Whispers of Hope- Book # 3 (Mated Hearts Series) Complete

Chapter 32 (Zach)

"Whispers of Hope"

2011 Copyright All Rights Reserved.

Chapter 32 (Zach)

"Do not let her come anywhere near that arena," I warned Jake after leaving Marissa tucked carefully into the blankets on the make shift bed that we had set up.  I hated to have to knock her out the way that we did but it really was for the best.  She didn't need any more stress that she had already experienced, for both her and out pups sake.

"You do realize that she is probably going to kick your ass when this is all over with, right?" Jake stood in front of me with his arms crossed over his chest and that damnable accusing look on his face.  I had already figured as much but at least this way I knew that no harm would come to her and I would be able to focus on Sergio.  

"Probably," I replied and shrugged my shoulders, "But she and the little one will be safe.  That's the only thing that matters to me."

"And I'll keep her safe too," Jake said seriously.  He then slapped his hand on my shoulder and grinned, "Now go kick come Italian ass."

Returning his smile I inclined my head, "I plan on it."  Taking one last glance back at the tent where I knew that Marissa was sleeping, I sighed and mentally sent a message to my sleeping mate,  'Just a little longer baby and this will be all over, just a little longer.'

"Go," Jake said with those grey eyes of his trained on me.  "She'll be fine" he promised.  "Trust me."

And I did.  I trusted Jake with everything that I am but it was still hard as hell to leave my mate behind, no matter what the circumstances were.  However, duty called.  The Machto awaited and the only way for Marissa and I to live out a care free life was for me to win, at all costs because everything and I mean everything, that meant anything was being laid out on the line today.  I had to win.

"Take care of her," I ordered and then turned on my heels to head for the arena.  No more putting it off.  It was time to get this show on the road.  I jogged a steady pace to where the Machto would take place and worked to clear my mind clear of everything except the fight ahead and the ultimate prize. 

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"You ready for this?"  My father stood at the edge of the circle where I was set to enter the ring and stared down at me.  I could easily read the apprehension in his eyes and wished that my family did not have to witness this, but we are more than just a family.  We were pack and a pack supports each other through thick and then, the good and the bad, the pretty and the ugly.  No matter what happened they would be there for both me and for my mate.  If by chance something did go wrong today, I had no doubts that they would help Marissa through it.

"Ready as I'll ever be," I told my dad honestly.  Rolling my shoulders, I shot a glance to the other side of the ring where Sergio was watching me intently.  Our eyes met and locked onto each other, hatred burned in the air and the tension between us so high that the crowd greedily fed off of it.