BRIELLE'S STOLEN FAMILIAR

CHAPTER 3 - FREE FOOD - BRIELLE'S POV

''So, I take it because he calls you Alpha that you won the tournament a few years back?'' I asked as we sat down at the table in the tavern.

This was a nice Tavern, it pays to be an Alpha. The tables were clean and not sticky and covered in spilled beer. The ground was dry and clean, and even though there were loud rowdy drunk customers sitting at the large round tables, they looked clean shaven and rich. Not the usual crowd I ran with.

''Alpha Zayden'' A young pretty blonde with a small parrot sitting on her shoulder greeted him.

''Zelle'' Zayden smiled at her, as she brushed her hair behind her ear and blushed, and I actually felt a twinge of jealousy, what the heck? ''We're getting three specials, three apple pies with ice-cream and two beers. Brielle, what would you like to drink?''

''Beer's good''

Zelle looked at me for the first time, and her eyes looked over my clothes.

''Now would be good'' I commented, and gave an annoyed huff ''Unless you're planning on standing there all night''

''Right away'' She said testily and stomped off, as I rolled my eyes.

''It's not wise to p*ss off your waiter'' Milo informed me ''She'll probably spit in your drink''

''It's fine. I'll be taking Zayden's drink''

''Why?'' He asked.

''Because the girl clearly wants to f*ck you'' I shrugged ''She's not going to ruin your drinks or food, anyway, you didn't answer me. Did you win?''

''I did'' He nodded ''But my father still refused to give me the head Alpha title. Milo uses the title out of respect''

''Really?'' I frowned ''But you're, what, 27 now? Why did he deny you the title?''

''Almost. My birthdays in a month'' He nodded ''And my father didn't give me the title because I refused to marry the girl he chose for me''

''Why?'' I asked ''Wasn't she hot enough?''

''Not even close. I want my mate'' He said with longing, and we met each other's eyes for a moment.

''Fair enough'' I shrugged ''Pretty sh*tty of your father though. Is there anything you can do?''

''Actually, I'm competing again this year with my cousin, because my father wants to retire. He's claiming if my cousin wins the tournament, he'll give the title to him, and if I win, I can have the title without marrying''

''You could always just kill him'' I pointed out as I snagged some nuts from the bowl sitting on the table.

''Tempting'' Zayden smirked ''But I'll just fight. My cousin can't have the pack. He's a monster, but unfortunately, my father sees that as strength''

''Yeah, I get it'' I nodded ''My great-grandfather was the same way, so my grandfather killed him and took the title by force''

''I'd rather not have things go that way if I can help it''

''Your mistake to make'' I shrugged.

Zelle walked back over then, holding three beers, and placed them down in front of us, and I quickly picked up Zayden's and took a sip, the whole time smiling at Zelle, who's eyes widened, and she quickly snatched up the beer Zayden went to grab.

''There's a bug. I will get you a new one, Alpha'' She said quickly and rushed off.

I laughed and winked at Zayden ''Told you she wants to f*ck you''

''Well she isn't going to get what she wants''

I placed the beer down, wiped my mouth on my sleeve, and looked at him ''So, listen. You really should just kill your father or cousin, because you're not going to win the tournament this year''

''Why's that?'' Milo asked in concern.

''Because I'm fighting this year, and I will be fighting to kill''

You always had a choice during the fights. You could kill if you wanted or had no other choice, but you could let them give up in defeat.

''You're not serious. You don't actually think you have a chance, do you?'' Milo asked, but Zayden hit his arm.

''You don't have a Familiar'' Zaydens voice was thick with concern ''You can't join the tournament, you'll be killed''

''You sound like Zeke'' I waved my hand as Zelle came back over with Zayden's beer, and glared at me as she placed it down, but he wasn't looking at her.

''Who's Zeke?'' He asked as he reached out and touched my arm.

''Do you need anything else?'' Zelle asked.

''No'' Zayden said in dismissal, and she glared at me and walked off in a huff again.

What the hell? I didn't dismiss her. Rude cow.

''Well?'' Zayden gripped my arm ''Who is he? Is he.. Is he your lover?''

I laughed and pulled my arm back ''He wishes'' I answered ''He's actually the reason I need a dress. The jerk brided me to go a date with him''

''He bribed you?'' Zayden looked furious, and offended ''Do you want me to kill him for you?''

''You won't kill for your title, but you'll kill to get me out of a date?'' I laughed and took another swig of my beer ''Listen, I don't need your protection. Just because I helped you when you were injured, doesn't mean I need you to return the favor. We're even, just let it go''

Zayden sat back, looking like I'd p*ssed in his boots. Alpha's really were moody little pups.

Milo cleared his throat ''Why are you fighting in the tournament?'' He asked me curiously.

''Why does anyone fight?'' I asked evasively ''Because I want to win''

''If you're fighting to win the gold, then I will pay you not to join'' Zayden said quickly, as he sat up straight again ''I never spent my winnings. It's yours if you don't compete''

I laughed at his ludicrous suggestion ''I don't need or want your gold'' I told him, a little impatiently. I got enough of this cr*p from Zeke. I didn't need it from men I hardly knew.

Zelle finally came back holding three plates, and she purposely put my plate in front of me, but I just smirked and started eating, and once again, her eyes widened, and grabbed Zaydens plate. I forgot the gravy, she lied quickly and once again rushed off with his food.

''Why didn't you swap that time?'' He pouted, as he sat back and watched us eat.

''Because I'm not a fool. She probably expected me to swap again, so this time, she sabotaged your food and not mine'' I smirked and ate some creamy mashed potatoes ''Anyway, what's your issue with me fighting? Are you afraid you won't win against me? That wouldn't look good for an Alpha to loose to a severed''

''No'' He crossed his arms ''I'm worried I'll have to hurt you if we end up competing against each other''

''We'll have to compete eventually'' I pointed out, with a mouth full of food. Goddess this was good ''We'll just have to let the cookies crumble and see how things work out''

''They will work out with you going to the undertakers'' Zayden told me angrily ''What are you trying to prove? You won't make it past the shifting round anyway. You don't have a Familiar to shift with''

''Just let it go'' I snapped ''It's not your business or concern, and another thing. Can you both get you Lycan's off me!''

The men frowned, and looked under the table to see that Helix was curled near my feet, while Zayden's Lycan Colt was sitting next to me, with his head on my lap, and his tail wagging as if waiting for a pat.

''Helix come here'' Milo ordered, and he grumpily got up and went to curl up under his feet.

''Colt. Leave her'' Zayden told him, but he growled and snuggled closer to me, so Zayden sat back ''I tried''

I glared at him as Zelle came back and gave Zayden his meal, but he just started eating, and ignored me. I looked down at his Familiar, and finally gave in and gave him a scratch behind his ear, before I reached over and grabbed some of the meat off Zayden's plate to give to Colt.

He looked annoyed, but I just smirked and returned to my own food.

''So what does your mother think about you being passed over for your cousin?'' I asked.

''She is upset, but my father's the Alpha, so she can't really argue much''

''Really'' I laughed ''I guess my father never got that memo. My mother would never let him make decisions without her input''

''She must have a been a strong women'' Milo commented.

I smiled sadly ''Yes, she was''

''How did they die?'' Zayden asked, and I couldn't help but think back to how it all began.

FLASH BACK

Knocking on the door, made us all turn in confusion.

''Well, who could that be?'' My mother complained as she wiped her hands on her apron and walked out of the kitchen.

''Give it!'' Mayson hit our big brother, and future Alpha, James ''That one's mine!''

''You already had a popsical!'' James said in frustration, as I glared at my stupid brother.

I was trying to do my homework while they were messing around and stuffing their fat faces as mother and our maid Tally cooked dinner.

''Yep, and I'm having this one too'' Mayson said smugly and licked the lemonade popsical.

''You do remember that I'm the future Alpha'' James growled, but Mayson just laughed.

''You're not Alpha yet, so''

''DOLTAN!'' We heard our mother shout, as she ran down the hallway.

''What's going on?'' James looked up, before running out of the kitchen. Our mother sounded terrified.

END OF FLASH BACK

''The King killed them'' Was all I told them, and changed the subject to a lighter topic.

By the time our desert showed up, I was pretty full, it had been a long time since I had eaten so good. This time, when Zelle put out pie down, I took Milos, and Zelle actually exhaled in anger, before storming off again, but she didn't take a plate away, so I guess she hadn't done anything to the food this time.

I sat back and rubbed my stomach ''Thanks for the meal''

''Any time'' Zayden smiled at me.

''I may hold you to that'' I smiled back, and stood up ''I hate to eat and run, but... well, I'm eating and running'' I laughed and slapped Zayden on the back ''I will see on tournament day''

Before they could say anything else, I turned and walked off. It was really late, and I had to get back home. Strangely, I thought I was being followed through the woods, but every time I turned around, there was no one there, so I just turned and continued on my way, but the moment I slipped into my warm bed, I was no longer concerned about being followed, and drifted off the sleep quickly.