Everyone was staring at Xander and soon the group of Elders started clapping. Ken gave a discreet nod to Maya. Maya understood that with the simple gesture Ken had given his approval of her mate.
For Ken it had been important that Maya stayed well protected as she was one of the few people he loved. And Xander had shown that he was not only brawns but he could also use his brains.
"The third and the final test", boomed out one of the Elders. " Is a fight against the opponents paired with you. The only thing not allowed is cheating to win. You are allowed to attack. You must rely on the weapons given to you at birth to win against them."
The four contenders were paired against four already existing warriors. They stood facing each other. Justin blew the whistle, signalling the start of the fight.
The warrior facing Xander raced towards him and started attacking him in a series of punches one after the other. With him beginning to attack immediately, Xander could only defend himself. Still he tried to search for a opening to land a blow.
Finally, Xander decided to catch a punch of the warrior and twisted throwing the warrior over his shoulder. The warrior was winded for a second. Taking advantage of that fact, Xander quickly sat on his torso and attacked the warrior by punching his face mercilessly. The warrior blacked out but Xander was still going.
Ken stepped up and pulled Xander from the warrior. Xander turned, pushed him away and went to attack Ken, but Ken gave him a kick on the stomach. Xander flew a little way back and fell on his ass. Maya quickly placed a hand on Xander's shoulder. Her touch effectively calming him.
Xander huffed out, "Sorry Alpha, I lost control of my wolf." and turned to look at Maya.
Ken nodded thoughtfully. He knew that in tests such as these, wolves often thought that their superiority is being challenged. Xander was good for a Beta level position. However they had none at this point in time.
Finally almost all the tests were done and all of the contestants had managed to prove that they were worthy of warrior positions.
Ken and Maya stepped forward together and congratulated the new warriors. Maya informed them that they now had a whole day to rest and have fun before Ken would inform them of their respective duties. All the contestants had a look of relief on their face and were smiling slightly as the crowd slowly dispersed.
The girl contestant stepped towards Xander and hugged him lightly causing Maya to stiffen and narrow her gaze. Maya stepped forward and went to yank her away but Xander saw her move and quickly caught Maya's wrist and pulled the young girl behind him. "Her name is Claire. She is my sister.", He clarified to Maya.
look. Claire smiled and hugged Maya suddenly. Maya was pleasantly surprised, she looked up to see Xander frowning at them. She raised her eyebrows in silent query but Xander just shook his
our parents were here. They would have adored you so much." Xander visibly stiffened at her words and even Ken noticed. He came closer to
alright?" Ken
Xander replied in a
and strode away to get washed. Claire followed him
and Ken watched confused after
--------------------
A few hours later..
Inside the house her family was
her mate out of her mind. She
as if her thoughts had conjured him in front of her, Xander stepped out of the tree line. He calmly and confidently strode towards her. Maya watched his progress
about today." He began before pausing to take a deep breath, "The truth is we grew up without parents so I am a little overprotective of my sister and I don't want... I don't like talking about them. I hate the fact that they left us to fend for
a light hand on his arm. "It's okay. I can't say I understand because
gave her a grateful smile, "I wanted to ask one more thing. Will you come on a date with me tomorrow? Since
gently tipped her head forward showing
around at the sound to find Judy standing
his
your help in cooking." Judy ushered
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Next morning: