Chapter 2 An Unfair Contest

Rosaline, a lady with an uncanny ability to read people's expressions and their hidden motives like an open book since she lived a fierce life, daily training herself through onsets.

But as she scanned those three men standing in front of her, she couldn't figure out what they were thinking. Even though she had watched them countless times before, working under her Alpha father. But she had never spared another glance for them until now.

"Dad, what is this?" she asked, her eyes flickering between the three men and her father.

"They'll be your personal bodyguards from now on," he replied calmly.

Rosaline rolled her eyes with a scoff and stood up to leave, but Maverick held her hand gently.

"Dear, listen," he said.

Rosaline looked at him sceptically but remained silent.

"I'm doing this to protect you. The Phantom Reaper is out there," Maverick continued.

Rosaline crossed her arms over her chest and shook her head, a hint of annoyance creeping into her voice.

"Dad, are you underestimating me? That I'm a fragile girl who needs babysitting?"

"I know my girl is strong, but the 'Phantom Reaper' isn't someone to be taken lightly," her father replied, standing up and placing his hands on her shoulders.

Rosaline frowned and fell deep in thought. She knew her father meant well, but she didn't want to be looked down on.

"Fine! I'll accept them," her gaze switched on them,

"If they can win in a spar with me," she said, her eyes glinting with challenge.

Shaan locked his blue eyes with Rosaline and flashed a smirk on his lips.

"We accept your challenge," he stepped forward, "Ms Rosaline."

A small smile tugged at the corner of Rosaline's lips, feeling a thrill of excitement. She was always up for a good fight,

"Don't beg for mercy."

She swiftly walked away after whispering those words.

Rosaline stood in the centre of the training room in her black outfit that hugged her curves perfectly. Her silver hair was pulled back, leaving her sharp features and flawless skin on display. Shaan's eyes checked out every part of it from afar, hiding the coy smile of his face beneath his fingers.

"So, you are telling us to attack you in a group?"

Ryder raised his brows, revealing his light green eyes that looked at Rosaline with concern.

"Did I say otherwise?" She said coldly.

He shrugged at her words, his face surprised in amusement, seeing her boldness.

"You know the rules. You'll be eliminated if the color comes in touch with your body or clothes," said the guard, his voice stern and commanding.

He was wearing a black suit and glasses, standing stiff as he watched over the contest as a referee.

"Now begin!"

With the signal they launched at her in group as ordered, their muscles rippling under their shirts.

However, Rosaline was faster than they anticipated. She ducked easily, avoiding their attacks due to her height. She made her way behind Ace, and her eyes met with his grey eyes when he looked back, but it was futile since she already shot him with the color inserted in her gun.

Even in the middle of the fight, she could see the smirk on Shaan's face as his blue eyes followed her every movement with calm composure. She felt irritated and aimed at him, but Shaan grabbed Ryder and put him before her to block the shot.

"C'mon, man!" Ryder complained as he walked away from the ground.

The training ground went silent as Rosaline and Shaan faced each other, getting ready to attack. Shaan threw his gun away, squashing the color ball in his hand and Rosaline approached him to finish him off in one hit.

However, something made her trip in a blink of an eye, and Shaan moved closer to her faster than the wind, grabbing her by the waist as she lost her balance.

"Hey-"

His face was inches away from Rosaline as he smudged the colour red on her lips with his thumb and leaned in to whisper,

"I win, Princess."

Rosaline froze in his arms, staring at his deep blue eyes. "Are you really a Beta?" she asked, her voice barely above a whisper.

Shaan smirked, "I hear that a lot," he said, his voice low and husky.

She tried to move away, but he held her waist firmly, his grip strong and unyielding.

"Fine! You win. Now, do something about that grip of yours,"

Rosaline glared at him, hissing with a threatening tone.

"Sure," Shaan chuckled, his breath warm against her skin. "Then we'll be with you from now on," he said, before releasing her and walking away, leaving Rosaline standing there, her heart racing from frustration.

Maverick, who had been watching the fight in silence, came down to have a talk with them. His expression was serious as he approached them.

"You lost on purpose, didn't you?" His gaze locked on Ace.

After all those times, that was the first time Ace smirked, flashing the dimple on his left cheek. "Was I being obvious?"

Maverick stared at him in silence, his eyes narrowing.

"Don't get me wrong. Her speed is nothing to underestimate. That did catch me off guard, but I didn't avoid it."

"I could've done something, but this damn Shaan used me as bait." Ryder scowled, his fists clenched.

The two of them glanced at Shaan, who stood there with an unfazed cold expression.

"You three are incredibly strong despite being Betas." Maverick sighed as he stood up and turned around to glance outside.

"Then I'll entrust my only daughter to you. Please take care of her."

"You can count on us, Alpha," Shaan said, his voice low and steady.

Maverick turned around, his eyes narrowed as his expression grew grim,

"And dig out more info on 'Phantom Reaper'. How dare he set foot in my territory."