Chapter 4

"My King, is there a problem?" Rick went closer and asked in a hushed undertone.

Kellan said nothing still, his gaze on the strange lady. 

Finally, he took some steps towards her, causing the people to draw their breaths and shift uncomfortably. Scarlett was confused and just kept watching.

He stopped halfway to where she was, when her looks became too confusing for him. Something about her seemed so familiar. She had the same body features as the lady from the other night. But her hair and eye color was contradicting. He was damn sure the hair and eyes of his mate were red. But the hair and eyes of the lady in front of him was black. It wasn't adding up.

'They're not the same person. They just look alike.' he thought to himself.

That was the possible explanation. They simply just looked alike.

Conclusively, he turned away and walked back to where a table and chair had been arranged for him. Winter had seen the whole thing and felt very disturbed. For a long time, she stole glances at Scarlett, wondering why the King stared at her like that, like she was someone familiar.

"Let it begin." Kellan gave Rick the go ahead. He was now seated comfortably in his chair.

Bowing his head, Rick faced the people before him. He gave them the instructions on what to do, as well as the rules and regulations. As he spoke, Scarlett kept thinking about the Alpha King and why he had stared so intently at her. She could swear she was the one being looked at. His sapphire eyes were too locked on her for her to be mistaken. The question was why? Has she done something wrong without her even knowing?

"I need you all in pairs! Come on! Everyone, find someone to pair with." Rick gave the final command.

Slight mumblings were heard as the people made their choice. It turned out there was an odd number because Scarlett was the only one left out. Nobody made an attempt to pair with her, instead, they all gave her those repugnant looks like she was a gold-digger.

"I can't imagine myself pairing with her." One of the ladies spoke in muffled tones to another.

"She shouldn't even be here. This selection is meant for people from noble families alone. She's a nobody." Another said with an eye roll.

Scarlett could clearly hear them, but she remained calm, waiting for whatever would happen. She was the only one left, so she figured the beta will have something to do about it.

Perched upon his regal seat, Kellan observed the details unfolding before him. He noticed how everyone deliberately avoided the lady like she was some kind of plaque. Nobody wanted to pair with her, and that made him curious. Were they avoiding her because there was something wrong with her? Or was it because she was too powerful for them?

In all of this, what intrigued him the most was her calmness. She appeared so unbothered and maintained this rigid expression. She looked tough - he admitted 

"Um... turns out we have one person left out." Rick pointed out, looking at Scarlett. "What do we possibly do?"

Silence stretched. Rick was about suggesting something, but the King's voice interrupted him.

"What's your name?"

Everyone looked at the king as he rose from his seat, his eyes on Scarlett.

Scarlett arched her brows. She had planned to remain unbothered no matter what may happen, but she never made plans on how to react if the King paid attention to her.

He's the Supreme King, for Selene's sake! The Alpha of every other Alpha! The most powerful ruler in the country. She never imagined herself being worthy in his eyes, let alone getting his attention. What was happening?

"S... Scarlett, my King." She dipped her head.

Kellan advanced towards her, his strides deliberate and unhurried. Each step he took echoed calculated grace of a predator closing in on its prey.

If it wasn't for how well-trained Scarlett was, she'd have definitely taken a step back. She hardly feared the sight of anyone. As a matter of fact, she couldn't recall the last time she stammered. But the man in front of her was no ordinary man. He was the King!

"Scarlett." Kellan repeated the name like a melody.

He stopped barely three feet away from her.

"Why is everyone avoiding you? Do you have any idea?"

Scarlett's forehead wrinkled. She was tempted to look him in the face, but she kept her head bowed.

"I have no idea, my king. Maybe, they fear me." She answered as politely as possible.

Kellan gave out a light chuckle. "They fear you? How strong are you?"

Scarlett gave no reply. Her insides were burning already and she wanted nothing more than to have some space.

"I'm curious, Scarlett. I'm curious to know how powerful you are. So, I'm challenging you to a fight."

For the first time, Scarlett got the courage to look at him. Surprise flickered across her face, she couldn't conceal it. Was the King challenging her to a fight?!

Shock rippled through the people. They couldn't believe Scarlett was getting the King's attention that much. Majority of them had expected her to be totally ignored and if possible, get kicked out. But there she was, getting the King's attention!

"What do you say, Scarlett? I believe you should be bold enough to fight me." Kellan turned away from her, returning to his table.

Scarlett wanted to believe she was in a trance. Why would the king challenge her to a fight? It was normal for him to challenge anyone, but why her of all people?

She watched him take off his expensive watch and ring. Shit! This was getting real.

There was no way she could say no to his challenge. That would make her look weak and probably get her kicked out. Hell, no; she couldn't afford to lose her job on her first day.

Done taking off his jewelries, Kellan cocked his head at her. She was still in the crowd, but slowly, she stepped out, approaching him.

From the way she walked, he could guess her defense stances already. He's been fighting for years and could easily guess an opponent's first attack tactics. And speaking from experience, she was likely to attack him from the right.

He interlaced his fingers behind his back and watched calmly as she stood in front of him. She bowed in obeisance, her glossy ponytail flipping as she did.

"I accept your challenge, my king."

Kellan walked further into the middle of the field. Scarlett followed. The people's eyes brimmed with anticipation, hungrily awaiting the spectacle about to unfold.

Scarlett and the King took their stance in the middle of the field. And with Scarlett bowing one more time, she clenched her hands into tight fists, ready to engage.

Kellan was calm and just watched her. He could tell she wanted to throw the first attack but was restricting herself since he was the king. With his hands, he signaled her not to pull any restrains and throw the first attack.

Scarlett decided to stop acting nice and face him already. Yes, he was the king and she was afraid of him, but he asked for the fight. Moreover, her job was on the line.

With the speed of lightning, she charged towards him, throwing a kick to his left. Kellan was quick enough to notice that movement and deflected it just before it'd get to him. He watched her a draw a deep breath and take a step back.

Hell! He was surprised. From her stance, he had expected her to attack from his right. How the hell did she do the opposite? Did she actually fake her stance just to confuse him? If she did, then that was pretty good.

He studied her get ready for another strike. Deciding not to give her the chance, he strikes first, throwing a kick that got her right on the side of her waist. He was impressed when she didn't flinch or react to the pain but went ahead to attempt a fist punch at him. He ducked and she ended up punching the air beside his face.

Swiftly, he clasped her hand, attempting to twist it, only to find himself thwarted as she skillfully wriggled free from his grasp and unleashed a high kick in his direction. But like a shadow in the wind, he effortlessly sidestepped the oncoming attack, making her kick the wind.

She stepped back and took her stance, and right there, frustration flashed across her face. Obviously, it was frustrating not being to get him at any point as it was more like he could guess her every move. She knew it wasn't going to be difficult defeating the King, but she hated losing altogether.

The King struck st her when she didn't expect, but she was quick enough to duck. And lowering to the ground, she kicked him on his left leg.

Yes!

Though, he didn't flinch, but her heart warmed up at the thought of finally touching a piece of him. He was seeming too untouchable.

She retook her stance, a small smile finding her lips. Kellan noticed the joy on her face and didn't know exactly how to feel. Why did it look so cute that she was happy about hitting him?

'Take her joy away.' his evil mind told him.

Then, he decided to stop playing soft and defeat her.

Scarlett noticed a difference in his next strikes. She tried all she could to maneuver and counterattack, but it was so difficult. The King had become totally impossible to defeat.

The fight went on for a little while and Kellan was sure she should be weak already. He got her at one point where he clasped her hands and was at the verge of releasing his final fist on her, when suddenly he paused. She was so close to him, the air around them seemed to still. And right there, he looked deep into her eyes, searching for any sign of fear. He's dealt with a lot of people, and at that point, they were always weak and scared.

But staring at this lady's eyes, he found no such thing. Instead, her eyes rimmed with anger and determination. Right there, he could see her wishes for him to be a regular wolf so she could beat his ass. She wanted to get her own pound of flesh.

A fierce fighter. He's never seen a woman like her before.

He was at the verge of observation when his wolf suddenly came awake inside of him. Her scent... A little of her scent slipped out, and right there, why did it feel so familiar?

Scarlett noticed the king's distraction and wondered what was running through his mind. She decided to make use of the advantage and break free from his grasp. The king noticed this, and reflexively, he put her to the ground, delivering the final strike. He didn't intend doing that, it just happened out of reflex when she tried to get away.

And just like that, the scent was gone. He became even more confused. What was that scent? And why was it powerful enough to trigger his wolf? Was he mistaken again?

He gave a long stare as she laid on the ground and tried getting to her feet. He turned around and began walking away, causing tension amongst the people.

"Hey, are you okay?" One of the ladies rushed towards Scarlett, helping her from the floor.

Scarlett was tempted to push her hand away. Why was she suddenly caring when they all rejected her a while ago. However, the girl had a warm smile on her face and Scarlett decided to ignore her thoughts.

"That was really brave of you." She chuckled when Scarlett was finally on her feet.

Scarlett took a quick glance at her. Hazel-color hair framed her face, while a sprinkle of delicate freckles danced across her cheeks. She was beautiful.

She looked away from her and focused on the King walking away. She never thought a man could be so powerful.

"My King, are you alright?" Rick ran after Kellan as he exited the field.

He had done a good job in beating the lady's ass, so he wondered why the King was looking that way...upset.

"Coordinate the rest of the fights." Kellan instructed, his voice cloaked in a grumpy haze.

"And as for the girl, Scarlett," he stopped walking. "I want her to be my new assistant."