Page 111 of Savage Games

He stands, signaling the end of our conversation.

"We'll speak more after I've had time to consult with the council."

"This type of situation," Blake adds, "falls under specific protocols.Mate abuse is not taken lightly.Neither is what happened afterward."

"We're not passing judgment yet," Dean continues, his tone gentler now."But we’ve heard about what happened during the hunt, and we’ve had someone come forward and confess that Brad put them up to harassing Wyatt...so it aligns with what you've told us."

Maddie's hand finds mine again.Her fingers are ice cold.I stand, legs a little shaky, and Maddie rises beside me.As we reach the door, Dean speaks once more.

"For now, go back to your cabin.Stay close by."

I hesitate, my hand on the doorknob, back to Dean.Turning slowly, even though I’m scared to know the answer, I ask."Do you believe us?"

Dean's expression remains neutral."We can't decide until we've spoken to everyone involved.But Brad will answer for his actions, especially if he was trying to coerce you into mating him to extend his territory.There are protocols to follow for a reason."

It's not the answer I wanted.

“Did Wyatt know?Did he go after Brad because of this?”

Horrified, I shake my head.“No.I only told him last night.He knew Brad wanted me to mate with him, and Wyatt suspected he’d take advantage of the hunt to do it, but that’s all.”

Blake and Dean both exchange another loaded glance.“Thank you for your time.”

We’re dismissed.

I nod stiffly and pull the door open, expecting to see Wyatt's broad shoulders, and his reassuring presence.

But he's not here.The hallway is empty.

"Wyatt?"I call out, my voice echoing against the walls.

No answer.

My stomach drops as I scan the foyer and the waiting area, finding only Jamie by the entrance, her expression tight with concern.

She meets my eyes."I think he went after Brad.Did he say anything?"

Fuck.

“He was way too calm this morning.I should have known something was up.”

Trust me, he said.Because he already had this all planned out, knowing Dean and Blake would be with me, distracted with the interviews and sorting this mess out.

"The wolfsbane isn't completely out of his system," I say, panic rising."If he confronts Brad now…"

"He knows what he's doing," Jamie interrupts, her expression torn between worry and fierce pride."My brother's spent years thinking five steps ahead of everyone else.It's how we survived."

Her words offer little comfort.Brad has already tried to kill Wyatt once.

I reach out through the bond and feel it stretched thin with distance, feel the hot pulse of his anger through it like a wild storm.

I need to find my mate before he does something we can't undo.

41

Naomi

We're just making our way out through the packhouse front door when Lynn appears, jogging toward us with a grim expression that makes my stomach clench.

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