Page 34 of Savage Games

“I’m sorry.”

Knowing that I’m being a coward, I hurry toward the door, eyes down, and brush past Wyatt, fighting the urge to turn and cling to him that seems to pull at my insides.

Without thinking, I pull open the door, already apologising to whoever is outside for keeping the showers occupied for too long.But when I catch the scent of males, I freeze, realising far too late that it’s not another woman looking to wash up.

“Problem here?”Suddenly hearing Ryan’s voice makes my pulse spike.

Shit.

I take in the area outside the shower block, finding three competitors standing a few feet away.

A chill runs through me as I recognize the wolves flanking Ryan.The burly one with the crooked nose is Grayson, one of Brad's enforcers.The lanky, dark-haired one is Tanner, Ryan's cousin, a wolf known more for viciousness than strength.

The three of them here together isn't a coincidence.They’re looking for trouble.

“No problem,” I say, brushing a damp strand of hair back from my face, hoping that my cheery expression negates my elevated heart rate and glistening eyes.

Wyatt appears beside me, his presence solid and steady, but I can feel the tension rolling off him in waves.He doesn’t move, doesn’t react, but his jaw tightens.His hands are loose at his sides, relaxed but ready.

“It doesn’t seem like there’s no problem.It seems like you’re upset.”Ryan presses closer, clearly thrilled with the turn of events when he shifts his focus to Wyatt, barely concealing his disdain.

“What the hell are you doing lurking around here?Can the women here not shower in peace?”He shakes his head.“I told you, didn’t I?You can’t trust a filthy rogue, even one who pretends to be a gentleman.”

Grayson and Tanner flank out slightly, moving to either side.The casual way they do it, without even seeming to coordinate, speaks of practiced teamwork.They’re used to fighting together.

A low, dangerous growl rumbles in Wyatt’s chest.

I step forward instinctively, my body slipping between them, before this turns into something ugly.

“Ryan, he was just here talking to me,” I say, my voice sharp, leaving no room for argument.“We’re… friends.And he’s certainly not bothering me.Not that it’s any of your business.”

The guy beside Ryan scoffs, arms folding over his chest.“Yeah?‘Cause from where I’m standing, it looks like he locked you inside, and you’ve been crying.And I don’t think Alpha Reynolds would approve…”

Panic bubbles up inside me when passing wolves stop and stare, whispers beginning as they catch snippets of the conversation.Menacing looks are thrown in Wyatt’s direction.They all think he’s hurt me.

“I said it’s fine.I’m fine.”My voice cuts through the tension, the finality of it ringing in the air.They will not dare try to get my mate in trouble over nothing.“If I have a problem with someone, I’ll deal with it myself.Unlike you and your friends.”

I include Brad in that list of friends, as I know he’s encouraging this witch hunt against Wyatt.

The spectators' eyes turn to me now, searching, waiting for something: fear or hesitation.They’ll find none here.

“Seems he has you fooled.Why don’t you run back inside and get dressed?We’ll have a chat with Wyatt here about how to behave in a pack.Looks like he’s forgotten some basic manners.”

"Forgot his manners?"I laugh, the sound sharp enough to make Tanner flinch."That's rich coming from you three.What exactly are you doing skulking around the women's shower block?Looking for a show, like some sad peeping toms?"

Grayson's smirk falters, and even Ryan seems surprised by my direct challenge.

My fingers curl at my sides, a familiar heat buzzing under my skin.“We haven’t finished our conversation.”

If they push this any further, my wolf won’t hesitate in coming forward and showing them just how serious she is.

Their stares linger too long on the man at my back.My anger flares even hotter in response to the raw fury I can feel radiating from Wyatt.I’m pretty sure the only reason he hasn’t told them to fuck off is because he’s so close to shifting that he can’t.

“Leave,” I say, and the two men with Ryan flinch, the force of my words hitting them square in the chest.

That’s right, boys.I’m no pushover.I earned my place here.Getting through the first couple of rounds has reminded me just who I am and what I’m capable of.

The shock on Ryan's face speaks volumes.The average unmated female shouldn't have that kind of dominance over an alpha candidate, but my wolf isn't playing by their rules anymore.Normally, she’s happy to stay hidden, but not where her mate is concerned.

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