My Destined

Chapter 8

Leia

Weaving around the trees, I was still ahead of the person chasing me, but they were getting closer. That's when the intoxicating smell filled my nose, and I almost stopped my run. No, Leia!! I shook my head and continued running despite my wolf trying to surface. "Leia! Let our mate tag you! Tala was anxious and trying to fight my determination to get to the finish line before being tagged.

Too focused on forcing my wolf into the back of my mind, I did not notice I had slowed down until two strong hands grabbed me. My feet stopped, and I fell to the ground in exhaustion, but I did not feel the hard ground I was expecting. My hair sat messily and almost entirely out of the ponytail; my palms and back were sweaty, and my heart was racing.

As I tried to catch my breath, I looked to see what I had landed on and realized it was Cael. My wolf growled in response, not wanting to see him. My eyes widened, and my cheeks reddened as I scrambled off him. His huge grin quickly faded when a deep growl erupted from behind me. Someone was still holding onto my arm. I looked up to see Adriel fuming with darkened eyes. I whined in response as Adriel lifted me and held me close to his chest.

Tala bounced around gleefully, but I was too focused on the staredown between these two alphas. The power radiating between them felt almost unbearable as I curled into Adriel's chest. My mind wanted to push him away and run as fast as I could toward the finish line, but my body wouldn't move, and my tattoo burned intensely at the proximity.

"She's mine. Leave." Adriel spoke harshly. I saw Cael standing with his arms crossed over his chest and a huge smirk on his tanned face. That's when I realized they were both shirtless. My eyes widened, and my cheeks burned at the realization that I was being held against Adriel's bare chest. Stealing a peek, my wolf reveled in the feel and look of his lean frame and firm abs. Oh, my Goddess.

"Sorry, lover boy, I believe I caught Miss Leia first." I could see a fire in Cael's green eyes, and I was unsure how he could be so confident. Squirming in Adriel's arms, I tried to speak.

"U-um, since you can't decide, why don't you both let me go while you figure it out!" I offered, hoping I could sneak away while their testosterone battle continued. Adriel's grip tightened as he looked down at me with dark eyes, his black hair a complete mess.

"No." All I could do was nod in agreement. "I'm giving you a chance to leave, Alpha Cael," Adriel spoke threateningly, but Cael didn't budge. He just gave a loud howling laugh, which only made Adriel angrier.

"If you want to fight me, lover boy, you'll have to stop hiding behind poor Leia." Cael teased, and I could feel the growl from Adriel rumbling through his hard chest. Adriel reluctantly let me go, not wanting to step down from a fight. I rubbed my arms that were gripped so tightly and stepped back.

"Stay." There was no joking in Adriel's voice, and I almost froze. No, this is my chance!

I watched as the two Alphas began to turn into their wolf forms, their clothes ripping into pieces. My eyes widened at the sight; they were both huge! Adriel's wolf was the most beautiful wolf I've ever seen. His fur was almost entirely black, and his eyes were that beautiful, piercing blue. Cael's wolf was more petite than Adriel's, with dusty brown and red-colored fur and green eyes. Tala was going crazy over Adriel's wolf, wanting me to let her out so she could go to him. I fought her off, knowing not to get in the middle of an Alpha fight.

They circled each other before Cael lunged first. I gasped loudly, but Adriel was fast and quickly dodged it. I sighed in relief, not wanting Adriel to be hurt. Wait, why do I care? I returned to my senses, and that's when I turned and started running. My feet hurt from running, but I pushed myself to go. I heard howling from behind me but refused to look back. "What are you doing?! That's our mate!!" Tala was howling furiously, making my headache.