Ch. 55 Garrett's Fight Continued

                                    

                                          
***Here's an extra chapter. Hope you enjoy!***
Jonathan then erupts with such a ferocity with only the thought to end this fight as he continues his raid of punches and kicks. Anyone can tell that he's trying to find a weak spot, but Garrett blocks them with undeterred determination. Garrett's calmness in blocking his opponent's hits makes me realize that he's waiting for Jonathan to tire out. 
As the fight continues, a sense of unease crept over me. I cross my arms over my chest, gripping onto my arms tightly. I watch Garrett take a blow to his chest sending him backwards off the mat.
I jump startled as my hand goes up to cover my mouth in shock before lowering it in hopes no one saw me. Jonathan backs away with a triumphant expression as he walks around the mat, firing the crowd up with his momentary success.
I glance over at Garrett to see him sitting up in the sand, dusting the sand off his clothes. I gasp, quickly covering my hands over my mouth to stifle it. I can clearly see his face now and I almost wish I hadn't. 
Bruises and gashes cover his face as blood trails down his face seeping into his t-shirt. He puts pressure over his chest as he grimaces in pain momentarily before masking it. It's never good to show weakness but for him to show that sliver of emotion makes me know he took a good beating.
I wince at the prospect of that kick breaking a rib. Jonathan does have power behind his kicks and seems relentless in his actions. It's as if he wants to end the fight badly.
The crowd backs up giving Garrett space, he stands up straightening his back. He then walks back onto the mat, with a determined look. Glowering at his opponent as he stalks over to him. 
The atmosphere changes and the crowd senses it. Everyone goes silent. Only hushed whispers can be heard. The opponents circle each other, searching for each other's weaknesses. 
Jonathan smirks as his gaze looks over Garrett's injuries. I find myself holding my breath as I wait.
In a split second, Jonathan launches himself at Garrett who easily doges the punch to his chest only to give one in return. The sound of Garrett's fist hitting Jonathan's jaw sounds like a crack in the now quiet building.
Roars from the crowd fills the area as the fight carries on. Garrett's usual collected demeanor gone as his eyes blaze with intensity. 
He evades Jonathan's attacks with ease. Retaliating with new fervor, sending strikes one after another with the aim to exploit any weakness.
Garrett's usually gentle demeanor was overshadowed by a primal aggression and power that both frightened and mesmerized me. I find myself torn between admiration for Garrett's undeniable skill and apprehension towards this side to him I had never witnessed before. 
His transformation in the heat of battle is captivating yet unsettling, revealing a primal instinct that took over his usual gentle nature.
The clash of strength between Garrett and Jonathan unfolds before me, each moment intensifying my conflicting emotions. Despite my apprehension, I can't tear my gaze away from the spectacle.
My gaze transfixed by the dance of power and aggression playing out in front of me. However, I'm helped out of my trance by an intriguing conversation going on by those around me. Girls surround us, who pushed their way to the front of the fight.
"Garrett looks so powerful whenever he fights with the other warriors. Too bad he's already found his soulmate," Eliana sadly exclaimed as she watches on with disappointment.
"He's almost as desirable as an Alpha or Beta for a mate, "a tall girl with fiery red hair and piercing green eyes added as she looked at Garrett with a wistful gaze.
I look around to see many girls nod their head in agreement. I look over at Lilac who shared the same uncomfortable expression that I had. 
I know that Garrett has been popular among many young, unmated she-wolves but not to this extent. But I can't disagree with them either since I also think he's a great catch for his soulmate.
Hollars of excitement and disappointment went around the crowd, leading me to turn back to the fight stunned. Garrett has Jonathan tackled to the ground in a choke hold. His right arm muscles bulge as he tightens his hold around Jonathan's neck.
 A tall warrior with black training gear comes out of the crowd who I assume to be the designated referee. He kneels down on the mat getting close enough to watch Garrett's controlled hold on Jonathan, waiting for him to tap out.
 A couple of agonizing seconds go by as I watch Jonathan's face turn blue as he's depleted of oxygen. Garrett masks his emotions as he adamantly focuses all his attention and strength on Jonathan. 
Jonathan brings the hand that is trying to pry Garrett's arm off his neck to tap his shoulder a couple of times. The referee blows his whistle signaling to the end of the fight and Garrett's victory. 
Garrett gently unravels his arm from around Jonathan's neck and stand up giving him some space. Jonathan fervently takes gulps of air as he sits up placing one hand on the ground bent over. 
A young woman from the crowd rushes out and hands him a water bottle which he downs immediately. She gives him a hug with worry lining her features. He wraps his arms around her as he smiles through the pain.
I turn my gaze over to Garrett as warriors rush out of the crowd over to him. I see Finn in the midst of everyone, his blonde hair sticking up every which way.
With an ecstatic expression on his face, he goes over slapping Garrett on the back with proudness. A smile cracks Garretts stony face, as he hesitantly pats Finn's back in appreciation. 
I sigh in relief and peel my hands away from my arms which my nails have left crescent shaped moons imprints on my skin. I didn't even realize I was holding so tightly onto my arms that I left marks behind.
The crowd slowly dispersed as the fight had now ended and everyone went to other mats to start practicing. A small group of warriors were left surrounding Garrett. A few girls joined in showering him with compliments while asking for pointers. 
I shake my head, slightly annoyed at their obvious flirting. However, Garrett only gives a soft thanks to them before giving attention to his friends. Not sparing them another glance. 
It's quite poor behavior of them to do that to someone who has a mate. Either they don't know about that news or they're ignoring it. 
I turned my attention back to the girls as they excitedly express their satisfaction of the fight. Lilac excitedly retold the last moments of Garrett's fight as Eliana helped add comments to it. A group of girls from my grade surrounded us excitedly joining in.
Everyone knows how close we are to Garrett, and this was an opportunity to see Garrett after the fight. Most of the girls gave comments that complimented Garrett's ability to make a comeback at the end. With an emphasize on his fearlessness when it seemed like he would be defeated. 
I stood to the side of the group, smiling at the praises and stories made towards Garrett. It made me feel proud just to be a close friend of his. He has undoubtedly made his name in our pack; his position only being secured after this unofficial fight. 
"Cress?" A gentle voice asks with surprise. 
I turn around to see Garrett looking at me with an indescribable expression. He strides over to me, stopping once in front of me.
"Hi Garrett, congratulations on winning!" I shyly say with a genuine smile trying to not think about the curious gazes now transfixed on us.