Page 22 of Savage Games

Lynn watches them go before turning to us."You two alright?"

I nod, but Wyatt remains silent, his eyes tracking Ryan's retreat with a predator's focus.

"Maybe find somewhere quieter to catch your breath before the next challenge."Lynn suggests, her tone gentler now."Some people are looking for any reason to stir up trouble."

As she walks away, I glance up at Wyatt, seeing the tension etched in every line of his body.He's rigid with the effort of containing his anger, his hands clenched into fists at his sides.He looks like he’s about to explode.

"He's not worth it," I whisper."He's just trying to get a reaction."

Wyatt finally looks at me, his eyes gradually softening."I know."He exhales slowly and drags a hand down his face."But every day, it's something new.And with you here, it’s getting harder to ignore."

I know exactly what he means.The connection between us makes everything more intense.His wolf is already protective of others by nature, but add a new mate bond to the mix, and the urge to defend and claim becomes nearly overwhelming.

The raw honesty in his voice tugs at something deep inside me.Here I was, about to dump all my problems on him, when he's already fighting an uphill battle just to be treated with basic respect.

"What were you going to tell me?"he asks suddenly, his dark eyes searching mine, all of his focus returning to me.

I hesitate, the moment stretching between us.Every instinct tells me to trust him, to let him in, to share the burden I'm carrying.But as I look at him, this strong, good man who's already dealing with so much, I can't bring myself to add my troubles to his.

"Nothing important."I lie, forcing a smile."Just wanted to thank you for the advice about the scent trail.You were right about the gaps."

He studies me for a long moment, and I know he doesn't believe me.But he doesn't push.

"Anytime," he says finally."That's what challenge buddies are for, right?"

His attempt at lightness doesn't quite mask the hurt in his eyes.He wanted me to confide in him.

"Right."I agree, my voice unnaturally bright."Challenge buddies stick together."

As we walk together toward the next station, keeping a careful distance between us, my mind races with impossible choices.Tell Wyatt everything and risk him flying off the handle, potentially costing him his chance at the Games?Or keep silent and deal with Brad alone?

Either way, someone I care about will get hurt.

8

Wyatt

"You were amazing out there," I tell Naomi as we walk away from the obstacle course, the last challenge of the day now behind us.Her cheeks are still flushed with exertion and triumph.The late afternoon sun catches in her dark hair, making it shine like silk.I can't stop looking at her.

She laughs, the sound light and musical."Not as fast as you, but I held my own."

We both crushed it, a brutal combination of strength, agility, and problem-solving that left most competitors exhausted.Even the alphas with impressive bloodlines struggled.But Naomi moved through it all with a grace that left everyone watching in awe.I couldn't have been prouder.

"They're just worried."I shrug, trying to downplay the whispers that followed us as we completed the course."No one expected either of us to make it this far.Especially a mere female.How dare I?"Her proud smile makes my chest tighten.

We find a quiet spot beneath an ancient oak tree, far enough from the main area that we can talk without being overheard.Naomi sinks down onto the grass with a sigh, stretching her legs out in front of her.I settle beside her, careful to keep a respectable distance, even though my wolf is practically clawing at me to get closer.

"Tired?"I ask, noticing how she rubs at a spot on her calf.

"Just a little sore.It's been a while since I've pushed myself like that."

Without thinking, I reach over."May I?"

She hesitates only briefly before nodding, and I gently pull her leg across my lap.My large hands wrap around her calf as I knead the tight muscle.Her sharp intake of breath makes me pause.

"Too hard?"

"No," she says quickly."It's perfect."

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