Page 48 of Becoming One
Orion took a few more steps forward, his gaze locked on Nicu as he stated calmly, “As Ezra’s Regal for over two years, as well as just being a vampire, you should know there is no challenging the current Re for position. The Re is chosen by our people and I don’t think there is a man, woman, or child in our world who would cast a vote for you, Nicu. So tell me, what is this interruption really about, because I know challenging Ezra isn’t it.”
Nicu fully turned to face Orion and gave him an evil smile. “You’re right, asshat. I came for you. You stole my job and you cheated in our match yesterday. I have come to reclaim my place as Regal, serving our new, rightful Re when he takes the throne, and to kill you and your useless little mate. You and Ezra disgust me. Taking male mates is against our laws.”
“It has never been against our laws, Nicu,” Ezra replied.
“Yes, it is. When the vampire race began, our creator deemed it so. I know. He told me. He showed me the writings. The real writings,” Nicu argued.
“That’s a lie and a total crock of shit!” Jewel screamed. “And seeing as my brother’smalemate is the creator of the vampires, I should know!”
A collective gasp ran through the room quicker than a wildfire. Nelson knew it wasn’t from Jewel’s declaration about homosexuality in their world, the vampires all knew what Nicu was saying about male mates wasn’t true. There were many same sex mating’s in the vampire world and no one thought anything of them. It was the declaration about Rune, his fairy brother-in-law which got their attention.
Not too many people knew the truth of Rune’s creation of the species, but they did think that their creator had abandoned them, leaving them for dead, and it was only out of the guidance of Volak the first Re, that their race survived.
Now that the cat was out of the bag that Ezra was now family to the vampire creator, and the knowledge of who he actually was, they would have to warn Jewel’s brother Kerrick and their other mate Dane, so they could keep a better watch on Rune.
Nelson didn’t think the majority of vampires would do anything, and the ones who might, would change their tune when they found out that Rune had not abandoned them, but set them free to rescue them from the evil fuck, Fallon. Then they too, would understand why he had done it and would hold no ill will for the fairy. But Nelson was sure there would be some who would still be angry and want to get revenge on Rune.
“No, it just proves that you are not worthy to be the Re’s mate,” Nicu sneered.
“Enough!” Orion shouted, causing everyone to go silent.
Once Nicu looked to Orion again, Orion continued, “You came here to challenge me again, didn’t you?”
“Yes. I deserve to be Regal, not you.”
Orion smiled as his eyes filled with happiness. The move taking Nicu off guard, and he tilted his head in confusion as he stared dumbly at Orion.
His mate looked up into the stands and turned in a complete circle as he addressed the crowd. “Is there anyone here who wishes to battle for position of Regal to our Re? Anyone? Step forward now.”
When no one moved, or made a sound, Orion turned back to face Nicu. “It looks like it’s just you and me who want the position. So I challenge you to fight for the job, Nicu, but this time, no outside help, no weapons, and no trickery. If you step into this ring to fight me, then we go old school.”
“Fine by me. I don’t need anything to help me beat your ass, shithead. I can do it all on my own. Mano y Mano,” Nicu replied.
“Yes, we will be hand to hand, but I said old school, as in the original fight that our great leader Volak, rest his soul, competed in in the first Ceremonies. We go back to the way all the battles were originally fought.”
Nicu’s eyes widened and filled with shock and fear as a collective gasp rang out again. Nelson had no idea what his mate was talking about, but from Nicu and everyone else’s reactions, Nelson didn’t like it. Jael stepping forward to question Orion didn’t help matters any, either.
“Orion, you can’t mean that. You know what that means,” Jael said, his voice cracking slightly.
“Orion, my friend, are you sure of what you’re saying?” Ezra asked, as he moved to Orion’s side, his voice was filled with concern.
Orion looked to Ezra and nodded. “Yes, Ezra. I know exactly what I am saying. It is the only way I will feel like I deserve the position. After yesterday’s fiasco, I have been filled with regret and worry that our people will question my right to be Regal. You know as well as I do that winning by forfeit isn’t winning at all,” Orion explained.
The two men stood staring at one another for a few moments before Ezra gave Orion a tight nod, then turned around and looked at Nicu. “The challenge has been made, do you accept it?”
“If I win will you accept it?” Nicu asked.
“Yes,” Ezra replied simply, but then added, “But I know you won’t win. So, do you accept Orion’s challenge for position of Regal to the Re?”
Nicu stood tall and proud as he answered, “I do.”
“Okay then. Let the battle begin. Clear the ring and bring the leather bindings!” Ezra ordered.
Leather bindings? What the hell was about to happen? Nelson thought to himself, but before he could think any more, Orion wrapped his arms around him and pulled their bodies close. “I love you with all that I am. You know that, right, Starlight?”
“Orion, you’re scaring me. What is this battle you’re talking about and why do I feel like grabbing you and running like hell?”
Orion gave him a beautiful, loving smile and kissed him tenderly. “My mate, always so worried about me, and never afraid to try and protect me. It will all be okay, Nelson, I promise. Please believe in me.”