Page 39 of Savage Games

I don’t feel good about eavesdropping on her conversation, wishing I could be the type of man who wouldn’t let his protective instincts overrule his common sense, yet as I stand with my back to the wall of the cabin that she’s staying in and watch Callum bid her farewell, I can’t say I’m sorry.

In fact, I wish I’d heard everything.

My wolf is on edge, desperate to comfort her, to fix whatever's causing her pain.It took every ounce of control I had to walk away from the shower block when Callum told me to.Now, I'm not going anywhere until I know she's safe.

Everything comes back to her sister.The note.Naomi’s fears about what will happen to her if she pisses off her alpha.It’s all connected.

If I help Maddie, I help Naomi.Even if she doesn't know it yet, Maddie is family to me now too, and if she’s anything like Naomi, I doubt she’s done anything irredeemable.

But I still need more information.

One pitfall of being a rogue is a lack of contacts.How the hell am I going to find out what’s going on with her sister?And how am I going to make sure she’s safe?I’d love to be absolutely certain I’ll win these games and bring her to my pack, but I’m not that ignorant.

The welcoming party outside the shower block was enough to show me that there are still plenty of people interested in getting rid of me.

And it’s quite possible that right or wrong, they’ll succeed.I need to figure out a way to make sure Naomi and Maddie can switch packs without retribution from Brad, whether I win the games or not.

I need help.

I know who to ask.

Instead of going back to my lodgings, I head for the woods, to the remote cabin Dean and Jamie call home.As I expected, Jamie’s on the porch, sipping a mug of coffee and enjoying the view she loves so much, while the big bad alpha cooks up a storm in the kitchen.

When I hesitate on the edge of the lawn, Jamie puts down her mug and stares at me, her sharp eyes taking me in.We’ve spent almost every day together since our old alpha decided he wanted rid of me and used tormenting Jamie to force me to go.

Living as rogues meant we had nobody to trust but each other.She knows me better than I know myself, so my little sister is the first person I’m going to turn to for advice.And she’ll give it to me, whether it’s what I want to hear or not.

“I heard Callum had to break something up near the shower block.”Dean comes out and stands at Jamie’s shoulder, a concerned rather than stern look on his face.

He’s not accusing me of anything.He’s worried.

“Nothing I couldn’t handle.”

When I don’t elaborate, not wanting to go running to the alpha with every minor complaint I have, he squeezes Jamie’s shoulder and turns to go.

“You can come to me too now if there’s something bothering you, Wyatt.We’re family.”

He goes inside, leaving me to think that over.I thought going to him would be cheating, using my connections, but I guess he’s right.If I become the alpha of a pack, I’ll have to get used to asking for help and trusting others.Pack allegiances are an important part of pack politics.

“We have other people we can rely on now.I know it’s hard to wrap your head around, but don’t forget that.”Jamie gets it, knowing what it’s like to be shunned.“Sit.”

Jamie pushes the chair beside her with the toe of her boot, inching it closer to me.

Feeling awkward, I climb the steps and lower myself into the wooden seat, half afraid it’s going to crumple into kindling beneath me.

My sister waits patiently as I stretch my legs out in front of me and figure out what I want to say.

“Naomi has a sister, Maddie.Her mate died, and it seems they’d like to leave the pack, but their alpha is holding it up over some personal grudge.”

Jamie's expression darkens."Their alpha is that Brad guy, right?"When I nod, she grimaces.

Apart from her own mate, Jamie has a scathing view of alphas.Our experiences over the years were not good, with multiple pack leaders running us off their land and refusing us shelter when we needed it.Even when we were just teenagers, many refused to help.

Some wolves might be shocked to hear that not all alphas are good people, but not us.

“Yep.Brad.”I sneer his name, fidgeting in my seat and clenching my fists, which is enough to catch Jamie’s attention.

She twists in her seat to give me her full attention.

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