Chapter Five
1132 Words
Arlo’s Pov
It’s only mid morning and I’ve been awake for hours. Training and sparring with Nick. The only good thing about this partnership is the fact I get to accidentally slip and punch him every so often.
“Alright, time.” My father calls and we both step back. “Go get washed up, Mr Archibald will be here at 12 for lunch. Then you will spar at 2pm.”
I check the time on my phone as I walk off and it is already 11am. That does not leave me much time to get ready. I wanted to speak with Nova but I won’t have chance. It will have to wait until I see her at my sparring match.
-
“Mr Archibald,” I bow before the old man.
He bellows before pulling me into a bone crushing hug. “It’s good to see you too your highness.”
I roll my eyes at him, “please don’t call me that.”
“Fine. Fine.” He puts his hands up in surrender. “I did bring someone along with me.” He gestures behind him.
A wide smile spreads across my face as I get pulled into another bone crushing hug.
“Uncle Joey,” I exclaim excitedly. “I haven’t seen you for ages.”
“I know son,” Alpha Joey says as he pulls back. “I have been away with my Luna and pups.”
“Have you come to see me fight?” I ask excitedly as I pull him into the dining room. I hear Mr Archibald laugh with dad that I had forgotten about him now Joey was here.
“Is your sparring partner worthy?” Joey asks, matching my excitement.
“Joey,” my mom says in surprise. “I didn’t know you were coming.”
“It was a surprise,” Joey says before briefly hugging mom.
No matter how brief it was I still heard the low warning growl form dad.
My mother just saunters over to my father and kisses him. It doesn’t even bother me anymore, I’m so used to it. Luckily they are interrupted by Megan and Jessabelle’s joint squeals.
“Uncle Joey!!” They shout excitedly before jumping on him.
“There are my girls,” he says with glee. He steps back to look at them. “My gosh, how quickly are you growing? You will be taller than me if you carry on.” He jokes as he measures their height with his hand. “Now hang on a minute,” he says quizzically. “Where is Em?”
“Here,” she says from the doorway with a soft smile.
“Oh no,” Uncle Joel exclaims dramatically and talks towards Megan and Jess. “I think Em might be too old for Uncle Joey’s hugs. What do you think?” He asks as he creeps closer towards Emerald.
He suddenly reaches out and grabs hold of Emerald as she also squeals. He engulfs her in a massive bear hug and ruffles her hair. “Never too old for an Uncle Joey hug are you em?” He laughs.
She swats at his hand but she can’t help the smile on her face.
I love seeing my family so happy and together. I know the story between mom and Uncle Joey, im just glad he stuck around.
-
I try not to eat too much lunch but everyone else has their fill. I thought Nova would have joined us though.
“Lets head over and prepare for your spar Arlo,” my father gestures and he stands up. Everyone stays seated and carries on talking.
As we approach the training arena pack members are already gathering to watch the sparring match. They cheer and shout their support as I pass them. My eyes scan them all in search of Nova but she’s no where to be seen.
I get to the training ring and start warming up.
-
The sparring match is over quickly. I win with ease and the spectators all cheer. I whip my head around for the hundredth time in search of Nova. Why is she not here?
I head straight over to my father.
“Do you know where Nova is?”
He looks at me sheepishly.
“What?” I demand.
“Her parents have arranged for her to meet an Alpha.” He says as he walks me away from the crowd.
“An Alpha?” I ask confused.
“He has a mating proposal,” my father explains.
“What?!” I roar. “Absolutely not, are they insane? She is not even eighteen yet.”
“I know son, Nova gets the final say.” My father reassures.
“Where are they?” I demand.
“Arlo,” my father warns but he sighs when I pin him with a glare. “Their house.”
-
I don’t bother knocking as I barge into Nova’s parents house.
“Nova,” i shout as I storm towards the kitchen.
“Arlo,” Nova jumps with surprise before smiling at me. “How was your sparing match?”
I look around at her parents and then my eyes narrow on another man. He must be the Alpha she is meeting with.
“You!” I growl out as I step towards him with fury.
“Arlo?” Nova says as she steps in front of me. “Are you okay?”
“Are you going to be his Luna?” I demand as I look at Nova.
She doesn’t answer me but turns and excuses herself a moment. She drags me to front door.
“What the hell Arlo?” She asks in disbelief. “You can not just show up here and start shouting.” She pushes me out the front door and towards the end of the driveway.
“I’m sorry,” I tell her as I run my fingers through my hair. “You can’t mate some random Alpha when you haven’t had chance to find your mate.”
She sighs and looks at me with teary eyes. “I might not have a choice Arlo. My parents have no money, they need a strong alliance.” She looks down at her feet in shame.
I caress her cheek as I pull her face back up to look at me.
“You don’t have to do this Nova,” I say softly. “I will help your parents.”
She shakes her head and steps back.
“My parents and Alpha Remy will be coming over to the pack house with me shortly to meet your parents. I will meet you there,” she says dismissively before heading back into the house.
- Writer
