Chosen

Chapter Six

   I jerked awake with a gasp, my body covered in sweat. Cat shot over and pulled me into a hug. I wonder how long I had been out for.

"You've been out for twelve hours. The claiming ceremony is in an hour. We have to get you ready. Axel said you are not to be left alone, its too dangerous."
 
  I nodded and walked to the bathroom. I needed a bath. I knew my name was last on the roster of she wolves. I was an omega after all. The lowest ranking wolf here. I relaxed in the hot water, my body aching. I groaned and after a while, drug myself out. I was either going to be claimed or murdered by my Alpha. I stared at myself in the mirror while Cat worked on me. Today was her most elaborate hairstyle and make up. I have no idea how long she worked for. But eventually, she finished and helped me into the white gown. It fit like a glove, just like the dress last night but less provocatively. This dress brought out my obvious innocence. She intended to do this. I was untouched unlike most she wolves. Pure and obedient.
   
   My door opened and in walked Blake. I met his eyes in the mirror and blushed, biting my lip. He was staring at me wide eyed and shocked. He shook his head and smiled at me after a few moments. Cat giggled and walked over to him. They acted like a mated pair. She wrapped her arms around him and it clicked. They were mated. Good. I was happy she was with someone decent.

"I'm to escort you down now. It's your turn. Your Alpha is there, but Axel asks you not acknowledge him."

"Okay." I whispered and Cat took my hand and placed it in the crook of Blake's arm. She bowed to me and left. Blake led me forward and stopped at a set of double doors. This was outside as well, as soon as two males claimed me, a fight would begin. The winning male would get me. To win, all one had to do was pin the opponent down for a full minute. No one had to die.

"Ready?"

"I suppose."
 
  Blake opened the doors and led me through. The chatter that started died down and I bit my lip, nervous. This was it. I held my chin up and blushed as I caught some of the male wolves staring again. My eyes landed on Axel who was following my every step, his eyes flickering between gold and the icy blue I had come to know.

"This lovely little dove is named Adalynn Rose. She's from Rivermist pack. An Omega. Pure. Age 21. Who claims this beauty?"
 
  The woman twirled me in a circle and I giggled. Blake shook his head and I bit my lip to keep quiet. My eyes cast at my feet as I waited.

"I, Axel Black, claim Adalynn Rose."
 
  My eyes snapped up to Axel and I stared at him shocked. Had I really made that much of an impression on him? I was free. Alpha Mark can't kill me. I was claimed. The next voice had me crying in fear and panic.

"I, Alpha Mark Richards, also claim Adalynn Rose."
 
  Cat jumped to her feet with a gasp. Axel snarled and bared his teeth at Alpha Mark. My knees gave out and Blake caught me, holding me up. This couldn't be happening. Why would Alpha Mark want me? I was worthless. Nothing. He had drilled it into me over and over. 

"Looks like we have another fight! Adalynn, go with your Matron. Everyone else you know where to go."
 
  Cat ran over to me and pulled me into a hug.

"Breathe with me, Addy. In, out. It's okay. Oh, Goddess. I can't believe that Alpha would do that. Blake... what if..."

"He won't. Now let's get Adalynn to her post."

   Cat and Blake helped me to the raised platform at the front of the arena. My eyes stung and I took a deep breath. Whatever happened was what was meant to be. Axel stood on one side and Alpha Mark on the other. I bit my lip and met Axels eyes, he was angry. I could see it. How dare someone challenge him for me? Axel pulled his shirt off and I blushed. He was beautiful. Well built. His skin was perfectly tanned, most likely from all the training he did as a boy. Alpha Mark was nothing compared to him. Cat stood by my side, she took my hand and squeezed it, reassuringly. Blake walked over and stood on the other side of me. I could tell the other wolves here were shocked that this was happening.

"Fighters. Begin!"

     Someone bellowed and the two men ran at each other. I turned my head away, not wanting to watch the fight. I knew it was tradition and I should watch but I couldn't bring myself too. The growling from the two males was overwhelming and I began to tremble. I wanted so badly to be freed from Alpha Mark. I wanted to live. Axel made me want to fight to live. The snarling and growling stopped and I held my breath. Cat seemed to stop breathing as well.

"Oh thank goddess...."

    She whispered, relaxing. I peeked at her confused and she let go of my hand. My breathing sped up and I trembled. The fight was over. A gentle hand was under my chin, I pulling my face up. I stared into Axels eyes and a huge wave of relief washed over me.

"Mine."
 
  He growled and stepped in front of me. Alpha Mark was snarling in the ring as Axel tilted my head. I noticed his canines and my eyes widened. I forgot about this. He had to mark me as his in front of everyone, declare his victory of Alpha Mark. I trembled in fear and anticipation. Axel leaned forward and kissed my neck first. Before I could absorb what he had done, he bit down. A scream tore it's way from my throat and tears streamed down my face. Axel pulled back after a few moments, swiping his tongue along the bite. I shuddered as sparks ran through my body, and my knees gave out. Axel caught me and swept me into his arms.

"This concludes this year's Mating season and ceremony! To those that are now mated, congratulations. To those that lost, good luck next year!" 
 
  I clung to Axel as he began walking away from the arena. Cat and Blake followed behind us, both watching me worried.

"Axel.... she was very weak. Was marking her like that necessary?" Cat asked, her tone a bit angry. I whimpered and buried my head in his chest, inhaling. He smelled just as amazing as that first day.

"You know I had to. She'll be fine. Her body will strengthen quickly. Let's leave. Have her things been put in the car?"

"What things? She came with nothing. The gowns were mine from my mating season."
 
  Axel growled and I started trembling. He was angry. I squeaked in fear and tightened my arms around his neck.

"Shh. No. Don't be afraid. You're safe little one."    He purred softly and nuzzled the top of my head.

"Rest, precious. We'll be home soon."
    I yawned as he climbed into a car and passed out for the second time in less than twenty four hours.