Page 36 of Savage Games

“Not much,” he replies, pushing away from the tree he’s leaning casually against, and walking away, satisfied the situation is now resolved.

They all glance over their shoulders as they slope off, giving me some withering looks.They’ll be watching me now, too, and if they figure out that we’re mates, they’ll know I’m Wyatt’s biggest weakness.

Until Wyatt’s place in the final is secure, I can’t let them use me to hurt him.

13

Naomi

The second Wyatt is gone, the tightness in my chest remains.In fact, it gets worse.The ghost of his hand on my shoulder, stopping me from getting into it with Ryan, aches.I want his touch.

“He doesn’t deserve that,” I start before Callum even says a word.“Those guys are not alpha material, not if they have to cheat or talk down to someone to make themselves feel big.Or to win.”I’m fuming as I point in the direction they’ve gone.“And what were they doing hanging around here?If anyone’s up to no good, it’s them.”

I’m rambling, getting more and more worked up at the idea of someone threatening Wyatt’s chances in the competition just because they’re intimidated by him.

“And I wanted Wyatt here.I’m not afraid of him.But did they believe me?Noooo.”

Callum doesn’t speak right away, just watches me with that steady, assessing look that makes me squirm.When I finally fall silent and take a slow inhale to calm down, he waits patiently, letting me regulate myself and get my anger back under control.

My wolf is still bristling, wanting to chase after Ryan and his cronies.The urge to protect my mate is overwhelming, a primal force that's hard to tamp down.The mate bond is already strong enough that being separated from him feels physically wrong.

He knows something’s wrong.I might have just made a mistake showing the beta how annoyed I am, and how protective I feel of Wyatt.

I cross my arms over my chest defensively.“What?”

He lifts a brow, not calling me out on my disrespectful tone, but letting me know he noticed it and isn’t pleased.

“What the hell was that?”

I shake my head, trying to regain my footing.“Nothing.I’m fine now.It was just a misunderstanding.And I hate bullies.”

Callum laughs, a dry, humorless sound.“Try again.”

I exhale sharply.“It’s none of your concern.”

His expression doesn’t change.“Wrong.It is my concern.I need to know if you’re gonna get yourself, or Wyatt, in trouble.We’ve had enough drama in this competition already.I could do without any more injured wolves on my watch.”

My stomach knots up because I know he’s right.

“They won’t leave him alone.It’s not fair.”

Callum’s face softens.

“Are you going to do anything about them?”I ask.“I mean, if I report them to Dean, will he kick them out before they hurt Wyatt or ruin his chances?”

Callum studies me for a long moment."You and Wyatt...?"When I don't immediately answer, he nods as if confirming something to himself."I've seen how he looks at you.How you look at him when you think no one's watching."

My heart races."I don't know what you mean."

"I think you do."His voice is gentle, but leaves no room for denial."But your secret is safe with me."

He tilts his head to the side, amusement creeping into his expression.

“That’s it?That’s what you’re so worked up over?”He sighs.“I’m monitoring them as best I can, but unfortunately, this is the Alpha Games.Wyatt needs to expect their tactics, underhanded though they might be, and deal with bullies.”

I grumble at that, but I know he’s right.We’re competing for the leadership of a pack.Whoever gets the job can’t go running to Blake Steel or the other alphas whenever someone is mean to them.

“If something else is going on, tell me.”

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