The Werewolf King’s Mate
Chapter 27

Lucas' POV:

We were on our 8th day. The first five days were challenging, with the pack members needing to learn the basics and keeping them in line. We saw progress on the 6th day. Most are now consistent, have found their forms, and defend themselves in one-on-one combat. They were also taught what to do when a surprise attack or someone was taken hostage. We also had to take a one-day break because the members complained about body aches. But, overall, I am glad to see we are progressing. We covered anything that we could cover during the first few days. As for Cory and me, I am glad we could still have some time together. She was one of the few pack members that immensely improved. There was more power in her punches and kicks.

"That's right, babe! Just twist your arms when you are going to throw your punch." I demonstrated it to her so she would better understand.

"Oh, alright! Got it!" Then she proceeded to do the notion.

"Now, try adding more power to it." She threw in a punch, and the bag swayed.

"That's it, babe! Same with your kicks. Maintain the form, and add more power when launching an attack. You are doing so great!"

"Thank you, Lucas!" I pecked her cheeks in response.

"Lucas! PDA!" I laughed at her protest. She was beet red, and I couldn't help but tease her more.

"Get used to it, babe. I want everyone to know you are mine."

I winked at her. For the past few days, I have been showering her with kisses and displaying public affection. Aside from people still doubting our relationship, a certain Alpha keeps looking at her. He keeps stealing glances at Cory. When I looked at the Alpha, he had a face of disappointment, hurt, and regret.

Too late, Alpha. She's mine now.

By 9 in the morning, everyone had arrived. Today is the second part of the training program. We have organized a round-robin tournament where everyone can participate and display their new set of skills in front of the whole pack.

"Listen up, everyone! Today, we will have a match to determine how much you have learned and for you to showcase your strengths. With the exemption of the minors and elderly pack members, you will have to fight with an unknown opponent. And to know who that will be, you have to pick a number from the box. Those with the same number must battle in the center ring." Silas announced the mechanics.

"Can we fight in our wolf form?" One of the pack members asked.

"There will be two rounds for each match. The first is to fight in your human form, and the other in your wolf form. You are given 15 minutes for each round. Expect to get injured, but! We will not allow anyone to k*ll another member to win. Those who cannot fight or surrender will move to the next level. Other questions?"

"How about those without wolves?" As expected. I knew someone would ask this.

"They will have to fight in their human form. They have to think of a way to defeat the rogues. Being a good fighter is not just about strength or power; it also comes with critical thinking and strategizing," I answered. "Anything else?"

None of them asked further questions, so we started the draw. People who had selected a number were now scanning the room to identify their opponent. Some are already disheartened from knowing their opponents, and some are up for the challenge. We gave them a few minutes to settle down and replace their seats to observe the match.

"Now, we will start the matches. Tommy will be the referee, while me, Elias, and the King will oversee the matches and have the right to stop them," Silas announced.

"For the first match, pair #1, please enter the ring." Ellie, the emcee, called on the first pair.

Two men stood. From the looks of it, the other seemed to have an advantage. He was one of the fighters in the pack, and we observed he had tremendous strength. On the other hand, his opponent has no experience in close combat. He was at a disadvantage considering the experience and strength of his opponent.

"Fighters, are you ready?" Both nodded and went to their stance position. On the screen, it showed their names. John, an experienced fighter, will face off with Drew. Ding! Ding! Ding!

When the bell rang, they circled each other, observing the movements and waiting for someone to make the first move. John tried to move forward and surprise Drew with an attack. They continued to circle each other. Minutes later, Drew made the first attack with a right hook. But being the experienced fighter he is, John is able to defend himself. Round one was over. Drew had a few bruises but could still fight in the second round. Their wolves also exhibited power and strength. They showed different strikes and defensive tactics throughout the match. The fight between John and Drew came to an end when John landed a combination of strikes that caused Drew to fall over.

The series of matches went on. There were matches between different genders, ages, and even between mates. Some unexpected matches surprised the whole crowd. And the rest, the outcome was just as expected. The three of us continued to observe everyone's strengths and weaknesses. After this session, the observations and assessments will be presented to both them and the Alpha.

"That was the end of match 21! Congratulations, Matt! You will be moving to the next round! Ellie announced the winner.

"Now, let's have our pair #22. Please come up on stage!"

T

I didn't know what number Cory got. So when I saw her standing, I immediately shifted my focus to the ring. Cory has natural strength and power, but it doesn't mean I would not worry about her. I know she can do it now more than ever.

"I think she can survive round 1, but not so sure in round 2."

"Can she even survive?"

"How can she fight her opponent's wolf in human form?"

"Maybe the king will stop the fight even before round 2. Of course, he will be protective of his mate."

People have been whispering their doubts and speculations about this fight. Most of them doubted her abilities because they think she doesn't have her wolf yet. That's where they were wrong. They were wrong to think that Cory was weak. And they were wrong to think that Cory cannot fight in her wolf form. Because who wouldn't if all these times they knew her wolf did not exist and that she was able to shift just recently?

A few days ago, Cory collapsed due to extreme pain. I quickly picked her up and put her to bed. That was when I noticed that the white fur on her arms and her eyes had changed from brown to amber. She was shifting. Hotah wants to be out. I could hear bones breaking, and more and more of her fur appeared. Her ears and tail popped. Cory kept on screaming as she shifted into her wolf. I stood beside her to ease the pain, and slowly, she was on all fours.

She gazed up at the moon and let out a howl that echoed through the stillness of the night.