Page 25 of Savage Games

"You didn't have to do that," I tell her, though I can't deny the pride I feel seeing her stand up for me, for us.

"I wanted to."Her voice is tight, controlled.She turns to Eli and Dash."Are you guys okay?"

Dash nods, looking a little sheepish."Yeah, thanks.He's been trying to stir up trouble all day, saying anyone who associates with Wyatt is going to regret it."

I frown."I'm sorry you're catching heat because of me.Do you want me to move out?"

"Don't be ridiculous," Eli says firmly, with a relaxed shake of his head.It seems it takes more than Ryan spouting off to rattle him.

"That's what a pack is," Dash says simply, and the word hits me hard.Pack.It's been so long since I've felt that sense of belonging, of loyalty that extends beyond just me and Jamie.

"Yeah," I agree, my throat suddenly tight."I guess it is."

I glance at Naomi, noticing how quiet she's become.Her eyes have that faraway look, her mind clearly churning with thoughts she's not sharing.

"Hey," I whisper."You okay?"

She blinks, coming back to the present."Just exhausted.It's been a long day."

Something about Ryan's words bothered her, and I'm not sure if it's the right time to dig deeper.

Naomi's hand finds my arm, squeezing gently, but there's a hesitation there that wasn't present before."I should go.My roommates will wonder where I've been."

I nod, reluctant to let her leave, but understanding the need for discretion.

"Good luck in the next challenge," she says, her eyes finally meeting mine fully."You deserve this, Wyatt.A pack of your own.Don't let anything distract you from that."

I can see it now.She's pulling away, creating distance.But why?What did Ryan's words trigger?

As she walks away, a piece of my soul goes with her.She might be trying to put some distance between us, but her pain just serves to draw me closer.

We’ll figure it out, whatever it is.

“Sorry about the trouble, guys.I’m going to go for a run and clear my head.”Bidding the brother goodbye, I shift and head for the trees, eager for the peace and solitude that being among the trees brings.

The forest is peaceful at night, the sounds of the day giving way to the gentle rustle of leaves and the occasional hoot of an owl.I settle against the base of a large tree, my back protected, with a clear view of my surroundings.

Old habits die hard.

I hadn't planned to sleep in the woods again, but after the confrontation with Ryan, I thought it best to give Eli and Dash a break from the drama I seem to bring with me.They protested, of course, but I could see the relief in their eyes when I insisted.

Besides, the forest feels more like home than any building ever has.Out here, I can breathe, can let my guard down just enough to rest.

As I close my eyes, the events of the day play through my mind.The challenges we conquered and the way Naomi moved with such grace through every obstacle.The feel of her beneath my hands, the taste of her lips...

Sleep doesn’t come easily, and something nags at me, something I can't quite shake.The idea of Naomi being upset is gnawing at my insides and making my wolf mad.

But that's exactly the problem, isn't it?My protective instincts.If I confront Brad now, or demand Ryan spill what he knows, I could lose my place in the Games.I could lose any chance of winning a pack, at creating a safe place for both of us.

And whatever is happening with Naomi and her sister, it's clear she believes I need to win this competition.

A twig snaps in the darkness, pulling me instantly alert.My nose picks up a familiar scent… Jax.Not threatening, just...watchful.

I don't acknowledge his presence.But I know he's there, his massive wolf's form moving silently between the trees, keeping his distance, but always within earshot.I sense his inner turmoil, and I leave him be.This is his pack, and his way of keeping his animal under control, and I respect him for doing whatever he needs to stay on an even keel.

Being out here, with another person close by, reminds me of the countless nights Jamie and I spent taking turns keeping watch, never fully sleeping, and always ready to run at the first sign of danger.One of us was always guarding, while the other grabbed what rest they could.

But this is different.Jax isn't here because I asked him to be.He's here because, for whatever reason, he's decided I'm worth protecting and is stepping into Jamie’s role while she’s preoccupied with her new mating to Dean.

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