Unrequited Mate Page 5

  “Sorry,” Emma murmured. “I didn’t know.”

  Hayden’s shoulders sagged. She hated being a raging bitch. “Don’t worry about it. He’s not really mine. Everyone keeps saying he is, but it’s not true.” The horn blew again, giving her an out on the conversation. “I guess we should pay attention now.”

  The competition began. Sixteen targets had been set up in one section. Then eight, and finally four more. The top two would have to shoot at a moving target—whoever got closest to the center won. The rules, appeared quite simple. The competitors took their positions, and Hayden found herself trying to locate Nico.

  Butterflies fluttered in her belly as nervous energy coursed through her. She should be pissed off at herself. She shouldn’t care if he won or not. Nonetheless, she sat forward, clenching her fists as she chanted over and over, he could do it. Bell uncurled her hand and took it in hers as she smiled at her cousin. “He’ll do fine. He’s a great shot. We both know it.”

  “Yeah, whatever,” Hayden groused, not wanting to acknowledge she’d been on edge.

  “I’m going to play the cousin card for a second and act like I’m older than you when I say this.” Bell sat up a little straighter. “It’s time to let the pain go, Hay. I know he hurt you. I know he broke your heart, but you’re only hurting yourself now. You’re shutting down, and I’m afraid I’ll lose my best friend if you continue down this path. I don’t want to lose you.”

  Hayden glanced at her cousin. Tears rolled down her cheeks, and Bell bit her trembling lip. Damn it. All of the pent-up anger bled from her. If she’d been honest with herself and everyone, she used the pain as a shield—protecting herself from being hurt again. “It’s not so easy, Bell,” she whispered.

  “I know, but you’re letting it fester.” She gave a humorless chuckle. “For a long time. The guy is seriously trying to make this up to you. Look at him.” Bell pointed to the event. Nico stood in front of the target, bow in hand, arrow nocked and ready. “He’s doing this for you.”

  “Why? I don’t understand how this is proving anything,” Hayden said, some of the exasperation seeping out. “I didn’t tell him this is how you fix shit. I didn’t say I wanted him to do it. I really don’t understand.”

  “It’s simple,” Zoe replied. “He’s doing this for you. To show you he’d sacrifice his body to earn your trust. You didn’t have to tell him. You didn’t have to demand he prove himself. He’s winning your hand. He wants you. As much as you’re suffering, so is he.” She insinuated herself between Bell and Hayden. “Tell me in all honesty you don’t want your mate.”

  Hayden couldn’t say it. Tears stung the corners of her eyes, and she glanced away from her cousins. “I can’t say it.”

  “Then you’re already on the path to healing.” Zoe grinned. “I say you enjoy these games. Get to know your mate again and see what happens.”

  “I agree,” Bell added.

  “Who asked you guys?” Hayden said with a sniff.

  “No one, but you’re going to take our advice because we love you, Hayden. And because we’re family and we’ll always be here for each other.” Zoe hugged her tight.

  “Can we root for our guys, now?” Bell asked. “I really want Christoph to win.”

  “I doubt Rocky will do very well. He’s better at hand to hand.” Zoe grinned.

  “He is a bruiser, after all,” Hayden teased.

  “You know it.” She laughed.

  Hayden relaxed. Maybe her cousins were right. She needed to let it all go. Allow herself to rediscover what drew her to Nico to begin with. She also had to come to terms with the fact she’d never stopped loving him.

  The whistle sounded and Nico took the shot. The thwap of the arrow hitting the target echoed around the stadium. The arrow wiggled before going still just inside the small yellow circle. Not a bull’s-eye but close. Hayden hollered, catching even herself by surprise. Nico turned his head and winked before shaking Christoph and Bodhi’s hand. Rocky smacked him on his back, and Jackson, the last remaining dragon at Turnskin, fist bumped him.

  Round after round they went until they had four targets left. Christoph, Hill, Nico, and Winston stood waiting for the go-ahead. Bell, Hayden, and Zoe clutched each other’s hands. She held her breath as Nico took his position first. He nocked the arrow. Hayden closed her eyes, and sent a silent plea for him. At the last second, she opened her eyes and watched the arrow hit the target. This time, he hit the red. Her shoulders slumped.

  A few minutes later, Christoph stood with his fist in the air, winner of the day’s competition, and overall leader for the day. Behind him, in second place, stood Hill, the obnoxious bastard, then Nico and Winston. She followed her cousins out of the stands then out to the grassy quad where tables and catered food had been placed for them. The guys took seats at the winners’ table.

  Bell took Hayden’s hand. “Remember, we’re supposed to serve them.”

  “Right, serve them.” She smiled. “Congratulations, champions of the day. What can we get you to eat?”

  Nico’s eyes swirled, and his eyelids grew heavy. “I know what I want, little wolf.”

  “I do, too.” Laney pushed Hayden out of the way and she stumbled into Bell. “So, what can I get you boys?”

  Christoph stood and walked to Bell who’d been knocked to the ground by the stupid cow. “You can walk away, lion. We don’t need your services here.” He wrapped her cousin in his arms, pulling her to his side.

  “I’ll be the one to say whether she stays or goes,” Hill growled. “I say you keep your little twit away from her superior.”

  Christoph took a step toward Hill, and Nico put his hand on the lion’s chest. “Shut the fuck up, Hill. You’re already on my bad side with what you pulled last night. Keep going and I’ll deal with you myself.”

  Hill laughed. “You could try, but it looks like your bitch has already neutered you by rejecting you. She was desperate to fuck any shifter with a dick last night, and you weren’t even close to her radar.”

  Hayden’s stomach knotted. “That’s not true.” Mostly.

  “No? What do you call Alex?” He chuckled. “You’re a bitch in heat, Hayden. Why don’t you spread your legs and give Winston a go? I’m sure he could rock your pathetic world.”

  Nico lunged for him, and, this time, Christoph pulled him back.

  Tears blurred Hayden’s eyes as humiliation burned through her veins. “I’m sorry,” she choked. “I can’t do this. I thought I could, but…I-I can’t.”

  Without a backward glance, she ran. She didn’t know where she’d go, as long as she didn’t have to stay there. She’d never be able to erase the look on Nico’s face, nor would she forget Hill’s words. Had she, by rejecting her mate, made it so he’d never have another if she didn’t take him back? Oh God, what have I done?

  “Little wolf!” Nico called out to her as she stumbled and fell.

  She cried out and tried to curl into a little ball. She didn’t want to face him yet, but Nico with his dogged determination had other ideas.

  “Go away,” she sobbed.

  “Never,” he murmured, picking her up. “I’ll never go away.”

  “Why? Look at what we’ve done to each other.”

  “Don’t you dare let what that asshole said get to you. He’s a dick. We all know it.” He brought her to a bench and sat down with her. “As for the other, I deserved it. I know that.”

  “We’re pathetic,” she whispered.

  Nico laughed. “Yes, I guess we are. But we’ll get through it.”

  “Why are you being nice to me?” she asked, finally looking up at him. The pain in his eyes stole her breath and rubbed her insides raw.

  “Don’t you get it, little wolf. You’re my mate. I’m always going to be nice to you. I’m always going to protect you. Love you. It’s never going to change a thing between us.”

  “But you’re a limp dick now,” she spat out, harsher than she’d meant to.
“I did that to you.”

  Nico sighed. “Do you always believe what people tell you?”

  She shook her head.

  “Then you shouldn’t believe everything you hear now.” He kissed the crown of her head. “I’m just waiting for the right little wolf to come my way.”

  Chapter Six

  According to Alex, the fights went pretty quickly, depending on the fighter. Of course, Nico didn’t really care whether they went fast or slow—he had his eyes set on the prize.

  Hayden.

  His gut churned as she ran away after Hill got through with her. The fucking asshole didn’t need to be a prick. Nevertheless, Hill had done what he’d set out to do, create discord. He threw a temporary monkey wrench into his plans. Yet, if the way she had stared up at him and hadn’t pulled away when he carried her to the bench were any indication, she cared, maybe more than she wanted to vocalize at the moment. Of course, it could all be wishful thinking on his part.

  “This is how the matches go. Three rounds, five minutes apiece. No low blows. No hair pulling. No gouging of the eyes. No groin attacks.” Alex taped up his hands while the official droned on and on about what they couldn’t do in the ring. If they found an infraction in your tape, you are automatically disqualified. “Do you have any questions?”

  He glanced up at the man and shook his head. Once the ref bumped his fist, he turned his attention to Alex. “When do we find out who our first opponent is?”

  “When you get in the ring,” Alex answered. “Flex your hands and tell me how that feels.”

  “Feels good.” He opened and closed his hands. “Do I have to put those stupid gloves on?”

  “Not if you don’t want to. Best way to finish quick is submission. Take the guy down and make him tap.”

  “What else?”

  “Don’t lose.” Alex handed him a mouthguard. “You’ve got this tonight.”

  “Yeah I do.” Street fighting had kept him safe for a good portion of his life. Doing this? A cakewalk. The only person he worried about taking on was Hill. It would feel good to knock that douche down a peg or two.

  “We’re ready,” Bodhi said from the door. “Let’s go kick some ass.”

  The basketball gym had been transformed into an arena with two square rings in the middle. The students had turned out for the Sunday afternoon festivities, and they wouldn’t be disappointed. He walked to where Jackson and others stood, waiting for the brackets to be posted. He glanced up to the roped-off riser section around the ring and found Bell and Hayden sitting in their seats. Today, Hayden wore a crimson flowy dress. Her braid wrapped around her head in some intricate updo except for a few curls framing her face. His breath hitched. Wow.

  She nibbled on her bottom lip, and his groin tightened. Did she even realize what she did to him? How she drove him insane without even trying. Her gaze lit on him, and he smiled. Her eyes went wide before she gave him a little wave then started talking to Bell.

  “What did you say to her yesterday?” Bodhi came up beside him.

  “What I always say. I’ll do whatever it takes.” He shrugged.

  “That all?”

  He laughed. “Yeah. You expecting more?”

  “With you, I never know what to expect.”

  He nodded, slapping his friend on the shoulder. “Come on. It’s almost showtime.” They took up their positions near the other competitors. “So what happens now?”

  “Now, we wait to be introduced then we get in the ring and beat the shit out of each other,” Christoph said. “Should be fun.”

  His idea and Nico’s idea of fun were two different things, but if getting the shit beat out of him meant he had a chance with his mate, he’d do it. “Who’s going to be the hardest to take down?”

  “Hill is good, but Winston has a nasty habit of cheating to get what he wants. However, Kane is a scrapper. Watch for him to shift mid-round,” Jackson replied.

  “We’re warned not to shift,” he said, a little dumbfounded.

  “It won’t stop him. All those assholes care about is getting in as many hits as possible and wearing you down. Don’t for a minute think anyone here has the best of intentions.” Jackson snorted then turned his attention to the stands as the man from the day before stepped up onto the raised dais positioned between the risers.

  “And you, Jackson?” he asked.

  “I’m your worst nightmare come to life, but it doesn’t mean I’m not loyal to those who are loyal to me.” The dragon smirked.

  Before he could ask another question, the announcer raised his hands, settling everyone. “Day two has brought forth the competitors worthy of calling themselves champions. Today, we’ll see just how strong they are.”

  The man played up the whole gladiator vibe of the event. His toga had gold clips holding it together in place of yesterday’s bronze, and his wreath of leaves gleamed in the bright light of the gym—a dramatic flair, if Nico had to guess.

  “Who is that guy?”

  “Victor Lorenz,” Rocky replied. “A pain in the ass drama major who’s going to be the death of me.”

  “Now for the match opponents.” He pulled a scroll out from a hidden spot in draped material covering him. “Round one, Nico Lopez and Conner Livingston.”

  The room erupted in a cacophony of cheers.

  He chanced a glance at his mate. She held Bell’s hand in a death grip. Did she doubt his ability to fight? Or did she worry he’d get hurt? The din of the room settled around him as he watched her for a moment more. Then, stepping away from everyone, he climbed up into the ring. Across from him, Bodhi also got into the ring. His opponent, Winston.

  The mangy mutt, though smaller than Bodhi by twenty pounds, wasn’t as gangly as he’d appeared at the mixer. The bell rang, and his friend began to fight. Gathering his wits, he gave his full attention to the ref entering the ring. All the rules had been spelled out in the locker room while they got ready, but the man reiterated the major sticking points—shifting while fighting was an automatic disqualification.

  “Now bump fists and good luck.” The referee stepped back.

  He held out his fist, and Conner laughed at him before walking away. When the bell rang, he came out of his corner swinging. He bobbed and weaved past most of Conner’s punches, but the guy got in a few hits. Patient. Waiting for the right time to attack. He caught Conner when he bounced around the ring, acting like a cocky fool. The first hook shot glanced off his cheek, the second right under the chin. The wolf went down hard.

  Jumping between them, the ref began counting. “Ten,” he yelled, waggling his finger. The bell dinged, and he raised Nico’s hand in victory. The gym exploded in hollers of acclaim.

  He smiled. His body vibrated with excitement and unspent energy as adrenaline coursed through him. He climbed out of the ring and met up with Bodhi who’d left Winston lying in the middle of the ring, bloodied from the beating he’d inflicted.

  “Damn, dude, did you leave an inch of him not bloody?” he asked, with chuckled.

  “Hayden told me what the fucker said to her at the mixer.” Bodhi shrugged. “I thought I’d teach him a lesson on respect.”

  “I think he learned it.” They carted the hyena out of the arena on a stretcher. “Who’s up next?”

  “Rocky versus Jackson and Alex versus some dude named Raven.” Bodhi shoulder checked him. “Looks like Christoph took out the trash with Zac.”

  He nodded. “Good. Once we get them out of here, our chances of winning this thing grow exponentially.”

  Match after match, they fought until the final two opponents were left standing. Nico rubbed his hand across his bottom lip and spit out a glob of blood. Christoph hadn’t held back with him. The streak of blood on his hand made him frown, pulling the fresh cut. Damn it. Finally, after a submission hold, the lion tapped out. He and Christoph were worse for wear ambled out of the ring and fist bumped each other.

  He had ten minutes to get cleaned up be
fore the next round with Jackson while Bodhi took on Kane. Alex fell to Hill, but Nico watched carefully to learn his next opponent’s vulnerabilities. Hill had a weak knee and a bad habit of dropping his left arm when he jabbed, leaving him wide open.

  Up in the stands, heads close together, Hayden and her girlfriends laughed and chatted. Her whole face lit up as she fell back into her chair, holding her stomach. Her blue eyes sparkled with merriment, and filled him with resolve. He had to win this. Going another day without being around her, not experiencing everything that made up his mate, would be detrimental to his emotional wellbeing.

  When the bell rang for the last match, the announcer stood once more on the raised platform and lifted his arms. “Two men enter this ring, and one will be victorious.” The guy had a serious crush on Mad Max. “In the blue shorts, your first competitor, Nico Lopez.”

  He climbed into the ring and raised his fist into the air before rolling his shoulders.

  “And finally in the red shorts, the captain of the football team, Hill Chancy.”

  The last two matches had grated on Hayden’s nerves. Granted, Rocky had done what was expected of all the competitors—fought. But, he’d done it with such brutality, opening a cut over her mate’s eye while also leaving a few bruises on his ribs. Luckily, by the time Nico stepped into the ring with Hill, the cut had closed somewhat, and the bruises on his ribs faded to ugly green-and-yellow.

  The bell rang, and she gripped Bell’s hand. Hill stood a good three inches taller than Nico and weighed at least thirty pounds more. He lumbered around the ring while her mate followed him. She’d noticed Hill had a tendency to drop his right hand when punching with his left. Had Nico also observed this?

  “Come on,” she mumbled, sitting forward, waiting for someone to throw the first jab.

  “Limp dick.” Hill grinned, arms relaxed at his sides, and unease prickled down her spine. “I’m going to give you one good shot. Then, I’m going to rip you apart in front of your bitch.”