Alpha Axel

Nine

I sat with Jackson in the kitchen, still discussing pack business when I heard someone approach. I turned my head to see Axel standing against the doorway. He gave me a curt nod and then walked away, giving me the signal I had been waiting for. 

Jackson gathered up a few of the papers and placed them under his arm. "Well, alpha, let's get this over with." His eyes met mine and I gave him a nod, too nervous to speak. Jackson led the way out of the kitchen and I took a deep breath before following after him. 

We walked out into the clearing, the grassy area already full of wolves and those who hadn't shifted yet. Word must spread quickly in this place. 

I felt all eyes turn to us as we approached. I could hear the whispers among the croud, and not one face looked happy to be there. Axel stood there next to Tanner and another man who I didn't recognize. I nodded my head in respect as we walked up to them, and Tanner gave me a smile. "Good to see you again Skylar. I'm glad you've decided to stay a while this time." His tone was playful, and I gave him a slight smile before my eyes wandered over to Axel. His face was emotionless as he looked down at me. 

His eyes scanned my face as if he was looking for any signs of weakness or regret. "This is Zachary, one of the best fighters within my pack. You will continue until the other is pinned and submits under the other. There will be no death on the field today." His voice was level and held no emotion as he talked to me. There was no appearance of being a mate with him right now, he was purely an Alpha before me. 

I gave Axel a nod that I understood the rules and then turned to the man that I would be fighting. He outstretched his hand and I shook it. "I'm Zachary, but you can call me Zach. It's an honor to fight for my pack." I gave him a little nod and followed him into the ring of people that had formed around us. 

We stood at opposite sides of the clearing and I felt my heart begin to race. I had sparred hundreds of times, but nothing had quite prepared me for a fight like this. 

"Begin." I jumped at Axel's unexpected voice, and I heard the crowd let out a small bit of laughter. They were laughing at me, and I felt my cheeks burn with embarrassment, but when I saw Zach coming toward me, I let all my emotions slide away. I put my hands up like a boxer would to protect their face, and allowed my breathing to steady. Zach ran at me, throwing a few jabs that I easily blocked. His hands were quick, and I was working up a sweat blocking them. 

Zach's lunge was higher than I anticipated, but I easily dodged it, knocking his large body to the side with a hard push. His large feet stumbled slightly before he regained his footing and approached me again. I took a few steps back to give some more space between us. 

"C'mon princess, let's play." Zach's voice was playful but anger boiled quickly in my stomach. I hated pet names, and especially princess. The only one to call me that was ever Lane-

"Shit." I muttered under my breath as Zach's hands were once again jabbing, a few landing on my stomach, but I threw a left hook that connected with his cheek. He took a step back and put a hand to his cheek, touching the tender spot where my fist connected. 

"Too bad I'm not a damsel in distress," I said before launching myself at him, causing him to sidestep, but just before I would have reached him, I spun around, throwing my foot into the air. My kick connected with Zach's face, and I heard him snarl at me. My momentum carried me around my twist, and I faced a slightly bloody Zach, his body shaking uncontrollably. His eyes were turning darker, but not quite the black that Axel possessed whenever he was pissed.

"You little bitch. You'll regret that." Zach was before me in an instant, his fists connecting themselves with my stomach, knocking the wind from me. I staggered back, but his fists kept coming until I threw up my arms, blocking some of his lethal jabs. His hands hit onto my arms repeatedly and I guarantee they will be completely black in a few hours.