Mato's POV
The next day I ran to my room for a shower after the morning training session. I needed to finish some paperwork before the Challenge of the Betas took place. I had five Betas to watch them challenge each other for the title. It was gonna be a long day. I stepped out of my shower, wrapped a towel around my waist, and walked into my bedroom. Kayla was still sleeping with her friends in the room they shared at the pack house. So, it was to my surprise when I walked into my room to see Kayla standing there surprised and her mouth wide open in the stunned silence.
I watched her blue eyes travel down my chest. Her eyes lingered at my towel, then etched their way back up. A wide range of pink to bright red stained her cheeks before her eyes went back up to my face. I couldn't help the slow smile from forming. Knowing that reaction was to me and as innocent as it could be made me insanely happy. It was a helluva ego boost. I was not a man who allowed my ego to shine often but this was a rare occasion for sure.
"Kayla?" I asked. My tone was far huskier than it should have been.
"Hmmm," Kayla answered still looking at my chest before shaking her head as her cheeks reddened again. "I was curious if I could watch the beta trails with you?" Her blue eyes snapped to mine.
I could not refuse her if I tried. "Of course." I glanced at the clock on the wall and saw it was less than 15 minutes to be on the field. "Let me get dressed, then we can go together?" I questioned meeting those detectable blue eyes.
Kayla looked left to right breaking my eye contact out of nervousness. "Sure just let me head out to the hall." She turned to head toward my bedroom door.
"No need," I chuckled. I yanked the towel from my hips and tossed it onto Kayla's head. I heard her gasp and then freeze as she heard me walk to my closet. I dressed quickly with a Cheshire cat grin on my face. Kayla stood completely still the whole time. I almost thought she had stopped breathing but then heard her breathing regulate. I knew she was waiting. Nervous but waiting.
*********
Kayla's POV
*********
I listened as Mato's footfalls got closer to me while I stood under his bath towel. I was nervous but not afraid. I was not sure what he was planning to do with me. Being the tossed the towel on me to keep here.
Mato's steps stopped just in front of me. I could feel the heat of his body radiating near me. The towel was slowly pulled off. until it dropped into a pool of white at my feet. I let my eyes blink open to see Mato in jeans with a tank. I gulped a little as he stepped closer, moving a bit of hair that was covering my right eye. "Ready to go?" He raised a brow at me.
I could only nod dumbly as he winked and then walked past me to the door. I silently followed. I was not sure how to handle what happened. So, I just acted like it hadn't. I fell in step behind him as he went out of the pack house and to the training grounds.
I looked past him to see a group of 5 men and one woman. I was surprised by the woman, but then realized I shouldn't be. We got closer and they began to form a line. Around us, people were gathering to watch these trials. I was immensely curious about how it was done. I knew of stories when my father had gone through the selection process. This was going to be a fun experience I was sure of it.
"Kayla," I heard Mato say my name. Looking back in his direction I watched his eyes light up. I smiled at him in response.
"Yes?" I walked closer to him.
"I have chairs here." He motioned to one of the comfortable outside chairs I had seen the other ranked people sit in.
"Really?" I couldn't help my surprise.
"Of course, you are my Luna." Mato grinned. His face contained so much love I couldn't help but follow his wishes. I settled into the chair. A sigh escaped me as I sat. The chairs we Uber comfy!
Mato sat in the one next to me. Leaning forward he announced, "let the trials start!"
My attention turned to the group of fighters as they squared off with predetermined partners to start. They spaced out, giving each pair enough room to fight. Shortly after they spaced out they wasted no time in getting into the fight. My attention bounced between the pairs. Mike Lory's mate had already stopped his opponent. Logan was not far behind with having finished his partner. Tiffany took a slight bit longer to finish hers but she huffed proudly once the guy was down.
"Next set of opponents please," Mato called out as soon as the last of the partners won.
Logan faced another guy I couldn't remember his name. He was done in seconds. So honestly it didn't matter. Tiffany faced off with Mike. That too was done in seconds.
Logan and Mike faced each other. Both were brothers. Though it was known that Mike was the strongest closer to Mato. Even though he was a fourth-generation cursed bear he had the strength of Mato and his brothers.
The rumor going around had been that Linizi Mato's mom had agreed he was just as strong. Which made her curious why he had gotten that way. Everyone made guesses but we didn't think Mike knew why.
***********
Greetings Readers!
I want to apologize that I have not been keeping up with new chapters. Life has given me a couple of sideswipes. Even with best-laid plans, I had to get the bits back into line before I could continue. So, I am sorry for the delay.
Things are not finished with the side swipe but I will diligently try to keep updating as often as I can.
Thank you all!
Hugs and love
M. Merrill
*************