TAMING THE PLAYBOY ALPHA - Chapter 24: Chapter 24

: BY MY SIDE
FREYA'S POV:
Unfortunately, despite his promise, we don't make it back before Xena finishes her bath. By the time I return, she's in full panic mode, already on the verge of reporting me missing.
After an hour of intense chiding, she finally calms down. We laugh about it and eventually drift off to sleep.
The rest of the week rushes by with me taking extra care to stay invisible. I do my best to keep a low profile, avoiding unnecessary attention. Still, the rumors about my performance continue to spread like wildfire throughout the school. I try hard to ignore them, to keep my head down and stay focused.
Xena stays glued to me, acting like my personal bodyguard. She glares at anyone who dares to whisper my name, sending them silent threats with just a look. Her presence creates this bubble of silence wherever we go, but honestly, I don't mind it. In fact, it's exactly what I need.
And then, the first day of the solstice event finally arrives.
School hours are cut in half for the festival, which is probably the only thing I find remotely enjoyable about it.
It's almost funny. Just a few days ago, I was excited about this event. Now, after my not-so-glorious public display, I dread showing my face in public again. But as Silas' partner, I have no choice. I have to sit at the high table, overlooking every single competition category.
The event takes place in the same arena where the ceremony happened. Just being back here makes me uneasy. Memories I'd rather forget come rushing in.
I pace nervously in the hallway leading to the private booth where Silas and I will watch the matches. My fingers are cold, my palms are clammy, and I can't stop taking deep breaths. Nothing seems to help.
"You're going to be fine, Freya," Xena says, watching me carefully.
I'm so grateful she's here. Even though she's one of the competitors, she's still by my side, supporting me when I should probably be supporting her.
"Thanks for being here, Xena. I should be the one giving you a pep talk."
She shrugs like it's no big deal. "It's fine. I don't need luck or warm-ups. Beating my opponents will be as easy as eating a very moist cake."
She flashes a smug grin.
Zeta wolves like Xena are known for their battle skills and strength. They solve problems with their fists, unlike Betas, who are more intellectual. Zetas and Betas are opposites, but both are key to the Alpha's leadership. They're equals in strength, but a Zeta usually wins because of their battle techniques and sharp instincts.
Xena isn't just any Zeta though. She's exceptional. She's a tactical genius with impressive combat skills. She's competing in almost every category except spear throwing, which she avoids for personal reasons.
"Xena, you can go. I'll take it from here," Silas says, appearing behind me.
He walks over and drapes an arm over my shoulder possessively.
I don't fight it.
"Hey," he greets casually.
"Uhm... hi." It feels a little awkward.
After our exchange yesterday, I'm still not sure how to label him. Friends? Partners? Something else?
Xena glares at his hand on my shoulder, clearly reluctant to leave me alone with him, even though she knows we'll be stuck together for the next seven days anyway.
"It's fine. The event is about to start. You should go get ready with the others," I assure her.
She gives me one last lingering look before nodding and leaving.
"She seems really protective of you," Silas comments, watching her walk away.
"She's just cautious around you. Being next to you doesn't usually bring me good luck."
He clutches his chest like he's mortally wounded. "You wound me, Freya."
"You wish I did."
I sigh, feeling my nerves creeping back in. I try to push them aside, forcing my fidgety hands to stay still.
"So, what exactly am I supposed to do?" I ask, trying to distract myself.
"Relax. Just sit next to me and watch the games. Leave the rest to me."
That sounds simple enough. I can handle that.
I nod.
"Of course, if just watching isn't enough for you, we can always... do something else. If you know what I mean."
"Nice try." I deadpan.
He winks suggestively.
I roll my eyes and turn toward the doors that separate us from the arena.
My anxiety creeps back, but I try to stand firm.
"By the way, you don't need to worry so much about being safe. You're safest when you're by my side."
He turns to face the door too.
"Ready?" he asks, his voice steady and calm.
For some reason, I feel less nervous now.
I take a deep breath and smile. "Ready."
Before I can even process it, he grabs my arm and we walk through the doors together.
The arena spreads out before us, alive with noise and energy. Students fill the bleachers, cheering loudly, their excitement bouncing off the walls. The atmosphere feels electric. It's like I just stepped into some crazy, real-life Hunger Games.
Adrenaline pumps through me, buzzing in my veins. I don't really know what I'm doing here, but somehow, I'm glad I came.
"See? Everyone's too focused on the games to care about what happened a few days ago."
I glance at him, realizing he knows I've been afraid to come here because of the past. His words give me a tiny boost of courage.
"I never got to light the moon pillar. That was the most important part."
"I did it for you. You don't have to worry about that."
"I thought the tradition said each partner is supposed to light their own pillar. It's essential for the event's success."
"Screw the tradition."
"Oh, you didn't mind tradition when it meant us being tied together the whole day, though."
I narrow my eyes at him.
"I make the rules, Freya. What I say, goes."
He smirks, and I see right through him. He totally played me, using the tradition as an excuse to get what he wanted, only following the parts that benefited him. It's a little irritating, but honestly, I can't help finding it slightly charming.
We take our seats side by side.
I let my gaze wander across the arena. I can see everything from up here—the twin pillars still lit in the distance, the wide-open field, and the seats packed with students.
My eyes scan the crowd and land on Elena. She's glaring right at me, clearly having been watching us this entire time. The jealousy is written all over her face, and to be honest, I kind of enjoy it.
I give her a small wave and blow her a playful kiss, which seems to push her over the edge. She turns away in a huff, and I can't help but grin.
"Ladies and gentlemen!"
The loud voice of the narrator fills the arena. I can't see him, but his voice echoes around us, capturing everyone's attention.
The crowd roars even louder.
I straighten up, fully invested now.
"Grab onto the edge of your seats, because it's about to begin! Welcome to the 12th Annual Solstice Festival!"