Chapter 22: You've Got a Friend in Me

The nightclub was not as packed as we thought it would be.

There were plenty of people inside, but not so much that we bumped into each other as we walked inside. This was my first time in a place like this, so I marveled at the decor, music, ambiance, everything. There is nothing like this in my hometown in Utah.

It's a two-story building. On the first floor, we saw people dancing, drinking, and partying. It was large enough that people could move without disturbing the other customers. There was a large bar with stools to order drinks and chat, but there were waiters all around to take your orders at several tables spread over the place.

The second floor was accessible by a staircase that was guarded by a bouncer, though in tonight's case, there was also a Secret Service Agent protecting the entrance, given that the royal family was partying upstairs.

From what we could see, they were partying hard with drinks flowing, some people had vapers even though it is illegal to smoke inside the establishment, and others were dancing, so they seemed to be having fun.

As soon as we entered the place, people stopped to look at two dozen Alphas walking into the room at the same time. It's not a sight you see every day, so it made them slightly uncomfortable at first. However, as soon as they realized who we were, they cheered for us with a round of applause.

Even the waiters were impressed by our debut today. Though some more than others.

"Are you Merlin? I saw your fight earlier. How did you do that? It was like a ninja move!" A boy approached Colin, who was taken aback by the fact that he already knew his name. When we participate in the tournament, during our match, our names, ages, and hometowns appear on the screen during the livestream. The event is properly televised, except they cannot commit to a single network because it would be disloyal competition with the entire nation wanting to find out if this tournament will lead to the next monarch being revealed.

Even though most people think it's a sham, it's still entertaining to watch.

Come to think about it, I don't think I knew Colin's last name until just now.

"Yes, I'm Colin Merlin. Nice to meet you. Thank you for watching my match." Colin spoke bashfully. He looked adorably shy before the guy who seemed interested in him.

"Seriously, where did you learn to fight like that?" The stranger was interested in finding out how he won the match the way he did. Me too, to be honest, so I was watching this play out as I drank a cold beer - they don't card us here. Isn't that cool?

"I got beaten a lot growing up, so my mama put me in Kung Fu classes in the human town outside my pack. She is human, so she knew her way around there." Colin explained with his country boy charm and honest demeanor that was simply enchanting.

The guy widened his eyes when he heard that he had been beaten up a lot. And so did I, though I'm not surprised at this point.

"I'm sorry to hear that you were bullied growing up. I was too, so I get it. I wish my mom had put me in Kung Fu classes as well." He spoke in a low tone, empathizing with him.

"Yeah... She was scared I wouldn't learn how to stand up for myself. But I'm glad she did, though that did not stop the bullying." Colin spoke, feeling hurt. The guy embraced him for a minute, then offered to buy him a beer. He accepted, and then they engaged in conversation.

I was happy that Colin was receiving his laurels. That was a fantastic match, and I am thoroughly impressed by him. While my colleagues were interacting with patrons fangirling over our win today, I had my eyes upstairs for some reason. It's not that I wanted to see what the 'one percent' did for fun; I was just curious about how the vibe was in the upstairs lounge.

However, I am not an idiot. I don't want to stand anywhere close to Prince Elton tonight and give him the opportunity to strike me. I did not forget his threat to annihilate me, it's not something one easily forgets. I am fully aware that he will take me out whenever he gets the chance, and I don't plan on giving him that.

I walked around the floor, listening to the music a DJ was playing from his booth upstairs - separate from the VIPs - and got to know the place. I had yet to find a fan like my fellow competitors, and I wouldn't say no if someone wanted to buy me a beer.

I sat on one of the stools by the bar and took a look at the menu to see if there was anything affordable for me to drink other than beer. I know I have uncle Damian's credit card, but if I get carried away, he will never let me borrow it again.

As I sat there, reading the beverage menu, I heard a male voice addressing me.

"You were fantastic today. The way you took out that guy was something out of an action film. Well played." A Caucasian boy dressed in fine clothing told me from a stool not that far away from mine. He looked very well-dressed for the occasion. He was nursing a glass of whiskey, and it wasn't his first one of the night. Not only that, but he sounded tipsy.

"Thank you, kind sir. I really appreciate it." I replied, modestly.

"Do you want a drink recommendation since it's your first time here?" He offered, looking at my confused expression as I tried to figure out this fancy menu.

"Of course. What do you recommend?" I turned to my side, glancing at him expectantly.

"Sex on the beach." He replied without a second thought.

"Isn't that uncomfortable?" I joked, knowing what he was referring to.

"Depending on the beach. From my experience, it hasn't so far." He replied with a cheeky grin. I was impressed by his quick response and, at the same time, honesty. I think he is probably too drunk to lie, anyway.

"Good to know." I do not have much experience to talk about, so I remained silent about the topic. I told the bartender to mix me one of those, and I was glad to have found someone who saw my match - to be fair, there were a lot of them today. It took hours for everybody to compete.

He smiled at me, but he looked sad underneath it, and I noticed right away.

"Can I ask, are you okay, mister? You seemed down, for some reason." I did not want to intrude, but I had no one else to talk to since all my friends were busy flirting or conversing.

"I just got dumped." He admitted, sounding miserable about it.

"I'm so sorry to hear that. What was her reasoning?" I asked him, trying to engage in a conversation. Maybe I could make another friend while I'm in town. Who knows?

"He said I couldn't commit." He informed me, making sure to enunciate the pronoun. Oh!

"How can you commit if you're so young?" I expressed my confusion, not understanding where he was coming from. In my book, the only person you can commit to is your mate. No one else!

"I know, right? I'm 21 years old, for Goddess' sake! Why would I commit to anyone? Especially without finding my mate!" He raised his voice, sounding exasperated.

"I hear you, and I understand your point of view. I wouldn't commit either if I were you." I agreed with him. It is not unheard of for people to entertain relationships before mated, especially when it can take years for anyone to find their mate, but that does not mean they can commit to that. What happens when you get mated?

"Exactly! Nice to find someone lucid around this town! Thank you, Pendragon. Your drink is on me tonight." He spoke, feeling happy to have found a kindred spirit of sorts.

"You don't have to do that, but I thank you for the kindness." I smiled at him, happy to have found my drink sponsor.

"You know my name, but I don't know yours." I looked at him, curious to be introduced. Where I come from, it's the first thing people do when they meet each other.

"Right. I'm Lance Richmond. Nice to meet you." He stood straight to shake my hand, courteously.

"Nice to make your acquaintance, Lance. Brad Pendragon." We shook hands, and I had the distinct feeling of having heard his last name before. I just cannot recall where or when.

Later that evening, I was using the restroom when the place was invaded by the Secret Service, who made sure that no one else was inside except for me. It didn't take long for Prince Elton to enter the restroom while I was washing my hands. Great, that's just great!

We are in the only room in this place without any cameras. Oh boy... O.o

A|N: BOOM!

Love,

Léo.