Chapter 130

Chapter 0130

There’s an undertone to his question that I’m guessing relates to him knowing what has happened between Rik and I. So, I focus on the things that I’m willing to tell him.

“My shift was more difficult than usual, but Artemis was able to run for a couple of hours before Kai had us rest. Then she was pretty tired on our way home and since my shift back, she has been pretty quiet.”

He looks at me, focused on my progress rather than my scent. “What did Artemis say about her day?”

“She loved it. She has wanted to run with Kai for a while. And even though she’s not at full strength, she still had a great time running and playing today.”

“We’re going to grab some food. We just wanted to come over and say hello.” Rik says

before my father can redirect the conversation back to my scent. He steers me over to another table with a group of families that I’ve never met.

It’s a fun evening meeting new pack members and talking to some of the younger pups. They are all really sweet and I have fun listening to the moms telling stories about them.

Rik walks me home afterward. He leaves me with a lingering kiss. “Get some rest little guardian. Tomorrow, I plan to win our match and then I’ll be making sure everyone knows you’re mine.”

I laugh. “Because your scent all over me isn’t enough?”

He just smiles and turns me around. “Goodnight love, sleep well.”

The next morning, I wake up ready for my match up. ‘How are you feeling Artemis?‘ I ask her. I’m wondering if there is any possibility of me actually beating Rik today.

‘I’m good, recovered from yesterday, but still not at full strength. Maybe another day or two.‘ She replies.

‘Any concerns with me sparring with Rik today? Do I need to worry that this will impact your healing?‘

‘None at all. I’m not sure we’re strong enough to defeat him, not today. He’s a strong alpha. But we should still give it our best shot.‘

I head downstairs and walk out back. The warriors are all lining up, ready for the show. I walk over to Dean. “So, what are the odds on how long it will take for Rik

1/2

+15 BONOS

to pin me?” I ask.

Dean gives me a tentative look. “Well,” he gulps. Oh, this ought to be good. “ Please know that I’m just the manager of the bets, it doesn’t mean that I agree.”

I squint my eyes at him. “And I don’t want Artemis to be offended and take it out on me.” He says quickly. Okay, now I’m really curious. Do they think Rik is that much stronger than I am?

Trevor walks over. “Just so you know, my bet is the one saying you’ll last the longest.”

I turn to him. “And how long do you think I’ll last?”

“My bet is one hour.” He says. An hour is respectable, but if his bet is the longest, what is everyone else’s? I turn back to Dean. “And the other bets?”

He shifts uncomfortably. I feel Rik walking up behind me, his hands resting on my hips as he listens in. Dean looks at me. “Just remember Artemis, this isn’t my bet. I’m not allowed to bet. But….Trevor is the longest at an hour.” Rik nods in acknowledgement at that.

“And the shortest?” I ask.

“Five minutes.”

Rik scoffs behind me. “What idiot thought I’d pin Cara in 5 minutes?”

“Richard.” He says.

Rick the Dick. Of course. Next time I spar with him, I’m going to crush his family jewels for that one.

My father joins us then and calls us over. “Cara? You sure you’re ready for this?” I nod. Let’s do this.