Page 47 of Fated for Flames

Following Chad’s directions, I navigated the shadowy forest path, guided by the distant sounds of shouts and laughter.

Eventually, I emerged into a clearing where a large log cabin, complete with a wraparound porch, stood invitingly. A massive bonfire blazed at its center, casting a warm glow that illuminated the surrounding area. Fairy lights twinkled from the trees, creating a magical atmosphere, while groups of people danced and reveled in the open air. Among the revelers, some shifters had embraced their animal forms, seemingly unfazed by the threat Chad had mentioned. I noticed several impressivelylarge wolves mingling on the outskirts, a few large birds soaring above, and even a fox darting among the shadows.

I’d barely had time to take in the lively scene when Chad jogged up to me, a beer in hand and his golden retriever grin lighting up his face.

He thrust the beer toward me. “Here you go, little witch.”

“Thanks,” I mumbled, taking a small sip. The cold liquid slid down my throat.

Ugh! This stuff tasted awful.

“Let me introduce you to some friends,” Chad suggested, guiding me through the crowd with a light hand on my back.

His familiar presence was a comforting anchor in the sea of strangers.

We first stopped by a group of laughing shifters, their camaraderie infectious. Chad introduced them as Brock, a burly male shifter with an easy laugh, and Nia, a lithe shifter whose eyes sparkled with a mix of mischief and wisdom, along with her four large shifter mates. That seemed like…a lot of work, but watching them playfully argue over whose lap she would sit on, while another prepared her s’mores, I couldn’t help but smile.

Chad stayed by my side, his lighthearted jokes keeping my spirits high. He seemed to be everyone’s friend here—no surprise there.

Now and then, my gaze would drift toward Ryker, his dark imposing figure lingering with other shifters near the forest edge. He seemed less guarded than usual, more himself perhaps, but I could still feel his eyes on me.

Just as I was starting to relax into the party’s rhythm, a commotion from one corner of the clearing drew my attention. Shifters were flocking toward it, their faces lit with anticipation. Chad, noticing my curiosity, leaned closer.

“It’s a tradition,” he explained over the noise. “Every year, we have a competition to determine the top shifter. More often than not, it comes down to Ryker and me.”

Interest piqued, I followed Chad through the crowd. We reached a makeshift arena where two shifters were squaring off. Both wore only boxers and wielded daggers in their hands.

The air was charged with anticipation as the two shifters faced off in the makeshift arena. I watched, transfixed, as they circled each other, their muscles rippling beneath tanned skin. The daggers in their hands glinted in the firelight, a promise of violence to come.

“The rules are simple. The first to draw blood on their opponent three times wins.”

I watched as round after round passed in a blur of speed and agility. The shifters’ moves were precise, each dodge and attack showcasing their strength and dexterity.

While the crowd clapped and cheered, Chad talked over the loud crowd on my ear. “That’s why we love these competitions. It’s a chance to prove our strength and skill, to show the pack who’s the top shifter.”

I nodded. “And Ryker and you are the top contenders?”

“You got it, little witch. We’ve been going at it for years, but it’s always a close match.”

The contestants continued to take rounds in the arena. I watched as some shifters were clearly better than others, some even howled in pain when they got cut. I rolled my eyes; I thought shifters were tough!

Suddenly, a chorus of boos erupted from the crowd.

Chad had just announced his decision not to participate this year.

I glanced back at him. “Scared, puppy?”

He frowned at me. “Do you want me to participate?”

“Are you all talk and no show?”

The people around us laughed at my teasing words.

Chad put his hands up in surrender. “All right, all right. It seems I have something to prove tonight.”

With a swift movement, he removed his sweatshirt and gave it to me. “Keep this safe for me, will you?”

I nodded and hugged it like a teddy bear. It smelled nice too.

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