Willow

Chapter 21: An unexpected date

I'm so sorry for this extremely late update. I've been having a very busy and slightly shitty number of days. And on top of that I'm facing a little bit of a writer's block. But I'm back now so enjoy the chapter, and do press the little star at the end of it.

Willow's P.O.V

The Queen finally proposed something interesting today. And while this announcement pushed back my date with Micah, it also allowed for something quite exiting.

"Today their will be a competition of sorts. A little spice to your so far languid stay," Queen Victoria announced, "It won't be between Alphas or Lunas, no, it'll be between every member present here excluding me and the King. It'll be between Lunas and Betas, Alphas and Lunas, Alphas and princes. You may join either as a mated pair or single players. Players below the age of sixteen will be left in the daycare and gaming rooms. There will be three stages to this competition. The first will take place in the forest. Due to the recent incident that took place, we have made sure to thoroughly screen through and assure you that it is safe. The first stage is a treasure hunt. We have hidden a precious and rare artifact in the forest and you are to find it by scent. Further details will be explained later on. Please return to your rooms and prepare. Once the bell is rung, proceed to the western hall and register yourself or your pair. Now enjoy your breakfast because you will be needing as much energy as you can muster."

The breakfast hall burst into exited chatter and the scent in the room grew thick with competitiveness. Wolves were territorial animals and in most cases hungry for more. A precious artifact could mean anything from a cursed crown to an enchanted robe, and I for one was thoroughly curios.

"Do you know what it might be?" Ray asked nudging me.

"No but color me intrigued," I muttered before turning towards my Beta, "I assume you'll be partnering with your mate."

I was surprised to see Ray grimace a little, "Yeah, of course, but Nat isn't really too fond of trudging through snow."

My brows rose along with my irritation,"She'll have to learn Ray, I will not have my Beta female staying back because she's afraid of a little snow." 

Ray nodded in resignation at my statement and kept quiet for the rest of breakfast. I was never harsh on him unless I deemed it necessary, and I hated that it had been made so because of his mate.

My eyes wondered to my own mate who was talking to his own Beta. He was actually smiling really brightly and I wondered what their conversation was about.

After breakfast I immediately sought out Micah. He was waiting for me by the end of the hall and grinned as I walked towards him.

"And what exactly has you so happy this early in the morning?" I questioned teasingly.

"Annabeth and Frank aren't participating" he stated still grinning.

"Okay? Um, why?" I asked completely confused, "Did you not want them to? Is somethin-"

"Anna's pregnant!" he exclaimed, his grin nearly splitting his face as he hugged my shocked body.

"What? Seriously? Congratulations!" I wished, hugging him back as I felt him vibrating with happiness. No wonder Annabeth wasn't there at breakfast.

He pulled back and cupped my face, "I'm just so happy Willow. I'm so happy for my best friends. They've been trying for the past two years now but haven't been successful and now Selene's finally blessed them. You don't know the amount of pain they went through with every negative test."