Chapter 16
Chapter 0016 ASHANTI’S POV. “Good morning Nelly.” I offer her a small smile as I walk into the arena. She sure is an early bird because it’s still eight in the morning and she’s already sweating, meaning she has been here for a while now, warming up. “Good morning Ashanti. How are you today?” She asks cheerfully. I stop walking and shake my head, letting out a heavy sigh. “My entire body feels like I’ve been run over by a truck. All my bones and muscles are aching.” I cry out and her body shakes with laughter. 1 “That’s bound to happen. Your body will adapt pretty soon.” “I know, right?” “Come on, let’s jog around before the rest of the guys arrive and the real combat training starts.” She urges and I fall in step with her light jogging around the arena. It’s a good thing I’ve been into athletic activities all my life, so adapting to all this will be easy peasy to me. “You shocked everyone yesterday with your combat skills, including myself. I would never have guessed you were such a good fighter.” Nelly says after our first round of jogging. We are both sitting down on a nearby mat, panting heavily and I chuckle at her admission. “I’ve been training since I learned how to walk.”
“Wow! Then you must be really good.” “Well…” I shyly shrug my shoulders. “People say I am.” “That means you are. “I simply nod my head. Back at my father’s pack, I had no rival when it came to combat. I trashed both boys and girls within a heartbeat and so they were all scared of me. Except my sister of course. “Is it okay if I ask you a few questions about the Lycan King, Alpha Reagan?” I ask as carefully as I can, in a whisper. “What would you like to know?”
“I don’t know… just anything.” She gives me a suspicious smile. “Are you interested in him? Do you plan to seduce him one of these days?” “NO!” I scream, getting the attention of others yet again. “I mean.. no.” I love my voice. “of course not. I just, you know, want to know more about the man who ordered for me to be brought here. That’s all. I swear.” She gives me a side eye that indicates she doesn’t believe my words and shrugs her shoulders. I wish I could c r k my heart open and show her desire to not want to have anything to do with Alpha Reagan. I’m just curious to know things. about him. That’s all. “Well, I’m sure you already know the basics like his
full name, the fact that he’s an only child and stuff, so I’m going to s k i p that and fill you in on a juicy rumour that has been going on about his past.” “What do the rumours say?” I ask in a whisper, shifting closer to her. She giggles at my serious interest on the topic. “Well, a few years ago, Alpha Reagan lost his true mate. She died mysteriously and that literally destroyed him. People who were closed to him could only tell us how depressed and devastated he was after the death of his mate. Naturally, we thought he’d get over his loss and choose someone else to be his mate, but he never did. He shut everyone out and the only business he has had with women since then has been one night stands. He doesn’t want to be committed with any other woman again. The pack elders were not having it, that’s why they brought back the Concordat ritual. Alpha Reagan is obliged to choose a mate, a bride, from you H a r e m girls.” My mouth is sitting on my kneecaps by the time she’s done with her explanation. This is a whole other side of the ritual I had no idea about. Alpha Reagan has to pick a bride among us. Do the other girls know? Is that why they always look very elegant every second of the day? Of course that’s the reason. They are all secretly competing for the Alpha’s attention. ConTEent bel0ngs to Nôv(e)lD/rama(.)Org .
“Wow!” Is all I mange as I let out a heavy sigh. That… that’s really intense and serious.” “You had no idea about this?” She asks with raised brows. I calmly shake my head. She laughs at me. “Well now you know, so you can get in line for the competition. Alpha Reagan could come off as cold and ruthless, but trust me, being his lover or mate or wife is the best thing that can ever happen to any girl.” I highly doubt that. My subconscious screams. I will die if he chooses me to be his bride. I’m still in a trance as we rise to our feet to go second round of jogging. for a “The Delta is here.” Nelly announces and bows her head. I immediately do the same and my heart careens out of control when he walks over to me… “Ashanti.” And calls my name. My entire body goes pale as I raise my head up to look at him. My eyes are once more greeted with his perfect and handsome face and today, there’s a small smirk nexebed at the side of hic line.