- Time Skip -
Rory's POV
Soon, the bell tolled and I saw Mathias and Xavier begin to dangerously circle each other. Mathias raised his spear and jabbed it out towards Xavier. To my relief, he dodged it and extended his sharp claws. Lunging at Mathias, Xavier pushed him to the ground with his front paws and slashed at the armour on his torso but not before taking a powerful jab to the ribs.
I heard Xavier growl as he limped back with his hackles raised. Mathias took the chance to stand with his spear raised, keeping it pointed in Xavier's direction. His breastplate had been shredded and I could see a few scratches along his stomach bleeding slightly.
Removing the destroyed breastplate, Mathias spat on the ground at Xavier's front paws. Xavier growled and lurched forward again. I gasped as I saw Mathias thrust his spear out sharply but luckily Xavier twisted at the last second and head-butted Mathias to the ground.
Losing his grip on the spear, I saw it gradually roll away until Xavier kicked it to the side, snapping it off at the head. Limping backwards to give himself momentum, he gave one large lunge towards Mathias, diving for his throat —
— my blood froze as Mathias rolled just at the last second and pushed himself towards the spear, grabbing it by the broken head.
"X-Xavier!!!!" I screamed his name, a shrill warning as the crowd fell silent. He turned towards me at my warning and Mathias took the chance to ram it into the side of his throat.
Blood gushed from his wound as Mathias relentlessly pressed it in further. "N-no!!!!" I screamed out desperately as I saw the triumphant smirk appear on Mathias' thin lips.
The crowd fell silent in shocked awe at the revelation as they watched on with blood-lust. I heard Xavier growl in pain as he twisted his head towards Mathias' throat, causing the spear to drive deeper into his throat.
I glanced worriedly at Emily. "What happens if Mathias wins?" I whispered as she stared on with a frown. Emily crossed her arms. "Well you could always just deny Mathias after his 4 weeks of courting and wait for Xavier to court you after the next full moon. That's if Xavier loses though, which I don't see happening, don't worry Rory." She reassured me with a gentle smile.
Xavier's POV
Our faces were inches apart as he forced the spear into the side of my throat. "Relent, Xavier." He hissed. "My spear is lodged deep in your throat." He stated. I growled viciously and twisted my head towards his throat. Rory is my mate. I will NOT relent. I snarled. Pushing forward further, I latched my jaws onto Mathias' throat.
When he realised what I had done, he jabbed the broken spear head further into me as a last ditch attempt but I grumbled through the pain. RELENT. MATHIAS. I ordered him through the mind-link.
"N-never." He gurgled pathetically. Applying pressure, I felt my canines pierce the main artery of his throat deeply. Relent, or I'll kill you. I threatened, deepening my grip as if to emphasise my point. Finally, I felt his hands go lax as he raised them towards the sky.
Immediately after, Lucas' voice boomed over the cheering crowd. "Xavier is granted courting rights!" He shouted clearly. Suddenly, I was engulfed in a warm sobbing mess as I felt Rory's small arms wrap themselves around my uninjured muzzle.
Licking the tears from his cheeks gently, I rumbled at his warmth. "I-Idiot." He sobbed into my neck while gently pounding my shoulder. I chuckled deeply. Never had I wanted a mate, yet here he was, making my stomach flutter.