We make it to the elevator, Oscar and I laughing and Xander being dramatic saying if the guys find out that I have been having these kinds of conversations with his mate, they will find some way to torture him.
We step out to a crowd similar to yesterday morning, just less formalities. I still get the stares from the people who have decided I am a threat, but don’t know what to do with that since I am never left alone.
A few people I don’t recognize from the meetings yesterday are here. Based on build and the way they stand they must be guards or warriors of some kind. I wonder why they are all here?
Alpha Reggie and Luna Anne have already stepped up into the buffet line, they seem to be waiting for us, I hope they haven’t been waiting long, I didn’t even bother looking at the time. We make our way towards them, Xander not acting like we are late at all. I am a nervous wreck, I am not someone who keeps the King and Queen waiting.
“Nice of you to join us, Xander, Skylar, Oscar.” Alpha Reggie says polite enough, but the undertone is exasperation and amusement rolled together. He at least knows what kept the boys, and I am too chicken to say anything to correct his assumption.
We move through the line quickly, saying hello and acknowledging people as we go. When we get to the head table, I am sitting between Oscar and Xander. Clearly there is some potential for threat against me. This is really frustrating, I just need to fight in front of these people and then they won’t mess with me. On second thought though, these idiots would probably think it’s rigged so it wouldn’t matter. It’s so stupid.
Unlike yesterday though, people are milling about throughout breakfast and several come to the head table to talk, mostly to the King and Queen, but to Xander and I too. A female warrior approaches. I only know because she has the same training gear we are required to wear on the Elite Warrior grounds. She can’t be much older than me and she looks fearless, like Sierra on the warpath for the perfect dress. She walks straight to me.
“Did you really take on the whole warrior team at trials?” She asks without even bothering with the formalities of introductions. It wasn’t an aggressive or accusatory question either, she really is just curious.
“I, umm, I actually don’t know, really. I don’t even know who or how many I went up against, it’s kind of a blur.” I look to Xander, maybe he knows the
answer.
But before he can say anything a large man I vaguely recognize walks up behind her and places a hand on her shoulder. “You’ll have to forgive my daughter, you have become something of a legend amongst the warriors around here. She doesn’t believe me when I tell her what you were able to accomplish during your trials.” He laughs and she doesn’t even pretend to be offended. “Skylar, this is Wilhelmina, my daughter, and may I say your wolf is an amazing fighter. We learned a great deal from our time with you at trials.” He inclines his head to me.
“Thank you, I appreciate that…” I leave the end of the question hanging since he didn’t introduce himself too.
“Jeremy. I hope to train with you again.” He smiles warmly.
“And you can call me Mina. There’s no reason to go throwing that mouthful of a name around.” She smiles at me. “But really, do you know how many people you actually fought against? The rumors are all over the place and no one wants to offend you by asking you outright.”
I knew I liked her straight away.
“Honestly, Warrior Osiston would be the best person to ask, I really don’t know how many opponents I had. I have been told I went against the most though.” I shrug trying to give her the best answer I can.
