56

The two jeeps came to a halt suddenly at the shoulder of the road. Mel got down and walked to the couple, who were waving at them up ahead.
"How long have you two been waiting here?" he asked.
"Not long. I think, about 5 minutes." Phoenix replied as he looked at his watch.
"Really? Did you guys first go to the hotel?" Mel asked again.
"Yeah. We did so and then we found you guys had left. We also had a bath and changed clothes, as you can see." Lavana replied.
Mel sighed.

'It must be good being able to move about so easily, huh?' he thought.
"Alright. You and I will sit together at the back, Phoenix. Oliver is driving today, so your mate and Zehelina will sit together."
"Why do you have to separate us?" Phoenix questioned unhappily.
"No big reason. I think what you did to my buddy last night can be considered a basis?" Mel asked with arms folded.
"Last night?" Lavana asked in confusion as she looked at her mate for an explanation.
"Er.... Can we not talk about that? Besides, I did it for his own benefit. If you want..."
Mel interrupted Phoenix, his right hand showing a reject gesture. "No! I don't want that smelly stuff. Keep it to yourself. Rolandro didn't get enough sleep last night coz of you, Phoenix."
"Why didn't he sleep? The smell wasn't that bad." Phoenix muttered.
"Phoenix, what foul-smelling stuff is Mel talking about?" Lavana asked her mate.
"Well..." he took out a transparent bottle from his storage ring. Mel's eyes widened. He never knew that Phoenix's ring served that purpose. He thought it was just for beautification. He wondered if Lavana had one too, coz she wasn't surprised at his action at all. Phoenix handed the bottle over to his mate.
"This is really the stuff?" Lavana asked with furrowed eyebrows.
"Yup." her mate nodded.

"You're lying Phoenix. If I call Rolandro here..."
"He'll recognize this bottle. I used its content to bathe today too. It's really good stuff." Phoenix preached.
"Forget it." Mel was tired. The one who could prove that this wasn't the stuff that smelled awful last night was asleep. Until they arrived at the venue, no one was to wake him up. That was Rolandro's request.
"You guys get in. I'll let Rolandro teach your mate a lesson later, Lavana."
"Phoenix..." Lavana stared at her mate with mean eyes.
"What? Examine it. It's really good stuff." he defended. "Trust me. This is the bottle."
"Did you replace the content in it? Coz this smells like lavender." she asked.

"Before we came here, I used it in the bathroom. Then I indeed put another liquid in it after cleaning it up. The two liquids have the same effect and color, except one smells bad and this one smells nice." Phoenix confessed.
"So what's the effect?" she asked telepathically as they separated and headed to the two jeeps.
"You'll see it in the battle later." Phoenix replied in mind link as they entered the vehicles.

"Hey, hello." Zehelina waved shyly.
"Uh...Why are you acting like this?" Lavana asked after closing the door.
"Well, I never offended you, right?" Zehelina asked.
Lavana sighed. "Are you afraid of me and my mate?" she asked.
"Well..."
"Look Zehelina, I know there's lots to explain. That will be later when we return from the event. So now let's forget about identity and talk like we did last night."
Zehelina nodded in agreement. "Ok. So what do you think will be featured for today's event? Last time, I heard from Dante that the first day would simply be a fun day and also a way for the Alphaless packs to get more points."
"Points?" Lavana asked in curiousness.

Dante, who was driving, replied. "Well, since we have no Alpha, naturally we're there in hopes of one of us becoming an Alpha wolf. Then we won't have to disband. For some groups, this is their first time, while for people like us, it's our last chance. So there are activities that we must partake in that aren't violent."

"Just like the ones we did back in the pack some days ago?" Lavana asked.
"Yeah. Unlike ours, which had a prize attached to it, these activities have points as the reward. If we can get up to 50 points from all these activities put together, then we can still go to the venue tomorrow, but if we fall short even by one point, no mercy. Immediate disqualification!"

"What? That serious?" Lavana cried out in surprise.
Zehelina added. "Yeah, the disqualified Alphaless pack can still remain and watch how the entire competition turns out just that they won't be able to compete in the next triennial competition. Though the first day is for fun, it's also a way to seed out the weaklings. The ones who fall into this predicament disband the moment they reach home and then find some other packs to join, could be one with an Alpha or one without."
"Oh. So today can be considered elimination day?" Lavana asked again.
"Yeah. We've always passed this day in the previous competitions. From the second day, there'll be intense battles between the Alphaless packs. The final winner will arrive on the third day. The winning wolf, usually a beta wolf, will be have his wolf rank upgraded and then his pack will receive a medal, land, properties and more pack members, business opportunites too. He will then be crowned as the new Alpha of the pack and there will be an announcement throughout that day about the emergence of the new Alpha king and his pack. We always watch in envy when that happens." Dante sighed.

"Don't worry, we'll be returning with good news." Lavana smirked. No beta wolf for today's competition can beat her. Not even any of the werewolf council members.
"I'll take your word for it." Zehelina said as she took out two bottles of juice. "Here." she handed one to Lavana, who accepted it with gratitude.
"Mm! This tastes good."
"I made it myself. You'll not want to drink any other after tasting the ones made by me." said Zehelina with a smile.
Lavana gave a thumbs up. "Indeed! Girl, this is perfect." Lavana praised.
"Haha. Glad you like it." Zehelina laughed.
"You two keep it down. You don't want to wake this guy up." Dante reminded the giggling ladies. Rolandro, who was in the front passenger seat, was still sleeping soundly, but if he got woken up because of these loud females, it won't be good. Took a lot of coaxing from Mel before he was able to fall asleep earlier.
"Ok. We'll mind link then." said Lavana and Dante shook his head with a sigh of defeat. Women!

*****
37 minutes later.

They'd arrived at the venue. Lots of automobiles of different brands and sizes covered the vast parking lot. Many werewolves walked about, either hurriedly or leisurely. The latter taking their time to really gossip. All of them alighted from the vehicles except for a certain sleepy guy who refused to be ejected from la-la land.
"Rolandro, we're under attack." Phoenix yelled in his right ear.
"Argh! You bastard! Why yell so loud? Are you that eager for me to go deaf? What's wrong with you?" a pissed Rolandro asked with a deadly look.
"Well, a certain person was intent on delaying people." Phoenix replied with arms folded.
"If you didn't do that last night and deprive me of my precious beauty sleep, would I be this way?" Rolandro thundered.

"That's clearly your own problem. I told you it's good stuff. You clearly didn't believe me." Phoenix retorted.
"What good stuff would smell worse than poop? Blergh!"

"Get down, Rolandro, or I'll make you." Phoenix warned.
"Make me." Rolandro challenged.
"You said so..."
Both got interrupted by Mel.
"Hey you two. Don't you have any shame? How can you behave like this? You think you're still children?" he rebuked in ire.
"Well, aren't we always children to our parents? Can you refute that?" Phoenix retorted.
"You..."
"Guys, please don't be like this. Unity is needed...." Oliver chipped in.
"He clearly doesn't want that." Rolandro interrupted.

"Buddy, please get down." Mel pleaded and Rolandro immediately wore a smile. "I'll always do as you say, buddy. But with him.... Hmph!" Rolandro harrumphed at Phoenix as he got off the vehicle. "Watch out." he said to the latter before walking ahead, hands in his pockets. A serious look replaced the smug countenance he wore earlier.
Zyair caught up with him and started discussing a few things with him telepathically.

"Phoenix, behave yourself." Lavana pinched his waist.
"Ow! Are you ashamed of me, Lavie?" Phoenix asked his mate in mind link.
"You clearly know the answer to that." she replied.
"Gimme a kiss then."
"You won't be getting any until you behave. I'm not gonna pull your ear again coz I don't enjoy doing that. I have something way better to punish you with if you don't watch your mouth, my dear."
"So long as it's kiss-related, I'll accept it with open arms."
"You'll know if it is or not at the right time, Sullivan." Lavana flashed a short smile before walking ahead.
She put her right hand around Zehelina's shoulders and giggled when the latter asked the reason for Lavana's action.

"Bro, she abandoned you again. Please don't cry." Dante said before walking ahead to catch up with Oliver. Now there were just Mel and Phoenix walking side by side.
"Want a candy?" Mel asked as he took out a snickers candy.
"You eat it. I don't want diabetes." he replied in a grumpy tone. Mel kept it back in his pocket.
"Onion then?" Mel asked again.

In response, Phoenix increased his pace but so did Mel.
"Man, don't think I'll let you off because you're Lavana's mate."
"You should be begging me not to snap you in half, Mel." Phoenix said in a low tone.
"Like you have the courage, overpowered Beta." Mel walked ahead, leaving a speechless Phoenix pointing at him and biting his lip.
"You're lucky coz my mate's here." he said through gritted teeth.
"Yeah. And soon we'll be family too. Catch up, Phoenix. If someone captures you or you end up lost, I'm not responsible." Mel had caught up with Dante.
Phoenix sighed and ran up to Lavana, who was excitedly chatting with her new friend. They stopped talking when they saw him in front of them.
"Phoenix..." she called out softly but before she could cipher what he's doing, he'd carried her bridal style.
"Hey, what are you doing? Put me down." she complained.
"Mate, do you loathe my touch already?"
"What are you saying? Put me down?"
"The ground is dangerous. It'll hurt your feet. Let me brave the danger for you as your man. You are my queen and I can't let you get hurt."

"Walking makes one get hurt? What about Zehelina?" she asked.
"Let her find a man to help out. Oliver, you're the single man here. She's all yours." Phoenix said to Oliver, who'd just adjusted his glasses.
"Eh? What do you mean? She isn't my mate." Oliver retreated a step.
"Doesn't matter. You're saving her." Phoenix replied.
"Saving her?" Mel asked. "From what?"
"Well, as you guys can see, the ground is dangerous for my queen. I'm protecting her from danger here." Phoenix walked ahead of them, placing a kiss on Lavana's forehead, not minding her frowning face.
"Phoenix, put me down." she tried to struggle to no avail.
"Say one word and I'll let you down."
"What is it?"
"Husband."
"I won't call you that. We aren't married yet."
"We will soon be. So it doesn't hurt to practice now."
"Phoenix, envy isn't good."
"How can you say I'm jealous, Lavie?"
"I only touched and chatted eagerly with a female but you turn this possessive. Gosh! Others are staring at us now. Phoenix, put me down, quickly."

"Let them see. I'm simply showing them how much I love this hottie in my hands." he pecked her nose.
"Phoenix!"
"Stop complaining. I know you secretly like the feeling. Am I wrong?"
"You... put me down."
"Say the magic word first."
"What are you two doing?" Rolandro questioned as he turned around.
"Making you guys eat vinegar." Phoenix replied.
Rolandro simply turned around and walked ahead with Zyair. He couldn't be bothered to talk with this shameless man here.
So they all continued into the area meant for the event to take place. As Lavana refused to say the word, she ended up getting inside in her mate's hands.
They headed to the registration spot. There were many people lined up there and they were currently the last group to enter.
...
3 minutes later, a group of 7 men walked in dressed lavishly. They headed straight to the desk.
"Hey, you're cutting the line." a chubby youth at the front of the line blurted out.
The tallest of the 7-man group turned to look at the youth who wore shabby clothes and specs.
"A blind man shouldn't speak what he didn't see."
"You... Who are you calling blind?" the youth said unhappily.
"Did I refer to you? Or are you really blind, brat?"
"Stephen, just let them be, please. We'll still register. Ok?" the short girl behind the youth whispered to the chubby guy. "Just continue. He doesn't mean it. Please!" she begged the man.
The group laughed.

"Cowards. All of you here are cowards. You clearly have no chance of making it, but still you come here to try your luck. Pray you don't come across me today or I'll snap you in half." the 2nd man in the group who was the shortest said while pointing at those who lined up.
"We're not cowards." the chubby youth said with gritted teeth. His hands curled into fists.
"I know that. You're brave cowards." the tallest of the group said, causing the rest to laugh.
They registered in minutes and tipped the beautiful female clerk one by one.
"When I become Alpha, I'll make you my concubine. My soulmate can't be compared to you. You're the real deal. I think you should be my wife. I'll throw away that fat chicken at home." the tall man who had spiky golden hair said.
"Haha. Thanks for the wonderful promise but eh, you aren't worth it. Thank you for the money still." the clerk said before shooing them away.
"Haha. You always say that. I'll become an Alpha this time. I'm all set. Even my goat at home can beat all these rats here." the man said arrogantly and walked back towards the entrance/exit.
He suddenly spotted Lavana, who was still in her mate's arms. This lady was so hot and she's got a lot of meat. Not too much meat, just the perfect amount! How wonderful it will be when she poses for him doggy style. Her hips will jiggle when he slaps them. Wow! Such a woman existed. How lucky he was to come across her today.
He headed straight to Phoenix, catching the attention of the other blood star warriors.
"Hey man, your sister is so beautiful. What's her name? Haha, silly me. I'm Julian. Julian Hordes."

Mel stepped out of the line and walked to him. "Julian, turn around and leave this instant if you don't want to become a eunuch."
"Woah. This shortie who couldn't make it past the second day three years ago has the mouth to lecture me? You wanna die?"
"Leave here this instant." Lavana barked.
"Wow. Your sister's feisty too. I like that. Can't wait to f*ck the arrogance out of her." Julian laughed.
"Phoenix, put me down." Lavana requested telepathically.
"You wanna dirty your hands coz of this little thing? Don't bother. Rolandro will handle him." Phoenix replied in mindlink.
"Alright." Lavana nodded and used Phoenix's jacket to cover her face.
Rolandro walked to Julian.
"Didn't you hear what my buddy said?"

"You little." Julian couldn't complete his words as Rolandro had thrown a heavy punch at his face. His jaw dislocated immediately. Several teeth flew out.
"You bastard!" the blue-haired guy in Julian's group rushed at Rolandro.
"Stupid." Rolandro raised him by his throat. "You all, get the f*ck out my sight or I'll pulverize you into meat paste." he threw the helpless male out the door. Then he pointed towards the exit. Indicating that the rest should follow their brother out if they don't want to end up that way.
"Hmph! I'll teach you a lesson once I'm fixed." the one beaten managed to say before running off.
"I'll be waiting." Rolandro said arrogantly before heading back to the line. The registration process continued despite all that happened.
Mel stood behind Oliver and mind linked his buddy who was behind Zyair.
"Man, that was serious! You know that guy almost became Alpha back then. How did you beat him that hard in just one punch?"
"Well, that... I don't understand." Rolandro replied.
"That bastard has reason to boast since he's stronger than normal betas. I thought Phoenix or Lavana would be the one to teach him a lesson, but unexpectedly, it was you?" Mel asked again.
"I don't know why I'm that strong now, but isn't it better? We have to win this!" Rolandro said.
*****
5 minutes later.
A middle-aged man dressed in a yellow suit walked into the registration hall and headed straight to Rolandro.
"Please, what's your name?" he asked.
"Why're you asking me that?" Rolandro asked in ire.
"I'm Waylen Sebastian of Earth vine pack." the man introduced.
"I know that." Rolandro said with a frown, his arms folded. He wasn't gonna bow his head to this upsilon wolf just because he belonged to the 7th ranked pack. He's a Beta, closest to an Alpha. He had his pride.

Waylen cleared his throat. "There are rules in this competition. One of them is that one can fight only on the second day. But you eagerly broke it and inflicted such a serious injury on another soul. Hence, you cannot take part in the events today. Your group is disqualified." the man said coldly.

"What? Why? Who decided this nonsense?" Rolandro barked. Since when was there ever such a rule?
"Didn't you check the facts first before deciding?" Mel questioned in ire.
"Tell me your names." Mr Waylen demanded again.
"We're not telling you anything." Zehelina barked. She felt like slapping this evil man.

"Well, since you don't wanna tell me your name, it's fine. By the tattoos, you should be Blood star pack." he took out a notepad and wrote the pack name on it. "You miserable lot can go home now." the man turned to walk away but Phoenix suddenly put out his leg and the man fell to the floor.
"Which bast*rd dared?" the man barked as he rose.
"I did." Phoenix spoke out with a smug face.
"You... who are you?" Waylen asked in a rage.
"I'm Phoenix, your father."
"You... The stupid pack you joined has disbanded and you wanna take out your anger on me? Do you know who I am?"
"Of course. You're my son." Phoenix replied, causing the man to raise his hand to punch him.
"If you want to live past this hour, put back your hand in your filthy pocket." Phoenix ordered.

The others in the line thought Phoenix would still get punched but to their surprise, the man retracted his hand and immediately kneeled, pressing his palms together.
"Oh, what a dutiful son. Now slap yourself till my soulmate is satisfied. Make sure it's loud and powerful enough to make you bleed, or I'll gladly help you out. The problem is, if you can survive one slap from me, my son." Phoenix moved forward as the line was progressing. To everyone's shock, the man started slapping himself loudly even though he looked very much aggrieved.
"Phoenix, you did well. I'll say the word." Lavana whispered.
Phoenix refused her offer. "Nah. I wanna carry you like this. You're light."
"Oh. You've become addicted to carrying me." she mind linked him in amusement.
"Which man wouldn't love carrying his mate?" Phoenix asked telepathically and kissed her forehead.
"Your face is red, mate. Means I'm doing a good job." Phoenix nodded.
"Don't you dare do that again." she covered her cheeks.

He kissed her lips briefly before asking.
"I shouldn't do what?" he mind linked.
"Don't do it in public."
"Oh, my mate's embarrassed. Such a marvelous sight to see. You know, the wiz king told me 4 years ago that if I finally meet the love of my life, I need to make her blush often, that it's good for her heart."
"I don't want that." she started struggling and he put her down with a sigh.
"Having a feisty mate has its ups and downs."
"Are you saying I'm a disadvantage?"
"Nah. With you, there's always the advantage. I can't wait to become your husband." Phoenix said and she nudged his stomach.
"Ow!" he feigned being hurt.
"Stop pretending!" she poked his sides.

"Hey, you two, why are you being all lovey-dovey here? Can you be serious? You think you're the only couple here?" the clerk asked angrily.
"Sorry." Lavana apologized.
"Why apologize? Someone who hasn't found her mate and has become an abandoned commodity is tired of eating vinegar." Phoenix walked to the desk.
"What are you here for? Get back in line!" she yelled.
"I won't. It's boring to stand in line for so long. That's not my style. You attended to those scum with no complaint. After all, they'll give you something." Phoenix took out a bundle of money from his pocket, causing the others to widen their eyes. The notes were in 1000 dollars each! Alphaless packs were always on budget because of the limited money they got from the werewolf association, but this guy was ready to drop this huge amount that would go a long way in a packs expenses just like that? Which pack was he from? The Blood star pack, right? Many recalled he's the one who made that Mr. Waylen slap himself until now.

The clerk's eyes revealed shock but she quickly comported herself and looked away. "I don't need your money. Get back in line." she spat.
"Okay." Phoenix tore the money to pieces and threw it all over her. She immediately stood up in ire.
"Why did you do that?"
"Why did I do what? Are you angry because I threw the money all over you or because I tore this little money?" he asked smugly.
"You..."
"An out-of date keeps acting like she's something. Sit back down and register my pack's name and members."
"But you guys are already disbanded. So it's better you lot leave here this instant before I..."
"We're not disbanded." Phoenix interrupted her.
"I say you're disbanded. You ugly man and your mate who looks worse than a scarecrow..."
"Don't drag my mate into this." Phoenix warned.
"What will you do? You're just..."

She couldn't continue her words coz she got a slap from him, causing everyone to gasp. Everyone saw that she now looked disfigured and was even bleeding from her ears and nose.
She wanted to scream but he raised his hand again, causing her to shut up.
"Now will you do as I say?" he asked as he sat on the desk, wiping his left hand with a white hanky which he then threw at her.
She nodded, with tears flowing down her cheeks. Lavana ran over to him with the others.
"Phoenix, why did you do that?" she asked.
"She deserved it. Favoring some group over another and putting her nose in what doesn't concern her. Clearly we haven't been disbanded but she's even unwilling to register us for the competition. Most importantly she insulted you. She should be glad I didn't hurt her too much coz she's a woman. A mere Omicron dares trample on our pride like this. How can we face those hopeful to see us on screen back home? Whoever acts as an obstacle will be ruthlessly cleared off." Phoenix spat.
"Just tell me your names." the lady said grudgingly while holding her hurting left jaw.

They told her their names and she penned it down. Then she handed them jade plaques.
"Miss, I'm sorry for what my mate did but you had it coming. Don't play favorites next time. Make sure to treat yourself and rest." she handed the lady a small pearl secretly before leaving with the rest.
As for Waylen, he kept on slapping himself even though his face was already bloodied for 10 more minutes before he could finally stop. He tried to stand but ended up falling to the floor in exhaustion. He'd fainted.
The clerk called for help and two youths rushed in and took him away. She cleaned off the blood from her face and ears and managed to register all the people waiting for her, even yelling angrily at those who wanted to cut the line.

When she was done, she immediately rushed out of the hall, covering her face with a shawl, amidst chuckles from others..
When she reached a private place, she took out the pink pearl from her purse. This was a very rare pearl that would make her rich! Even her Alpha's wealth can't compare to what this pearl would fetch her. For a slap, she got this. It was worth it.
Thinking further, she reasoned that if she showed this pearl to her Alpha, he would even dump that ugly luna of his and make her the Luna instead. She would show him from whom she got this pearl and have that Phoenix and his group eliminated.
"Haha, Amira, you're a genius. She complimented herself and rejoiced at the certain doom that awaited the Blood stars. They deserved it. She laughed hysterically but quickly stopped as her jaw really hurt. Yes, she was healing being a werewolf but her healing couldn't be compared even to a gamma wolf. hence she needed to see a doctor to heal better and not leave any scars on her beautiful face.

As she turned around to leave, she suddenly gasped and retreated.
"You... how did you get here? How long have you been here?" she asked in fright.
"I can't let an evil soul get hold of my mate's precious things. You don't deserve it, you despicable woman."
Amira watched in shock as her purse opened by itself and the pearl flew out into his hand.
"If you dare let other know about this, know that you'll die in that minute." Phoenix threw a black pill into her open mouth and made her swallow it.
"Alright, I'm done here. Have a nice day, blobfish." he vanished.
Amira fell to the ground. She couldn't believe it. That Phoenix was a Beta wolf, right? But why could he make things levitate and even disappear? She just got a great opportunity to become Luna, but the pearl got snatched from her and she couldn't even resist.
She immediately fainted from pain of heart.

Meanwhile, Phoenix's clone that was in the male bathroom suddenly vanished after the real Phoenix appeared. He opened the door of the stall and exited after washing his hands.
He headed to where the others were seated in the stadium like area. This was where today's events would take place.
"Phoenix, you're back." Lavana said as her mate sat beside her.
"Yup. Did you miss me?" he asked with a smile.
"Nah." she replied.
"Bad liar. Look at your cheeks." he pointed out.
"But I'm not blushing." she touched her cheeks.
"I didn't say you were, kitten." he touched her nose.
"You two be serious." Rolandro chided.
"Jealousy isn't good." Phoenix said before pecking his mate's cheek. Rolandro looked away. He shouldn't bother with this shameless couple or he'll just bring unnecessary headaches to himself.