“What?” Brielle and River exclaimed in unison.Brielle warily observed River after his outburst before turning her attention back to the King.“How is that fair?” She queried, however it was more of a rhetorical question. “None of this is my fault!”“We don’t want to win this way.” River insisted. “Brielle doesn’t deserve to be stripped of her title because some weirdo has a crush on her.” The spite River felt towards Zion was abundantly clear in his tone.The King sighed. “Believe me, we know. I’ve had Jacques reviewing the bylaws since we got back.” He briefly shook his head. “But there is no other way.”“What if we all forfeited?” Reid stepped forward.“Then you would return to your original positions prior to the Battle of the Alpha’s starting.” The Queen confirmed. “But there would be no restarting once the threat was eliminated.” “Well Brielle forfeiting is out of the question.” Ryker added matter-of-factly.“If Brielle forfeits, we all do.” River confirmed in agreement with h

“You’re what?” Brielle’s eyes widened in shock as Ryker’s words took a short moment to register. “I’m dropping out.” He repeated with a sharp, adamant nod. Brielle hastily jumped off the bed, before turning to face Ryker as she placed her hands on her hips. “I told you not to do that.” “Bri, this is a good thing!” Ocean encouraged. “He doesn’t have to do this, we wouldn’t do it for him.” Brielle admitted. “We have more to lose, it’s completely different.” Ocean responded, trying to aid her human counterpart to see reason. Ryker chuckled lowly as he rolled his eyes. “And I’m doing it anyway.” He retaliated. “Ryker.” Brielle began as she placed her fingers on her temples. “I can’t let you do this because of me.” He pressed his lips together to hide his amusement as he observed his stressed mate. “I didn’t ask for your permission.” Brielle sounded out an exasperated groan as she squeezed her eyes tightly shut. “Ryker, this is more important than the bond. You can’t give this up.”

The Queen politely bowed her head with a warm smile at the now sweating Alpha. “Your forfeit is accepted, Ryker. You will no longer be considered a participant in the Battle of the Alpha’s.”Brielle’s heart thundered against her chest as she witnessed the interaction between her mate and the Queen. Of course, she believed Ryker when he told her his plans but watching him carry out his plan in action, it made it all very real.“Are you happy, Bri?” Ocean queried in a hopeful tone.Brielle’s eyes flickered to meet Ryker’s determined ones. Her anxious expression immediately softened as he grinned down at her. Her heart swelled with warmth, feeling more certain than ever that this was what she wanted.“More than I could even begin to describe.” Brielle admitted.“Does this mean I can finally meet Mace?” Ocean’s excited tone didn’t go unnoticed.“Of course,” Brielle chuckled. “One thing at a time though.”Ryker stretched out his hand for Brielle to take, before pulling her closer to him as

Time stood still as the pair enjoyed their first kiss. With no care in the world, their lips moved perfectly in sync, crashing against one another. Brielle’s heart fluttered under his touch as goosebumps danced along her skin. She was engulfed in his fruity, peach scent, drowning in the delightful bliss it brought her. Reid grinned against her, resting his palm against the side of her cheek, as he finally understood what Ryker had meant when he said being with Brielle felt ‘right’. He’d never felt so desperate for a kiss to continue, he wasn’t ready to let go of his hold on her just yet. The mixture of her soft, plump lips and minty breath were intoxicating, addicting. Her floral, lavender scent enveloped him in a warm embrace, making him and Axel feel like they were exactly where they belonged. He’d waited so long for this moment, to be alone with her and show her he wasn’t as bad as he may seem. And now he had gotten a taste, he wasn’t sure he would ever be able to give it up.

“Morning, Brie!” Arlen beamed as he strode towards the yawning Alpha. Brielle squinted her eyes in his direction, before frowning at the chirpy prince. “Why are you so cheery?” She questioned suspiciously, before bringing her coffee cup to her lips. Arlen chuckled, shaking his head and taking a seat besides her at the kitchen island. “Because you’re looking at your invigilator for today’s challenge.” Brielle practically choked on her latte, her eyes widening in his direction. “You?” “Yep.” He confirmed, popping the ‘p’. “My parents are going over a few things with Maddie this morning, so they asked me to step in.” He grinned. She straightened in her seat, turning to face him with an amused expression. “Does this mean I get an advantage today?” She quirked her brow as she flashed a cheeky smile his way. Arlen let out a deep laugh, before reaching over the table and stealing one of Brielle’s grapes out of the bowl in front of her. He creased his brows, still amused, as he popped th