiled big, and all eyes turned to me.
- Writer
