The Luna's Second Chance Mate novel Chapter 4

LARISSA

The square went entirely quiet at the words of Richard and from the looks of it, even Stefan was shocked. He rose to his feet and the square became even quieter, if that was even possible.

"Who do you think you are, challenging your alpha to a duel?" Vernon, Stefan's beta spat at Richard who looked undisturbed.

"It's not a duel, but just a game of sparring." Richard said, shrugging.

"How dare —"

"I accept your challenge." Stefan's voice echoed around the square. This got the people talking and whispers could be heard all over the grounds.

Stefan stepped down from his seat on the podium and picked up the second sword.

"May the best man win."

The pack was humming with so much excitement now. Nobody had ever taken this game that seriously, though people always got hurt. There had never been a match with this much experience in it; the alpha who was the strongest of the pack with or without a sword in his hand and Richard, my brother who was a five time winner of the prestigious Swordsman Of The Year award.

Both of them bowed to each other, then to the crowd and the fighting began. It kicked off on a fast note as Stefan's first attack was easily blocked by Richard. They clinked swords together for a while before Richard caught him unawares and struck him on his right sleeve.

Everyone gasped loudly as blood trickled from their alpha's clothes. Richard's face was a look of pure concentration. We all knew this was just a game and there was no pressure or anything but it wouldn't send a good message if Stefan lost and though his face was expressionless, I knew he was very aware of it.

Richard charged again at him hitting one, two, three times but all his attacks were well blocked. And suddenly this didn't seem like a game anymore. Stefan tried to charge but Richard was relentless, he charged again, striking multiple times till he caught Stefan again. This time it was on the right thigh.

Another roar came from the crowd at this and suddenly it began to look like Stefan was going to lose. He took a few steps back and glanced at me. For a few seconds my heart froze. Why did he look my way? But before I could think he roared and charged at my brother. Richard was expecting this and so blocked but Stefan used his strength to slash Richard's shirt and for the first time today, he bled.

Richard stepped back holding his chest and before anyone knew what was happening, he jumped at Stefan, slashing at his sword hand, this made Stefan drop his sword.

The crowd went wild again at this, the alpha was now completely helpless. All hope was lost.

"Do you give up?" Richard asked, pointing his sword to Stefan's face.

Stefan smiled and said, "Why would I?" And immediately dropped to the ground, kicking Richard off his feet and grabbing his sword as he fell. Richard was now on the ground as Stefan towered over him.

"Now you lose." He crouched and dug his sword deep.

Everyone gasped and my heart clenched. But before any tear dropped, Stefan raised Richard to his feet to show that the sword was dug into the ground and not Stefan's heart.

There was a long sigh of relief from the crowd then a thunderous round of applause followed. That might have been breathtaking at one point but it was definitely the best sparring match of all time in the pack.

"You're very skilled and your attack is solid. You should consider becoming a soldier, there's always room for fighters like you." Stefan said to Richard.

All eyes fell on Richard at this remark. The alpha was personally offering him a place in his army, that was a big deal.

Richard smiled, "I'm honored to hear this my lord but I can't take care of the family business and also be a soldier at once." He said, bowing respectfully.

"I understand. Good match." Stefan gave him a handshake and there was another round of applause.

After that, the party began in earnest. There was food, drinks and much more. I introduced Joy to Chloe and my family who loved her at first sight. After a couple of hours, Stefan came over to our table to get me but my mother wouldn't let me go so early.

"Can she spend just a little more time with us before she leaves, alpha? It's been ages." She told him in a pleading voice.

Stefan looked at all of us, "Is this what you want, Rissa?" He asked me.

This took me aback a little as he never called me anything other than You or Hey but I answered anyway,

"Yes. I would love to stay here a little longer." I smiled.

"Then there's not much I can do." He smiled and kissed my cheek. "See you later, my love." He said and left.

"Such a gentleman, you are lucky my dear." My mom said when he was gone.

I just smiled and said nothing. Those words really hurt but I couldn't say anything now.

After a while, my dad suggested we go back home together. "You can come too, dear." He told Joy.