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.

really don’t know much about this sport, do you?" Natalie asked, breaking her

our district doesn’t get much werewolf visitation either. We’re the forgotten part of the new world that’s been left to stew in

sympathy crossed Natalie’s face, her response still carried an edge of unintentional arrogance. "That’s... unfortunate.

respond to that. It wasn’t Natalie’s fault she came from wealth, but

forced a tight smile and

awkward silence

you in on everything you need to know about the sport. Consider it a

brows in silent curiosity but didn’t decline the offer. Natalie leaned in, her tone

their wolf forms. Humans obviously can’t play, they can’t shift, and they’d never survive the intensity.

curiosity growing as Natalie

it into the opponent’s pit while defending their own. The field—" Natalie gestured to the setup, "—is divided into two halves by a neutral zone. Each

added, "The Lunar Orb is launched from a central pit at the start of the match and after each score. All players start equidistant from it, creating an insane

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

is," Natalie said proudly. "Each team has eight players. Your boyfriend over there—" she motioned toward Alaric, "—is a runner. Runners are the fastest and most agile players, responsible for carrying the Lunar Orb and

naturally drifted to Alaric in his wolf form on the field. Pride swelled in

to protect the runner. Makes sense, right? Big, burly guy like

course," Violet muttered. "Griffin was