Page 123 of Savage Games

"Especially because of that," I say, meaning it completely."Some things aren't meant to be won in a competition.They're earned through action."

I think of Brad, of how his abuse of power ultimately led to his downfall.Of how Wyatt's sense of justice and protection became his rise.There's poetry to it that feels right, like the moon goddess herself was guiding our paths.

Wyatt's hands slide to my waist, drawing me closer."We still need to make it official.Withdraw from the Games.Speak with Blake about the transition."

"I know."I press closer, breathing him in."Tomorrow.Tonight is just for us."

His lips find mine, gentle at first, then deepening as his arms tighten around me.When we break apart, both slightly breathless, he rests his forehead against mine.

"One thing's certain," he murmurs."I don't need a competition to tell me what I already know."

"And what's that?"

His eyes, dark and serious, hold mine."That we're meant to do this together.Lead together."

The certainty in his voice fills me with warmth.This morning, I was terrified of what would happen if I didn't win the Games.Now, we have a different path forward, unexpected and challenging, yet our own.

We resume our walk toward the cabin, arms wrapped around each other, our footsteps perfectly in sync.The lights of the main compound fade behind us as we follow the narrow path that leads to my temporary home.

"What do you think it would be like?"I ask, picturing the Northern Ridge Pack's territory.

"Different from this," Wyatt says, gesturing to the sprawling, modern layout of Dean's compound.“They’ll take a while to trust an outsider.”

I nod."The territory is beautiful, and the packhouse… all timber and stone, built by the first alpha.The view is stunning, mountains on one side, forest on the other.And the people..."I pause, considering."They're good people who've been afraid for too long."

"They don't need to be afraid anymore," Wyatt promises, and I believe him.

The night stretches before us, full of possibilities, as we walk hand in hand toward our cabin.Tomorrow will bring new challenges and new beginnings.But tonight, we celebrate what we've already won.

Each other.

45

Wyatt

The door clicks shut behind us, and something in me snaps.

The restraint I've been maintaining all evening, through dinner, through conversations with others, through our walk back, dissolves like smoke.My wolf surges forward, not taking control but intensifying everything: my senses, my hunger, my need for her.

Without a word, I sweep Naomi into my arms.Her surprised gasp turns to laughter as I carry her straight to the kitchen counter and set her down, moving between her legs before she can even catch her breath.

"That didn't take long," she teases, her eyes already darkening with desire.

"I've been thinking about this all day."I growl, my hands finding her waist, dragging her to the edge of the counter.

My lips go straight to her neck, to the mating mark that proudly declares her as mine.When my tongue traces the sensitive scar, she shudders violently, her head falling back to give me better access.The reaction sends a bolt of primal satisfaction through me.

"Wyatt," she gasps, her fingers tangling in my hair.

I graze my teeth over the mark, applying just enough pressure to make her squirm.Her scent shifts instantly, the sweet vanilla notes deepening with arousal.The counter puts her at the perfect height, and I press closer, letting her feel exactly what she does to me.

Her thin summer dress is a tantalizingly pathetic barrier, clinging to her curves, riding up her thighs as I step between them.My fingers find the hem, pushing it higher until I can see the lace of her underwear against her tanned skin.

"Look at you," I murmur against her neck, my hands sliding up her thighs."Already so ready for me."

She whimpers as I stroke along the edge of her panties, teasing but not giving her what she wants.Her hips shift, seeking more contact.

"Please," she whispers, her voice already wrecked.

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