The Werewolf Order (Erotica)

“Very well then,” Mora gives in. She pulls her gloves on, turning from Eric to climb up onto the stage. The previous fighters, having just finished in a draw, take seats with the rest of the crowd gathered to watch the fight. Rick looks at Mora curiously; though she thinks he is jealous, she doesn’t blame him. She was too, when those women sat on his lap. She offers him a wink as reassurance. He snorts at her, standing ready to proctor the fight.

“What weapons are you using?” He softly asks Mora.

“Swords,” Eric responds for her, climbing up onto the stage. It takes him less than six steps to cross it to the wall of weapons; he picks out two, handing the smaller one to Mora.

She takes it, twirling her wrist to check the weight. She finds that it has a feel similar to a staff; stretching her right arm above her head, she bends to the left to loosen her muscles while looking at Rick. His expression is definitely jealousy. Smiling to herself, she walks to the opposite side of the stage from Eric; the fact that he is jealous of the idea of her fighting another man seems absurd but it must mean that he loves her. Rick, standing near the wall in the middle, gives them the go ahead.

Eric trots to her, swinging the sword at her left side. Mora blocks easily, expecting the force of his hit to send a jolt of pain through her arm but it doesn’t. She is surprised to see that his fighting style is significantly delicate, unlike the brutish rough one of Lucas. He is very experienced, moving deftly away from her attacks but coming right back without hesitation. They fight, moving back and forth across the stage, Rick circling them cautiously. Within minutes, Mora spots Eric’s weakness.

When he strikes her, she defends but twirls her sword around his, causing it to fly up into the air. She catches it easily in her left hand. Knowing that he should have been holding onto it tighter, she gets the feeling that he is pretending to be weak, to make her look better. She pauses for a moment before she throws it back to him, slightly irritated that he would try to throw the fight, “You’re not trying very hard, Warden.”

He catches it easily, grinning at her in response “Neither are you, Princess.”Property © NôvelDrama.Org.

Finally dedicating himself to the fight, Eric comes at her harder this time, swinging at her feet. She dives out of the way, tucking her body into a roll. By the time she draws herself up, she is astounded by how quickly he crossed the stage. His sword comes down from overhead. Mora holds the hilt of hers tight in her right hand, bracing the flat side of the tip on her left palm. There is a loud ringing sound when the two swords impact. Eric pushes hard against her, forcing her to step back or buckle under his weight. Not letting up, he tries to force her down to her knees but she keeps her body upright, retreating reluctantly until her back is pressed against the wall. Without the use of her hands, she’s pinned under Eric’s force.

A cocky grin crosses his face, now assured that he could easily beat her in a fair fight; she shakes her head at him, knowing that he has once again underestimated her too soon.

“Ready to give in?” He leans in so that he is inches from her face. He looks at her like a thirsty man looks at water.

“No,” she says honestly. She sighs, already lamenting what she has no choice to do, “but I will admit, you do have something I don’t.”

“What’s that, darling,” he mocks her, his arrogance giving her the last bit of affirmation she needs.

With a swift jerk, Mora’s knee connects with Eric’s groin. He instantly doubles over in pain, dropping his sword when he falls down to his knees; a collective groan comes from the men in the crowd while the few women try to hide their snickers.

She kicks his sword away from him, leaning down so she can see his face, “Ready to give in, darling?”

“Is that legal?” Cringing, Lucas asks Rick.

Mora looks over to her love with a smile; his jealousy is gone, replaced by a small amount of pride knowing that she is his. Rick shrugs turning back to Lucas, “All is fair in love and war.”

She pats Eric on the back, “Sorry, you didn’t give me much choice. I’ll count it as payback–consider us even.”

“For what?” He huffs out, getting to his feet with her help.

“You bit me, remember?” She laughs, punching him in the arm, “Now walk it off.”

He throws his arm over her shoulder. Struggling under his weight, she does the best she can to help him off of the stage.

“So, what is this I hear about you and the Prince?” He says quietly while he deliberately leans more of his weight on her to slow her down. Mora avoids his eyes. She can’t help but smile at the thought of being with Rick. Since she doesn’t know what to say, she keeps quiet. She finally finds an empty chair which she deposits him in. Eric finally catches her attention; he has a remorseful look, as if it finally occurred to him that he never stood a chance. She feels sorry that she hurt his feelings. Before she turns to walk away, he grabs her hand, making her look back at him. He offers her a smile, “You deserve to be happy… but if you change your mind, let me know.”

Mora reaches up, touching his cheek gently, grateful that he understands. “Thanks for not killing me that day in the woods.”

He closes his eyes, leaning against her hand. She quickly lets it fall to her side, not wanting him to suffer anymore. Before he can say anything else, she turns and walks swiftly to the bar, keeping her eyes focused on Todd.

He waits for her, sliding a full wine glass across the bar when she reaches him. As she brings it to her lips, she sees Todd look from her to something behind her, before looking back at her again. He raises a brow. Mora takes a long drink, the hair starting to stand up on the back of her neck. She slowly turns around to find everyone in the tavern looking at her. Cautiously, she sets the glass down, not sure what is going on.