Page 116 of Savage Games

The tension builds, and I can feel Wyatt's focus through our bond, laser-sharp and unwavering.There's no trace of the weakness I'd detected earlier, no lingering effects of the wolfsbane.His wolf has risen fully to the challenge, pushing aside human concerns like pain and fatigue.

Brad attacks first, a blur of russet fur, as he lunges for Wyatt's throat.

But Wyatt is ready, sidestepping with surprising speed for his size and raking claws across Brad's flank as he passes.

Brad yelps, spinning to face him again, blood matting his fur.

"First blood to Wyatt," someone whispers nearby.

The fight intensifies.Both wolves are moving so fast, it's hard to follow.

Brad is quick, darting in to nip at Wyatt's legs before dancing away again.But Wyatt is smarter than Brad expected, refusing to be drawn into a pattern, varying his responses to keep Brad guessing.

I wrap my arms around myself, barely breathing as I watch.Every time Brad's teeth come near Wyatt's throat, my heart stutters.Every time Wyatt lands a blow, I feel a fierce, primal satisfaction.

The clearing falls silent except for the sounds of the fight, of growls, snarls, the thud of bodies hitting the ground, and the snap of jaws.This isn't just a contest of strength; it's a battle of wills, of determination.Of who has more to lose.

Brad catches Wyatt's shoulder in his jaws, tearing at the muscle.

Wyatt roars in pain, twisting violently to break free.I feel the echo of his pain through our bond, my hand flying to my shoulder instinctively.

"Wyatt," I whisper, a prayer and a plea.

As if hearing me, he rallies, surging forward with renewed strength.He feints to the left, then drives right, catching Brad's hind leg in his powerful jaw.There's a sickening crack as bone gives way beneath the pressure.

Brad howls, collapsing on his side as his leg buckles beneath him.The crowd gasps in unison.This is—the turning point.Brad tries to rise, but his broken leg won't support him.He snaps desperately at Wyatt as he approaches, but there's fear in his eyes now.

Wyatt could end it quickly now, a killing bite to the throat, but he doesn't.Instead, he circles Brad slowly, making a show of his dominance, letting everyone see that this isn't a mindless attack but a calculated victory.The rogue who everyone feared for his unpredictability is showing more control than the established alpha.

Brad attempts one last lunge, teeth bared for Wyatt's throat, but Wyatt is ready.He dodges the clumsy attack and slams Brad to the ground, pinning him with his massive weight.

His fangs hover over Brad's throat, so close, I can almost feel the heat between them.

The crowd holds its breath.One bite.That's all it would take.

Brad goes still beneath him, eyes wide, breathing ragged.For an agonizing moment, I think Wyatt might do it.That he might end him right here, in front of everyone.

But then his jaws close just enough to hold, but not to kill.A claim of victory, not vengeance.

Brad's body goes limp in submission, his wolf knowing what his human side might never admit.

He's lost.

The tension in the clearing breaks as Wyatt steps back, allowing Brad to shift.The transformation back to human is slow and painful to watch as his broken leg twists back into human form.When it's complete, Brad lies naked on the ground, pale and sweating, hatred burning in his eyes.

Wyatt shifts next, his human form emerging with the same fluid grace, with power evident in every line of his body.He stands over Brad, expression grim but controlled.

"It's over," he says simply.

He turns to Blake, who steps forward with a nod of acknowledgment."The challenge is complete.Wyatt is victorious and may claim his prize."

"I want the truth," Wyatt states, looking back down at Brad."All of it.Now."

The power in Wyatt’s voice is amplified, his alpha dominance already taking hold.

Brad's eyes dart around the crowd, desperate for an escape that doesn't exist."I don't know what you're talking about."

Wyatt crouches beside him, his voice dropping to a dangerous rumble."Start with the wolfsbane.The knife in my back when I wasn't looking."

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