Page 122 of Savage Games

"I think the others will back off once they see how the council rules," Callum adds."No one wants to get on Blake's bad side, especially not over a pack with Brad's stink all over it."

"Such a poet," Jamie teases, but there's truth in his words.Brad's reputation will follow the pack for some time, making it less desirable to ambitious wolves looking for an easy claim.

"Their loss," I say, meaning it."That pack deserves better."

"Get some rest," Jax says, returning to check my bandages once more."Blake says you have time."

As they leave, I settle back against the pillows, letting my eyes close.My wolf, satisfied and content for perhaps the first time in years, slumbers just beneath my skin.

I've found my place.With Naomi.Everything else is just details.

But as exhaustion pulls me toward sleep, the weight of responsibility settles over me.A pack isn't just a prize to be won.It's lives to protect, a community to nurture, wounds to heal.People who've been hurt by Brad's leadership, who might be wary of a rogue stepping into his place.

I think of Brad's cruelty, of Rowan's abuse, of the culture that must have allowed them to flourish.Changing that won't happen overnight.

It would be easier to walk away.To find some unclaimed territory on the fringes, build something new with Naomi.

But those wolves deserve better than what they've had.And maybe, just maybe, we're the ones meant to give it to them.

With that thought, I finally let sleep take me, dreams of a future I never expected, filling my mind.

44

Naomi

The night air feels electric against my skin as we slip away from the dining hall.Celebrations continue inside with the last five contestants, including me, Eli and Kain, honoured this evening with an extravagant meal, music and dancing, all building up to the final, which will be held after everyone has a few days to rest and recover.

Even Maddie’s there, albeit sitting quietly close to Blake and Dean, where she can feel safe.It’s good to see her smiling again.It’s all been worth it for that alone.

Wyatt's hand is warm in mine, his scent wrapping around me, calling to my wolf with every breath.His presence makes me feel warm and content, and I smile up at him, my gentle giant.

All.Mine.

"Think they noticed us leave?"I ask, laughing softly.Kain gave me a knowing nod and a tip of his head from his sentry position, alone in the corner.The man never relaxes, a stark contrast to Eli, who’s currently spinning a poor unsuspecting Lynn around the dance floor.

"You’re the guest of honour.Everyone noticed."He pulls me closer, wrapping his arm around my shoulders."Jax's probably taking bets on how far we'll make it before I tear your clothes off."

I smack his chest lightly."You wouldn't."

The path back to our cabin winds through a small stand of trees, away from the main compound.It’s dark, deserted, the party keeping everyone else occupied.

His eyes glint mischievously in the moonlight, a far cry from the wounded warrior of just days ago."Wouldn't I?"

I still can't believe this is real.

Wyatt.The mate bond.A pack waiting for us.

Just days ago, everything was uncertain, terrifying even.Now, Brad is gone, the truth is out, and we have decisions to make that I never imagined having this soon.

"What are you thinking about?"Wyatt asks, looking down at me.

I stop in the middle of the path and turn to face him."The pack.Our future.Everything that's happened."

"Having second thoughts?"There's no accusation in his voice, just genuine concern.

"No."I cup his face in my hands."The opposite.It all feels right, in a way nothing has for a long time.Like, we're exactly where we're supposed to be."

His smile is soft in the moonlight."Even if it didn't happen the way we planned?"

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