Defy The Alpha(s)

Chapter 134: Who Wants To Play Ball?

"What is that, and what are they doing?" Violet asked, her gaze fixed on a group of students who were carefully sliding claw-like frames with retractable prongs over the upper and lower jaws of the wolves.

Natalie followed her gaze and replied casually, "That’s a mouth gripper."

"Mouth gripper? Is that really what it’s called?" Violet repeated, her brows furrowing at the odd name.

Natalie pointed at one of the wolves being fitted. "Yes. It’s a tool that allows the players to securely hold and manipulate the ball in their jaws during the game. Pretty essential for Lycan Fangball."

Violet’s face twisted in concern. "That looks like it’s going to hurt."

Natalie gave a knowing smile, clearly amused by Violet’s reaction. "They’re werewolves, Violet. Pain is kind of their thing. Besides, the core frame is coated with a smooth layer to prevent injuries, and the parts that come into contact with their teeth and gums are lined with softly treated wolfhide leather for extra comfort and grip. The gripper is durable too, built to withstand the pressure of a game."

Violet gave her a skeptical look. "Comfort, huh? What about when they get tackled or slammed into the ground?"

Natalie said breezily. "Well, you don’t have to wear one, so no need to worry. Trust me, Your darling Alaric will be just fine."

That comment earned Natalie a sharp look from Violet, but the girl kept her expression straight and innocent.

Ignoring her, Violet focused on the staff member fitting Alaric’s mouth gripper. The device was remarkable—adjustable to fit various jaw sizes and seemingly intuitive as it molded itself perfectly to the shape of his mouth. She couldn’t help but be impressed by how advanced it was.

sport, do you?" Natalie

really," Violet admitted honestly. "I’ve heard of it, but my school was all human. And our district doesn’t get much werewolf visitation either. We’re the forgotten part of

face, her response still carried an edge of unintentional arrogance. "That’s... unfortunate. I guess I’m lucky to have been born into the right part of

she

forced a tight smile and muttered, "It’s

awkward silence followed, heavy

to bear the tension, sighed dramatically. "Alright, fine. I’ll fill you in on everything you need to know about the sport.

decline the offer. Natalie leaned in,

forms. Humans obviously can’t play, they

nodded slowly, her curiosity growing as

pit while defending their own. The field—" Natalie gestured to the setup, "—is divided into two halves by a neutral zone. Each half has a pit at the far

Orb is launched from a central pit at the start of the match

breathed, her imagination running wild as she tried to picture it. "That sounds

boyfriend over there—" she motioned toward Alaric, "—is a runner. Runners are the

drifted to Alaric in his wolf form on the field. Pride swelled in her chest, though she tried not to show

Natalie continued, "is a defender. His job is to protect the runner. Makes

muttered. "Griffin was born for