The deal.

“Wait, did you notice where she went?” The male suddenly questioned his opponent. The whole situation turned out quite weird, especially since both men didn't speak - all they did was growl and snarl at each other as if they fought over one's prey.

“The fuck are you talking about? Don't try your jokes on me, pretty boy; I won't fall into your damn trap.” Dominic spat right back at Ryder.

It was bad enough to gather Alphas worldwide and put them all under one roof, but the situation now was different. A bunch of idiots who kept showing off didn't surround Dominic - now, he came face to face with another Alpha.

Those men wouldn't drop their pride and superiority over everyone else even if their lives depended on it.

“Zip it, I'm not trying to fool you. Not that I ever assumed that it would be impossible or anything. I'm talking about Seth, she was next to me minutes ago, and now she's gone. How did two grown Alpha wolves not notice the sudden disappearance of a tiny lady?” Ryder voiced his frustration, but his words only made Dominic more angered.

He didn't approve of strangers' way too polite approach of offending him. Truth to be told, Dominic hated every other overly intellectual individual who dared to assume that only because of their high IQ they could ever be better than him.

Dominic's eyes scanned their surroundings, hoping that he could notice the redhead anywhere near and rub it into the stranger's face. She ditched them two while the woman was the reason for their outbursts of hatred.

“Fuck!” Dominic hissed under his breath, still attempting to catch a hint of her scent. Perhaps he could try to find her if Seth was trying to hide somewhere in the town.

“Told you. As much as I'd love to run after her, I'm sure she left for a reason. It would be better if we let her be and wait till she decides to look for us. Anyway, I'm Ryder, I couldn't say that meeting you was true bliss, but I can't get over the feeling that there is something between you and Seth,” Ryder sat back on the bench, staring in the distance.

He was ready for any answer given by Dominic, but it didn't mean that the man would trust him without doing some digging. The man showed off quite aggressive interest in the young woman - he could do and say anything to keep others away from her.

For all Ryder knew, Dominic might be another mistake from her past or a crazy ex-boyfriend, stalking each of her steps.

“There has been a thing or two,” Dominic grinned, sitting next to Ryder.

He didn't enjoy the male's company, but he knew that the best way to win was getting to know the opponent. Now, he would kill two targets with one bullet - he might have a bigger chance of getting Seth and winning the competition. No small talk - big questions and detailed answers were the only things on his mind.

“So, have you known her for a long time? Any type of history connecting you two?”

Ryder chuckled, shaking his head. Of course, Dominic was one of those men who appeared to be an asshole from the first moment, but it turned out that he could hold a conversation like a decent person.

“Honestly,” Ryder sighed, thinking of the best way to voice his thoughts. “I met her today. It's weird to talk to someone who has a history with her. No disrespect, but I'm pretty sure she is the most eye-catching woman I've happened to meet. But you probably knew that already - we walked down the street, and I noticed dozens of men throwing curious glances at Seth. We spoke a little in the local library and had a coffee together, later on, we decided to come here. That's about it. How about yourself? Care to share bits of the said past?”

Usually, Ryder didn't care much about men surrounding him, especially those who had their eye on a woman he felt somewhat interested in. However, Dominic seemed like a type that wouldn't give up until he had gotten what he wanted.

Going against another Alpha, basically fighting over a woman, was quite risky.

“There's not much to tell - we had a thing between us once, and she fled. I didn't expect that; usually, I'm the one who ditches as soon as the deed is done, but you probably noticed that Seth is different on a whole another level. I guess we're after one woman now; this should be interesting.” Dominic leaned back against the bench, grinning in content.

Being an Alpha brought a lot of advantages, but it did affect one's personality as well. Competitive behavior was pretty typical between men; that was the main reason why the Alpha games were created.

Most of the time, men choose women from territories they lived in, so seeing two Alphas all over one woman was a rare sight to see. However, most of the time, if something like that happened, men fought till death to prove who would be the more potent partner in the future.

Dominic's eyes never glanced at Ryder - he seemed like the most boring persona ever. Plus, finding out that the man had gotten easy access to games pissed him off. Everyone besides Ryder had to go through a torturous week of fights, tasks, and challenges.

So many Alphas got injured or lost their chance to get closer to the Royal title while this prick casually strode in, holding his hands hidden in the pockets.

The more Dominic thought of it, the more his blood boiled. How was the whole idea around competition fair when this nobody had gotten a shortcut?

“Don't be so sure about that, pal. Seth didn't answer my question since a certain someone decided to invite themselves into a conversation that was supposed to be a private one. If she had agreed to go out with me - I'd be all in, but there's no way I can find out if she fancies me no. I'll sit back and wait till the moment I get to see her again. Then, I might try to ask her out again, without any interruptions. If she will be willing to go on a date - you got yourself a competition. I'll fight only over a woman that wants to get to know me. Pretty sure I will stay in the dark for a while. Until then, you can relax; no need to lash out in anger without reason.” Again, Ryder sounded as if he attempted to make Dominic feel lower than he was.

Dominic didn't approve of his snobbish behavior. A real man would take his woman, throw her over his shoulder, and bring the prey home. Originally, it was one of Dominic's ideas - the man felt weirdly drawn to her, and it wasn't the night they spent together.

For days, Dominic couldn't forget the delicate scent of her skin and fiery red hair. Seth captured his heart and wouldn't let go of it even when she tried to hide away.

“I'll probably upset you, but I am more of a lover than a fighter.”

“For all I care, you can kill a whole population of shifters, but I won't follow the same example. Women love with their eyes and ears - they have to feel loved and wanted; that's the secret, buddy.” Ryder added, hinting at the fact that he would choose an absolutely different approach to the whole situation.

Both men sat in silence for a while, staring at nothing in particular. It was funny how they met because of the woman both of them wanted. At first, Ruder thought Dominic's words were nothing but a big, odd joke, but his thoughts changed pretty quickly.

The mixed emotions on his face gave out how conflicted the male was - he truly cared about Seth.

“So, you're suggesting that each of us should try a different approach in attempts to get her? Dude, I don't know if I should worry about your mental health or laugh at this. Since when do enemies sit side by side to discuss their strategies? Because that is what we are now - enemies, both fighting for the same goal. You want to become the King, and so do I - that would be the first thing that prevents us from being polite to each other outside territory. Now, as it turns out, both of us have our eyes set on one woman, and you know damn well that our wolves won't let us step down. As soon as those fuckers will start developing stupid feelings - we're as good as an idiot with a target on their back,” Dominic laughed, thinking about the lecture he had to listen to earlier.

His wolf acted strange, accusing Dominic of leaving the house intentionally even when he knew that it was a necessary thing to do. Unlike his wolf side, Dominic still led a business, attempting to prepare everything for the next growth stage.

“Listen, I'm not stupid, and I know that you got a point. Frankly, I don't understand why we are still sitting here, discussing private matters with each other. We're still strangers,” Ryder rolled his eyes, thinking of leaving the park.

He would spend even the rest of the evening and night there if Seth didn't leave him. Once again, he thought of Seth - wondering why she left.

She could send Dominic away and spend more time with him, but she chose to leave men to face each other in rage. Didn't she know how dangerous the situation was and how badly it could end?

“I'm not excited to spend as much time around you either, snowflake. I think I have a proposition to make,” Dominic threw his head back, looking up at the sky.

If Ryder left and didn't hear him out, the Alpha would chase down his cute one-night stand and take her home to repeat the same thing once again. Dominic already destroyed every piece of furniture in his way - the more he tried to bring over a woman, the more his instincts refused his actions.

One of those women left laughing, no matter how hard she tried - she couldn't get him hard. The woman might go around and tell everyone how the mighty Alpha could use a magic pill, and that pissed him off even more.

If only Seth didn't leave before he went back to Vlad's house - perhaps, they would be happily dating at this point.

“Alright, let's hear it,” the mocking undertone in Ryder's voice made Dominic's blood boil.

As much as he wanted to go crazy and attack the cocky bastard next to him - he couldn't. Attacking an Alpha outside the games would lead to instant disqualification.

Dominic pulled his hands in tight fists and let out a deep breath, trying to focus on more important things than turning the discussion into a full-blown argument.

“Let's make a deal,” Dominic spoke through gritted teeth, trying his best to calm down.

Even if Ryder tried to act like a decent person, it still might be quite challenging to view him as one. Too many things triggered Dominic's explosive nature, all because of a man who thought he was better than others.

“Alright, now you have my full attention. Explain, please,” Ryder went as far as turning his body towards Dominic, eager to find out every little detail.

Having a constant back and forth wasn't a thing he preferred, but an actual plan would be the best thing to agree on. He couldn't come up with an idea even if he forced himself to think as quickly as he could - if Dominic didn't speak up anytime soon, Ryder might be the one to snap this time.

“Alright, so, we're already fighting for the same title, right?” Dominic averted his gaze in an attempt to forget the smug look on the Alpha's face. His facial expression was a priceless invitation for a punch straight at the jaw.

“Seriously? Listen, don't waste my damn time, and speak if you have anything to say. Repeating the same information over and over again is pointless.” Ryder growled out.

It seemed as if both men switched places within seconds - the more aggressive Alpha tried to keep calm while the one who appeared intelligent and reserved lost his patience.

“God damn it, you're so damn smart and couldn't shut your mouth. Zip that fucking thing before I do and listen. Don't try to interrupt me because I won't hold any responsibility for your future disabilities if you don't shut the fuck up!” The park was relatively silent even while men held their conversation, but as soon as these words left Dominic's lips, it died silent.

Even though it might seem like Ryder was afraid of the other Alpha - he wasn't. He was too curious about the idea Dominic had to ruin the opportunity to listen.

“Let me try and start again. So, the deal - we're fighting about the same title. We did conclude that we're after the same woman as well. How about if we get these two together and make the whole case into one big game?” Dominic felt the excitement growing in him; he couldn't remember the last time he felt so alive.

“Go on,” Ryder encouraged him to keep talking.

His words were a green light for Dominic - since he was so interested and involved in whatever he had already said, the Alpha could come up with anything, and Ryder would agree.

“If we make this deal - both of us will have more reasons to push ourselves over any limits we knew thus far. Whoever wins the title as a King will get Seth as his Queen. Let's make this two in one deal - a perfect way to deal with the issue if you ask me. Fighting won't lead us anywhere, but the one who stands higher will always have the first-hand choice. You want to become a King and get yourself a worthy Queen at the same time? Well, I'm sure that I'm giving you the opportunity of a lifetime here,” Dominic moved his hand towards Ryder, patiently waiting if he would hold it and accept the handshake.

Not much to his surprise, Ryder agreed almost instantly. He stood up, wished Dominic luck, and left the park. There were many days he had felt true happiness in his past, but this might be the best day of his lifetime.

Even though he still couldn't understand why he kept pushing himself that Seth had to be in his life - Dominic didn't dare to force the feelings down. She was more than a toy to sleep with - she had this weird aura surrounding her, making men feel like she was the ultimate prize.

Well, technically, now she was the biggest prize both Dominic and Ryder might win.

“You're such a disgusting person; I can't believe you'd do this to anyone.”