Despite the reluctance of his pack members, Prachaya was not the one to rest. Besides, it would be his alpha's first blue moon in moon tribe, so he wanted to make it special. And that is why, right now, he was having a short meeting to have an idea of progress in his absence.

" Our chief had sent me with his message" The lithe omega ambassador of Merab pack, straightened his stance imitating his alpha chief " Moon tribe you have been our truest friend and dearest neighbour since centuries. We have countless memories and bonds connecting and strengthening our love and faith in the other. Merab  would love moontribe could celebrate this blue moon festival with us. "

" I think we should take up Merab's offer to celebrate blue moon in their pack."  One of the elders spoke over their pack mindlink.

" Everything is not ruined. We can still celebrate it here." One of the enforcers instantly spoke up " We will work hard."

" We don't need their charity " Sai hissed in mindlink, glaring at the Merab's ambassador. " they are pitying us."

" Sai " Prachaya chided " It's not charity. We have had countless interactions and cross boundary trades with them.  They are extending a helping hand as neighbour. "

After the destruction  havoced by Sveltons, everything was in various stages of ruin. The black goo had eaten up everything in its path. Most of the homes had big holes that needed to be mended soon, some were totally razed to ground. Only structure still safe and without any ruin was their pack house.
Prachaya was really glad for the offer from chief of Merab, it would give them time to rest, rejuvenate and celebrate. But, most of his pack seems to be in favour of worshipping blue Moon on their own territory.

"Those who are in the favour of celebrating in Merab " Prachaya asked.
A very weak aye resonated over mind link.

" Those in favour of celebrating in our own land "
'Aye' — a resounding approval boosted his courage and joy.

Prachaya wrote a letter to chief of Merab and handed it to their ambassador. " Tell Chief Merab that moon tribe considers herself fortunate to have a friend and ally like  Merab. "

Bowing, the ambassador took the letter and tucked it into hidden pocket of his robes.

" Chief Merab insists that you accept this small token of our friendship." The ambassador signalled his pack members. Trays of baked goods, baskets of handpicked fresh fruit and berries and tens of trays of sweets were presented before him.

Thousands of times they have exchanged such gifts — both on celebratory occasions on ones not so celebratory like right now.

" Moon tribe thanks Merab ". Prachaya uttered " Tell chief Merab that moon tribe will not forget Merab's generosity. And as usual we will send you moon goddesses' statue tomorrow. "

" Chief had said that we understand that in this situation you could not provide us with ....."

" There is no reason to not do so dear friend " Prachaya smiled. " Moon goddess has been kind towards us to keep our pups strong and bless strength to our enforcers. Loosing sleep over making her statue is least we could do to thank her. "

They bowed to each other. Prachaya asked his packmates to arrange the Merab ambassador's stay in packhouse and assigned him guards for saftey.

After the pack business was done, his eyes automatically searched his alpha who was nowhere to be seen. 

" Have you seen Alpha Perawat ? " he asked to an enforcer passing by him.

" He is with Crown Prince Gamon "  enforcer informed. "

A strong wave of sadness swept him away. Before he could analyse the reason for it, A strong desire to track down the alpha started consuming every cell of his body.

He had seen that his alpha was waiting for him to finish his talks. What was so important that his alpha left him alone. 

Alone?

Isn't it his own pack?

What was so important? his wolf demanded. " Alpha should have informed us."

"Informed? What right do we have to ask this of their alpha? Did they notify the alpha about the meeting?"

" We would have if we had known prior to coming here, his wolf supplied"

"We would have? Why?" Prachay asked. It was not normal occurence between them. He expected his wolf to answer but he only got muted whinings of his pouting wolf.  And elaborate plans of how they will make use of their knowledge of their territory to make the chase super hard for the alpha.

" Only our alpha is not familiar with our territory, all the other alphas are intimately aware of every nook and cranny. By following your plan, will we not risk the chance of other alpha catching us? " Prachaya asked. 

"No one will be able to track us. I will hide our scents.. Only our alpha will be able to catch us" His wolf provided.

"Pray tell me, how our alpha will catch us without scent? And won't it be unfair to other alphas?" 

"Do you want to be chased by other alphas?" He agreed with his wolf's repulsion. 

"That being said, we can't be easy on our alpha. Alphas like challenges." his wolf preached. " They are natural predators" Prachaya suddenly remembered Alpha's ferocious golden wolf form. A sudden longing to run besides his alpha started taking space in his vision.

"Alpha will have to gain that right" his wolf provided. He was definitely not going to make it easy for the alpha.

 Prachaya was surprised at his own thoughts oscillating between extremes.  Although it was too soon to say, but he had a strong feeling that Something had happened while he almost died. Something that had almost killed his inhibitions, insecurities and reservations about his relationship with the Alpha. This all consuming urge to see the alpha was never this intense, like an inferno it had burnt all other important issues taking up space in his mind. Something had definitely  changed between him and alpha. But he couldn't exactly pin point what had changed. Everything was old as time yet very novel too.

He needs a distraction!

"Reja " Prachaya called.

" Do we have the list of omegas participating in the Chase ? " Prachaya asked.

"Yes, chief"

" Can I see it?" .

"Ofcourse chief" With Brows raised in surprise the pack memeber handed him the list. Prachaya wrote his name on the list and handed it back to enforcer." Now it is complete."

" Chief?" The enforcer's jaw fell slack " Are you really participating?"

Prachaya nodded. " I am. Nearly dying today had shown me how much I was already dead inside. Now, I must honor this gift of second life given by mother moon by living it to fullest."

"I am so happy for you chief" The enforcer replied. "The alpha that will get the honour to be your mate will be luckiest man and beast.

" Hear Hear " All the pack enforcers gathered around, hollered, cheering. 

Prachaya smiled, cheeks lightly dusted with pink.

........................

Pack meeting had always bored the living daylight out of Perawat. He would have not minded the boring droll if he would have been seated next to his omega but that was not the case right now. For one second, he entertained thought of eavesdropping but dropped it quickly.  Prachaya would tell him anything he wanted to know. He didn't know where that confidence came from — rock solid like ultimate truth of the universe.Keeping their bond open to scope Prachaya's emotion, he wandered out.

 Prachaya was emanating greatfulness and joy — it was good. He surveyed the pack — although the charred land were now green , the missing windows, broken walls of buildings and houses still showed the effects of gruesome attack.

Since, meeting was taking time, he wandered to check border patrol. Surprisingly, the chief enforcer was answering all his questions and even immediately employed his advice to put traps of his design. Enforcers were saluting him and looking at him for guidance as if they were under his command. Although, it rejoiced him since his claim on their chief will now be much accepted but his brother's absence wasn't  sitting well with him.

Phi Gamon wouldn't  miss a chance to be here and reshuffle the patrols.
" Where is Prince Gamon ? " He asked the chief enforcer.

" He had returned to pack house, a while ago. "

Nodding, Perawat went to meet his brother.

Gamon was in meeting with his kins. Perawat was about to return but he was called upon by his brother. " I am done brother. " Gamon patted the empty seat beside him. "Come, have a seat. "

" Why are you sending phi Vera back ? " Perawat asked surprised. 

" Because we need to inform father that we are safe and the attack was successfully thwarted. Also that we will be celebrating blue moon on moon tribe lands. "

Perawat nodded. " It's good you thought of this or father would have marched here. "

" Always brother. " Gamon patted on Perawat's shoulder " You can count on me to have your back. "

"What about the ankeneh you were informed about?" Perwat asked.

"I have not got any news about him right now," Gamon said " But, I got a glimpse of a winged creature in sky, in the war just before the dust storm took over. . Chief Prachya is definitely hiding the ankeneh. "

" What makes you so sure? It can be anything else. " 

"His powers. Chief Prachaya was on brink of death, but he miraculously revived. not only that, he turned the charred, barren lands - green. Even if he has affinity for elements, its simply not possible to perform such demanding job on such a large scale without a power reservoir. I am sure this Ankeneh works as a power reservoir for him."

" It seems far fetched idea brother. Ankeneh are extremely hard to ally with or dominate."

"unless you have convinced them that you are their mate" Gamon provided, deep in thoughts. 

" For a second, let's consider its true. even then, we cant point a finger at chief. He is keeping our western borders safe. Isn't it god?"

" Just good is not enough brother. If an omega can do such miraculous task, imagine what will happen if an alpha, an already power creature like us have this power. We can secure entire country. No one will dare cross us."

" Power makes men hungry brother, if such power would have been true, men would chased him like a dog with bone. We should not  Forget that no external source could be more powerful than our soul."

" These ideals have no role in politics brother. In politics, only formula for victory is to grab power before your opponent has chance to grab it. Do you think others will let chief alone once they know what he is hoarding?"

" Then, I am grateful, there is no such power brother." Perawat replied.

Gamon shrugged " may your words be the truth because if there is any such power- I won't let it fall in wrong hands."

"And what makes you think your hand is right to hold such power brother?"

"Moon Goddess had made us to rule. Isn't it indication enough?"

Perawat didn't see any point in further fruitless discussion with his brother. He knows, Gamon will be keeping an eye on the pack. The moment he will come to know Yai is an Ankeneh he will try to bind his life to the mighty creature or execute  it. The Ankeneh no matter how strong was still not an adult capable og his full powers. Perwat will have to intervene. He will have to smartly disguise the truth to a rumor. 

............

Lek knocked on Prachaya's door " Are you ready alpha ? "

" A minute. " Perawat answered. After checking his appearance once more, he opened the door for Lek. 

"What is this ?" Lek balked. Alpha was dressed from head to toe in black leather, even his eyes were covered by some king of iron netted veil. " Are you going to a challenge arena or to rob a poor man ?" 

"Rob? Do I look like a thief to you?"

"Then why would you even cover your face?"

" To hide my identity ofcourse. All royals  do this in public challenges. Many may not feel comfortable to attack a member of Royal household. "Identities of Challengers are not revealed until match ends with a clear winner." Perawat replied matter of  fact. " 

" You think any participating alphaz will have any qualm to attack you when Phi Prachaya is willingly participating in chase after almost a decade? " Lek chuckled at Alpha's innocecnce."You will be lucky if you walk out without that pretty face gaetting broken"

"Can you tell me how should I dress appropriately as Challenger from moon tribe " 

" Leave that on me" Lek smirked. " You will be most fierce alpha on arena" 

Lek gave Alpha some time to get rid of that leather extravaganza, in the meantime he brought all that he would need to bring out the inner moon tribe warrior of the the mainlander Prince.

 After Alpha slipped on a loose knee length pant. Lek took the deep red paint " Close your eyes Alpha and don't open them till I tell you to"

" Why must I paint my face?" The alpha questioned, while obediently closing his eyes.

"You think its Only a Physical challenge?" Lek asked "  You must make a deep impression on both your omega nad the tribe.  Winning the challenge only means that you  will win  two privileges. To Be the first to chase after Our chief, but rest of the contender alphas will soon be on your heels. If they don't get clue for chief then they will make sure you won't be able to reach to him too. 

The second Privilege will be to present your mating gift first before phi. I hope you habe your mating gift ready. It must be unique and impress the omega because he or she is free to choose his or her alpha, even if he isn't the winner of the challenge."

" Still don't understand why I must paint my face ?"

" Some times I forget you aren't from here. It is not just a war paint Alpha. Its a story in itself. It tells people of your life, Your achievements. Like this Thunder Symbol I am painting, tells us of your raw power. I have chosen to paint your face in tiger form - showcasing your lithe physique and deadly precision in combat. The Sun on your forehead shows your brilliance and just nature. Its also divine symbol of protection.

The twin tiger claws on your chest says, you have been apex predator on battle field. These lines on your left shoulder and down your arms, tells us of how many times you have risked your life in battles and returned unscathed. on Your Right shoulder I have Drawn how many enemies you have protected us against. On your back I will draw protection symbols. "

" What kind of protection symbols?"

" The all watching  eye to protect you from back stabbing, the poppy flower to put your enemy in deep sleep. The spiral seke to confuse them "

"Are you blessing me or cursing my opponents?"

"Its one and the same." Lek replied." You being foreign to our culture and symbols are biggest  blessing for you right now, alpha?"

" Is there any symbol that depicts  love and mate?"

" We draw moon as symbolism for omega mates and  love"

" Draw that on my heart."

" Its a feminine symbol alpha. In our culture moon is goddess of fertility and creativity, night and tides.  If I draw this on you, our main purpose of putting war symbols will be defeated."

" And what is the main purpose of putting these symbols?

" To intimidate the enemy. All the alphas there will be flaunting their war achievements. It serves as psychological intimidation — breaking mental fortitude of the opponent before fighting physically. "

"Didn't you say it is to  tell my story to my omega and his pack ?"

" It is... but moon tribe values valour, courage and masculine values — "

" We fight to save our feminine side. We fight wars so our loved ones will be safe. The Sun burns Bright so Moon could still shine at night. How can we forget this?
I do not care if someone mistakes me as weak. That will be their burden to carry...
Please put a moon over my heart.... if you can...draw her moon light falling over trees, reflecting on the still pond on whose bank lays the animals and men alike - in peace and loved."

" I am banking on your win Alpha" Lek mumbled, painting an omega curled and sleeping peacefully knowing that his alpha stood guard over him. 

Throat clogged painfully, Lek blinked his tears, sniffling and wiping the moisture with back of his hand. " My chief needs an alpha like you."

After ensuring warpaint was dry— Lek offered him a loose white robe that can be tied with a sash around stomach.

" Ready to get your mate, alpha? "

" Never been more ready."

.....................
.....................

It has been hours since Alpha had gone to visit his brother?  Why hasn't he returned yet? His Gentle curiosity had now turned to infinite irritation.  Prachaya marched to Prince Gamon's tent but his alpha wasn't there.

" So you finally came to your senses" Gamon asked.

"I am afraid, I am more out of my senses right now than I have ever been, crown prince " Prachaya bowed " I was searching for alpha Perawat. Do you happen to know Where he is? "

" And why are you searching for him? "

"Alpha Perawat had expressedly asked to be a party in arranging blue moon festival. I am searching him as per his wishes." 

"I know my brother is overtly generous, courteous and kind hearted and you shouldn't take advantage of that. Even if my brother wants to toil and sweat , you should know better, chief Prachaya" Gamon chided.  

"I assure you Prince Arthit isn't being taken any advantage of, against his wishes,alpha.   " Prachaya smiled "Alpha Perwaat ordered omega Prachaya to find him some suitable work and Omega Prachaya decided to obey. This matter is as simple as that."

Prachaya bowed. " i would like to have this talk with you but I am afraid I will be delayed in finding him. Festival isnt going to arrange itself, alpha."

Coming out if crown Prince's temporary quarters, Prachaya mind linked Lek .

" Do you happen to know where Alpha is ? "

" There are many alphas in this world phi ? I am sure you will find three four around you " Lek quipped.

" Alpha Perawat..."

" Ooh...now we are talking.  " Lek whistled.

" Do you know or not ? "

" Fine " Lek made a face " He is in challenge arena. "

" What is he doing there ? " Prachaya growled, already having an inkling of what was going on .

" He is fighting ofcourse. " Lek answered.  " Oh...and Phi. This year Alpha Vasi is participating because he got to know you are entering chase. "

" Alpha Vasi ? " Prachaya gasped. " Are you sure ? "

" I am phi...since I am standing right behind him . "

Vasi was an invincible warrior and chief of one of their neighbouring Tribe — Tribe Shilong. He had lost his mate three years ago. This was obviously a move to not only impress him but also to merge the packs.

" Tell elder Suttha, I will be joining the challenge arena. "

" Phi..are you mad ? You should save your energy for the chase. "

" Get my name there in the list. " Prachaya growled.

...............

" Okay..." Suttha— an elder alpha rounded up all the participants of the challenge " Those sparring for chase, stand to my left."

Alpha raised a brow in question at Sai. Not everyone was sparring for chase?

" Chief does not know about this, you better not tell him" Sai threatened .

"Your chief knows even a misplaced leaf in his pack grounds. How can he not know about this when  alphas are here ready to tear each other apart. I'm sure, your chief already knows "

"He knows its for chase but he doesn't know its for chasing him.  Whenever he gets to know , he thwarts the plan. "

" How? "

"He participates himself and defeats the prime contender. After being publicly handed their ass to them by an omega, which alpha will dare to chase?"

"What?" Alpha Perwat scrunched his brow " Isn't it more of an reason to chase him down? Who doesn't want an accomplished mate?"

" I am sure everyone wants an accomplished mate but "Sai frowned " no want themselves to be one of those accomplishments"

"Alpha Perawat," suttha asked" Are you participating?"

"Yes" Perawat nodded,

"Are you aware that you are standing with the contenders fighting to chase an omega to present mating proposal?"

"I am" Perawat replied " I want  Chief Prachaya as my mate"

"Are you aware that he can not leave this pack to join you at Royal pack?"

"I do" Prachaya smiled. I have decided to join chief at moon pack" Perwat ignored the shocked gasps" I would be honored if you can share the history and significance of this important competetion, elder Suttha,

"It's our  tradition."Suttha replied " We display our skills in mother moon's honour and to our packs, mates and many a times mating prospects. Mainly its not a fight to loose or win. It is a chance to learn.. It is organized every year so warriors can learn from each other.  we also do this is to narrow down contenders among us who are interested in same omega, without animosity — since being defeated in a challenge isnt considered as shameful or dishonorable here as it is in mainlands.  . " Suttha paused, then clapped his hands" As I said already , contenders for the chase on my left"

About fourteen contenders stood on the left of Suttha. Six stood on right.

" The final winner among you fourteen will get ten minutes ahead over other chasers in the Chase. Since, alpha Perawat is new here, and we have some Merab and Shilong pack Alphas too — let me rehash the rules. "

All the contenders stood at rapt attention. Elder Suttha continued

" Since there are twenty of you— there will be ten pairs.
First round is Qualifying round. You will showcase your weaponary skills.
The ten qualified contenders will move to round two for a hand to hand combat which wil be held at midnight, in public eyes.  The third round will also be a final round where you will be fighting till one of you is unconscious. No dirty move. No intentional attacks to face or groin. No contender will injure another fatally. Goal will be to make your contender tap out or unconscious without giving a killing wound or blow.  Understood. "

" Yes! " The alphas shouted.

" Umm...Alpha Suttha..." Lek approached the Elder, half threatened by the glare he directed at him " Phi Prachaya had requested his name to be entered in the list of contenders.."

" Chief Prachaya will be fighting ? " Suttha asked surprised " Hasn't he literally escaped the death ? Shouldnt he be resting rather than weilding weapons? I haven't seen such bloodthirsty omega. "

"Being an alpha yourself, you must know, It's instinct to protect not blood thirst Alpha Suttha " Perawat defended. " You are lucky to have such selfless chief "

" By all accounts – we are indeed the luckiest alpha Perawat. But we also want our chief to live a long life , not trying to cut it short every chance he gets.  " Another elder retorted. " Half the grey hairs I have is given by taht kid."

"You don't get to blame me for your white mane. You had head full of white hairs before I was born na phi. " Prachaya teased.

" Chief " The moon tribe members bowed in respect and elders and other alpha greeted him by Nodding.

" Thank you for all your concerns.  And don't worry elder Suttha I will outlive you at any day. "

" This kid ..." elder Suttha scoffed, scowling he jotted Prachaya's name at bottom. " If even your hair gets broken in this damned game...you will see what I will do." Suttha growled.

Suttha has been his trainer and guru in weaponary and combat skills along with his uncle and father . He had a fond spot for this grumpy old man. Prachaya just smiled.
" Don't worry too much. I will be fine.  You have taught me well, old man."

Suttha just scowled at his most skilled and most unruly disciple.

" Okay..." Alpha Ken clapped his hands to get everyone's  attention. " Now that we have everyone ready, let's start the festivities. Now, follow me to the range"

All the alphas and Prachaya fell in the line behind Elder Ken and Suttha, following them through lush thickets. He saw Alpha Perawat looking back, eyes most probably searching him. Prachay hid behind the an old tree with trunk as thick as a teen's shoulder span. After looking back for a while, Alpha seemed to give up on finding him.

Prachaya mooved on tiptoes, keeping safe distance from alphacso his footsteps could not be heard.

Mesmerised by Alpha's appearance. He observed from his vantage point, alpha looked different — more grace ful, more sinister. 
" He compliments us. He has us drawn on his chest " his Wold provided.

" and how do you know? "

" Why wouldn't I know my mate? " his wolf sassed.

Curiosity piqued, Prachaya tried to see if he could get a glimpse unser alpha's swishing white robes.
His keen eyes focused on the warpaint that adorned Perawat's face, a mesmerizing tapestry of symbols that spoke of tales untold. From his concealed vantage point, Prachaya couldn't help but marvel at the intricate strokes that seemed to breathe life onto Perawat's skin, travelling from his jaw to neck and descending under neckline of his robe. An alluring puzzle, beckoning him. Teasing him.

Did the alpha fully adhered to moon tribe customs and paint his body too? 

As Perawat moved with purpose,his gait alert like he has found his prey, Prachaya couldn't help but feel a sense of reverence for the alpha's adorned visage. The warpaint seemed to enhance Perawat's already commanding presence, turning him into a living canvas of strength and determination. In the quiet solitude of his observation, Prachaya let his imagination weave stories around the symbols. The tiger forms embodied Perawat's prowess – a fierce guardian of his pack.  
sunbursts, symbolized the victories that had illuminated his path. And the intricate patterns hinted at the complexities of the alpha's character, a tapestry of experiences waiting to be unfolded. Although they had never talked about Alpha's time and experiences in warzone — the symbols on his face  told him enough.

Lost in his musings, Prachaya felt a connection to the alpha that transcended the physical. The symbols on Perawat's face became a bridge between their worlds, an unspoken invitation to accompany alpha's journey. And that he did— engrossed so much in Alpha's thoughts that he didn't even hear the crunch of leaves under alpha's foot when alpha found his perch on the tree.

" Hello, my love" Alpha whisperedin his ear, sitting on a thick branch just behind him.
Prachaya's head jerked behind, shocked, his feet slipped and he fell down the tree on his derriere.
Just when did alpha climbed the tree ?

Alpha jumped down too, landing gracefully on his feet, he offered a hand to the omega  "The chase hasn't even started, but you're already working me hard, Omega?"

Prachaya's got a peek under the robe of alpha bent over him. The white wolf was definitely howling at the moon.

Prachaya took alpha's hand, purposefully keeping his body loose to make alpha lift all his weight to make him stand. He hasn't forgotten how alpha never came back to meet him after the meeting.

Dusting his clothes, Prachaya looked at the alpha " It isn't even a warm up and you are tired already, stranger." 

" Stranger? " Perawat balked.

" Yes" Prachaya hissed. In a sudden attack, he pushed the alpha against the bark of tree they just climbed down.  Drawing up his dagger, Prachaya pressed the  hilt in Perawat's side and mindlinked " My alpha would have came to find me after the meeting , not make me find him. So, who are you mysterious alpha warrior ? " His fingers ghosted upon the shimmering patterns on alpha's face.

Perawat smiled meeting Prachaya's eyes ,
" If it is so, then I am the mystery waiting eagerly to be unraveled by you, beautiful omega.  "

Prachaya's lips curled into a playful smile, and he whispered in to mindlink with a teasing tone, "Unraveling mysteries is my specialty, but I warn you, Alpha, you might find yourself entangled in the process."

Perawat, still maintaining the playful banter, responded with a smirk on his lips and twinkle on his face "Entanglement with you sounds like a risk worth taking, my omega."

" Careful of your words Alpha. " Prachaya replied in mindlink, sheathed dagger still pressed in Alpha's back " You are already encroaching upon my territory..."

" Only territory I want to encroach is your heart my omega. " Alpha replied.

Prachaya grinned, a mischievous glint in his eyes. "Well, alpha, you'll need more than charming words to conquer my heart."

Perawat matched Prachaya's playfulness. "Challenge accepted, my omega. Tonight I have vowed to clear every obstacle between me and you. "

" I am a contender too. I will also be an obstacle in your path, alpha. How will you clear it?"

" You are never an obstacle my Omega.  Not to me."

" Only one of us can win, alpha. "

" I will prove to you, both of us can win."

" May the moon goddess grace truth to your words Alpha. I don't want to fight you. Doesn't mean I won't. "

" Fight all you want omega. At the end, victory will be ours ."

"I will have to Raise my weapon at you alpha" Prachaya was bit sad .

"No,my omega. You will be demonstrating your skills to your mate As will I" Perawat patted his shoulder " Don't forget that you will be granting me one of my ardent wish. I will be honoured to do the mating dance with you and what could be more appropriate music for two warriors than clanging of sword and swishing of soears? ."

" I don't want anyone else to chase me alpha" 

Perawat smiled entetwining Prachaya's fingers in his. "Then let's make sure no one does., my omega."

Prachaya nodded, his fingers slipping under the hem of alpha's robe " I thought, I have come to terms with your allure alpha — but seeing you today — I am pleasantly surprised yet again. "  he was about to part the robes to have a proper look at the tiger claws painted on alpha's chest when  the alpha clutched his hands and stopped his advances.

"You will only get to see my warrior paint when you face me in the challenge arena — unscathed."

" Then you dare not show it to any other man than me alpha ! "

" What makes you think , I will let you look at it ? " Alpha challenged.

" If you won't willingly give, then I will take what is rightfully mine, alpha " The omega sassed.

" Am I rightfully yours omega ? " Perawat teased.
Prachaya, just grasping what he had blurted in heat on moment, promptly avoided alpha's gaze and walked ahead.

" We will be late Alpha Suttha isn't someone to be messed with. "

" I am hurt you already thinking about other alphas my omega" Perawat teased.

Prachaya turned his head glaring " I am not. And alpha Suttha is even elder than my father "

" So you accept you are thinking about me ? "

Prachaya glared at the alpha " We are getting late. Others are about to reach."

" Fine...don't think I won't extract the answer later. "

" For that you will have to catch me first alpha. " Prachaya sprinted suddenly, Perawat right on his tail.

...................................................

When they reached the spot, the Sun was about to set, painting the sky red and orange. Daylight hasn't dimmed yet but it wasn't too bright too.  They were taken to a large clearing, equipped with twenty target boards, standing in a straight horizontal line approximately a meter apart. Each target boards were  painted in red white concentric circles.

" Stand in a line" Suttha instructed. 
" One of our members will bring your weapons to you ...Bow, dagger or spear ...you can have weapon of your choice. "

Perawat saw Prachaya standing three spots away to his right. As expected, Prachaya chose dagger. Perawat settled for his trusted Spear. Checking the point of the spear, Perawat felt the grip and experimented some moves to get a feel of the weapon as did other alphas who had chosen their weapons

A sense of anticipation hung in the air as each candidate was being prepared for the archery competition. The targets, illuminated by torches, stood at a distance, challenging the contestants to rely solely on their instincts and sharpened skills. Perawat felt  a bit concerned for Prachaya as Alpha Pheromones surged in the air.  He sent a calming wave down their bond. Seeing Prachaya's shoulders relaxing, Perawat focused back on the spear at hand, mentally taking a guess of the distance and the best way to shoot the target.

"In the first round" Alpha Suttha announced " you will display your Archery skills —each of you will have to shoot the target we have prepared— blindfold . the winners from first round will be fighting in the main event tonight. "

Blindfold? If there was any weaponary skill Alpha Perawat sucked at- it was blindfold target shooting. Perawat's  grip slipped , his palms suddenly sweating. It looks like he will be thrown out at first step itself.

"I know you can do it,my alpha. Concentarte on the sound, let your ears be your guide" Prachaya's melodious voice rang in his mind. Perawat gripped the handle, Nodding discreetly.

" Don't worry you will do fine. Beside I don't think  shooting prowess is valuable asset for , mating." 

"Oh but it is ,My omega"The alpha replied without missing a beat. " One must know how to hit the bullseye for a satisfying married life. "

"oh for the love of........Alpha!" Prachaya groaned, scandalised. 

Perawat smirked seeing his omega's cheeks visibally reddened.

"Why would you plant that visual in my head?" Omega grumbled.

"What visual?" Alpha asked innocently.

Disbelief travelled through their bond. 

"Fine... Imagine the target as the bulls eye you must hit for satisfied married life, you pervert alpha" Prachaya huffed in the mind link.

Perawat chuckled, Outwardly. 

Alpha Vasi standing beside him scowled. Perawat's eyes flitted to the sky, seeing the arrow barely touching the blue circle in centre, Perawat instantly apologized "I am sorry but it was not directed at you alpha. I remembered a funny anecdote from my training."

"Oh, I would love to hear it" Alpha Vasi raised a brow in challenege, while maintating formal politeness towards Prince.

"Okay, tell me what do you get after you hit bulls eye?"

"A win?"Alpha Vasi asked.

"No.."Perawat giggled "A very angry bull"

The reply unconsciously brought smile to Alpha VAsi's face. 

"Alpha Perawat" Suttha's voice brought all the nervousness crshing down upon him. "Your turn."

 Stepping up to the shooting line, Perawat took a deep breath, trying to calm his nerves. The blindfold was securely tied around his eyes, blocking his vision completely. He could feel the weight of the Spear in his hands, the familiar texture providing some comfort.

Remembering Prachaya's advice, Perawat focused on the sounds around him. The rustling of leaves, the distant murmur of the crowd, and the subtle shifts of the wind became his guide. He tuned into his surroundings, letting his instincts take over.

With a smooth motion, Perawat drew the Spear back, relying on muscle memory to gauge the right amount of tension. He aimed in the direction of the target, visualizing the trajectory in his mind. His fingers released the Spear and it soared through the air.

The tension in the atm

osphere grew as the arrow neared the target. Perawat's heart pounded in chest, he kept his eyes closed. 

The cheerful murmur and a celebratory pat on his back from Alpha Vasi gave him courage to open his eyes. 

Nervously, he focussed his gaze to the target board, there was a hole just on the border of innermost circle. He had missed bulls eye but not by much. Atleast  he will be entering next round.

"Good shot, my alpha" Prachaya's voice rang in his mind.

" Thank you, my omega. I remembered a wise man's advice, it helped me ground myself."

" What advice ?"

"When it comes to archery, it's all about aiming for success and not quivering under pressure."

"Pervert alpha!" Prachaya scolded.

"Am I really a pervert? Or when it comes to me, your brain focuses in only one direction, my omega?" Perwat asked.

"My turn is yet  to come, alpha...don't distract me"

Perawat's teasing tone instantly melded to genuine trust " I know you will be the best among all of us, my omega. I am proud of your skills."

Prachaya's wolf preened. " I will do my best alpha."

"Omega Prchaya Sutthiluck" Elder Suttha called .

Determined and focused, Prachaya adjusted the blindfold securely over his eyes. The fabric embraced his vision in total darkness. 

Silence descended upon the field as the Prachaya drew his bow, the tension palpable. The only sound that cut through the quietude was the soft rustling of leaves, stirred by the gentle night breeze. The blindfolded omega stood like statue, his heightened senses attuned to the slightest movements.

With an internalized focus, Prachaya relied on the connection between his instincts and the bow in his hand. He could feel the subtle vibrations, the rhythm of the winds, guiding him toward the target. In his mind's eye, he envisioned the trajectory, the perfect release.

As the arrows soared through the air, the twang of bowstrings resonated, creating a melody of precision and skill. 

The tension lifted momentarily as the arrow found its marks. Gasps and murmurs rippled through the onlookers as the target bore the evidence of accuracy . two had arrows embedded themselves in the bullseye.

Elder Suttha's voice cut through the moment, "Excellent shooting! The qualifiers for the next round are those whose arrows innermost blue circle. Prepare yourselves for the hand-to-hand combat at midnight."

"Congratulation" Alpha Perawat mindlinked. " You have hit the bullseye, I am not worried about satisfaction in our married life, anymore."

"Alpha!" Prachya was so shocked that he physically turned to alpha. Jaw dropped . Perwat chuckled while others watched as if they had lost their minds.

"You remembered another joke ?" Alpha vasi asked.

"No."Alpha answered still chuckling.

...................

A/N : Here...take your pick of war painted Perawat.

And...most important - a big hug to my dearest  @lazylioness555 for entertaining my whimsical requests for editing !