Page 25 of Becoming One
CHAPTER 9
Nelson left his seat and made his way down the stands with Ezra, Jewel, and ten guards following. When they hit the bottom, they had to walk around to the opposite side of the arena where Orion and the other contestants awaited their turns. Just as they were approaching the area, the announcer came over the loud speaker.
“Your attention please.”
Suddenly, silence filled the packed arena as all eyes focused on the contestants.
“Each of our matches for the day have been completed except for the highly anticipated fight for position of Regal to the Re. As you know, this is the top position of our kind, only second to our King. All contenders for this position have been defeated, except for our last two candidates. The Re’s Regal match will begin now. The winners from all of today’s other competitions will be presented at the end of the ceremony, and they will return here tomorrow for the remainder of the matches. Would our last two contenders of the day please enter the arena? Radeem Napal of the Eastern coven and our very own top ranking Primo of the Imperial Guard, Orion Leventis,” the announcer said.
“Shit, we’re too late. We need to stop him from entering the ring,” Jewel said anxiously.
“No, you’re right, baby, it’s too late. Orion’s name has been called and he’s stepping into the arena now. If he steps back out, he forfeits the match,” Ezra replied.
Jewel turned to look at him and he could see the worry in his best friend’s eyes.
“There has to be a way to delay this, Ezzie,” Jewel cried.
Ezra turned to look at him, his concern and apology apparent. “I’m sorry, Nelson, but even I as the Re can’t stop the match once they have both stepped into the arena. It is our written law. All we can do now is have faith in Orion’s strength and ability, and pray he wins.”
Nelson nodded as tears burned the back of his eyes. He had no idea who this man, this vampire, was who his mate was about to face, but just from that one moment when their gazes met, he could feel the evil within the man. He knew his mate was strong and fierce, and had no doubt that he could beat anyone, but a sense of foreboding wrapped itself around him and Nelson was terrified for his mate’s life.
As he turned to watch the match his fox began to claw and maul inside him. Nelson could feel his animal’s need to come out, but he knew he couldn’t allow that right then. Nelson swallowed hard as he fixed his gaze on his mate, watching as Orion stepped into the center of the ring and faced the evil Nelson knew stood before him.
The referee raised his hand high into the air, then quickly brought it down, signaling for the fight to begin.
Napal immediately stepped closer as he threw a right punch but came up short. He then threw a left and another right, as he screamed in Orion’s face, but Nelson could see it was all for show, Napal was trying to intimidate Orion. Orion remained frozen, not even flinching, his gaze locked on his opponent.
As Napal stepped in and drew his arm back, giving away his intention, Orion struck. Balancing on his right leg, he threw his left leg forward, his large foot hitting Napal square in the chest and sending him reeling backwards. Napal hit the ground hard and the stadium came alive with cheers. The sound was deafening.
Napal got to his hands and knees as he tried to stand, but before he got the chance, Orion brought his right foot down hard on Napal’s back and the man screamed out in pain as his back bowed and he hit the ground again.
Orion danced on the balls of his feet as he moved around Napal waiting for the vampire to get up. Napal got to his feet and glared at Orion as he used the back of his hand to wipe the blood away from the side of his mouth.
Both men faced one another again, their eyes glowing, jaws clenching, and Napal breathing hard. Suddenly he rushed at Orion, but Nelson’s mate was prepared for the attack and jumped to the side, then quickly spun around so Napal wouldn’t be at his back.
Napal caught himself before he fell again and spun around to face Orion. Nelson could see the fury in the man’s eyes, almost like a wild, caged beast waiting to release his inner anger. The sight made Nelson shiver as goosebumps covered his body. Again, his fox was clawing to get out, begging Nelson for release, but he held him inside.
They began to circle, never breaking their eye contact, then all of a sudden Napal smiled in that wicked way that caused Nelson’s hair to rise. Nelson shifted his gaze to Orion and his brows drew down in confusion when he saw that Orion looked like he was frozen in place. Nelson could see the look of confusion pass over Orion’s eyes.
Instantly, Napal charged, wrapping his arms around Orion’s waist and let the momentum take them to the ground with Napal on top. He began raining blows to Orion’s head and body and Orion never fought back. Nelson cringed, and his fox whined.
“Somethings not right. Why isn’t he fighting back?” Jewel cried.
“I don’t know, Sweetheart, but it looks like… he can’t,” Ezra replied, and Nelson could hear the uncertainty in his voice.
“I know there are no rules and they can use anything at their disposal, but if this is some kind of magic Napal is using, then how is he using it? I didn’t think a vampire as young as he is had that kind of power,” Jewel said.
“He shouldn’t,” Ezra replied, narrowing his eyes as he focused on the match.
Suddenly a thought hit Nelson and he gasped as he turned to look at Ezra. “Are they allowed outside help?”
Ezra’s head snapped in his direction as he looked at Nelson like he had two heads. “No honorable vampire would gain help in a match in the Ceremonies.”
“You’re right, Ezra, but listen to what you just said, nohonorablevampire would do that, but what about someonewithouthonor? You said yourself you didn’t like the way Napal fought. That he had no honor,” Nelson argued.
“Shit, you’re right,” Ezra agreed and they all turned back to the fight.
Napal was still straddling Orion as he punched him over and over. The referee moved closer, watching the two, but then he looked up, catching Ezra’s gaze, and Nelson could see the question in the man’s eyes. He was actually asking Ezra if he should stop the fight and call it.