46 - Alpha Duel

**Jaden**

Of course, I was completely terrified that night. But, in some strange way, I managed not to show it and conveyed confidence to my mate, who seemed on the verge of bursting into painful, fearful tears at any moment.

I understood her. I knew some things might spiral out of my control, that my fate could be to die there, among a million other possibilities, but I wanted to pretend everything was fine and that things would turn out well, as I always had.

When we arrived at the place where the fight would take place—a huge training arena—Joshua was on the other side, talking with my father-in-law and some other unknown men. I sat at the small table set up, next to Damon and Bruno, and took a sip from the water bottle they had given me.

“It’s going to be okay, man,” Damon smiled at me.

“It has to be,” I sighed, letting out a breath. “I still wonder why he’s so confident.”

“I find it strange too. Either your brother is very arrogant, or he really has something up his sleeve.”

“I w