Page 74 of Savage Games

I don’t know where he is either.

NAOMI:Don't tell anyone anything yet.Not until we've talked properly.Not until I’m with you.

I let her feel my urgency.She needs to know the lies he’s been spreading first.

MADDIE:He says you’re embarrassing the pack by taking up with a vicious rogue, and everyone will believe him if he says we’ve lost our minds… are you?With a rogue?

Her curiosity and concern flows through our mental connection.There's no judgment in her question, only perhaps a trace of hope that I've found happiness despite everything.

Once again, rage burns inside me.So he knows.He knows Wyatt is my mate, and he’s purposefully standing in the way of a fated pair.It goes against everything wolf shifters hold sacred.

NAOMI:I found him, Maddie.But Wyatt’s not like that.Just don't let Brad get you alone, no matter what.I’ll explain later.

I can't help the rush of warmth that accompanies my thoughts of Wyatt, and Maddie picks up on it immediately, her eyes widening slightly.

MADDIE:Your mate?Is he your mate?

I hesitate, then nod slightly, unable to deny the truth when she can feel it through our link.

MADDIE:Oh, Naomi.That's wonderful.And Brad knows?

NAOMI:I think so.

Maddie looks nervous, but she’s still got some spirit left.

MADDIE:I did what I had to do, and I'd do it again.And if they want to lock me up for that, so be it.

I admire her bravery, but she’s still weak.She might want to stand up for herself, but she’s not physically strong enough yet.

NAOMI:Promise me you'll stay with Lynn or Dean.

She glances at Lynn, who's deep in conversation with Callum, who checks the time once more while scanning his surroundings.

NAOMI:You can trust her.And him.But no one else until we figure this out.

Dean's powerful voice interrupts our silent communication, calling competitors to attention.I shoot Maddie one last look, warning her to be careful.

A ripple of excitement passes through the crowd.It looks like things are about to kick off.They can’t wait any longer for Wyatt to arrive.

Dean stands at the front, his powerful presence drawing all eyes.Dressed in simple black athletic wear, he looks both relaxed and formidable.Blake stands beside him, his expression unreadable.And there, among the gathered alphas, is Brad, immaculate in his tailored clothes despite the outdoor setting.

When his eyes meet mine, his smile widens, the predatory gleam unmistakable.My wolf bristles, sensing danger.

Why is he standing with Blake?

"The next challenge," Dean announces, "will test not just your physical abilities, but your strategy, adaptability, and survival instincts when pitted against the most formidable of opponents."

Oh no.

A murmur runs through the crowd as the fact that the alphas seem to be part of the event registers.I focus on Dean, refusing to look in Brad’s direction, but I feel his eyes on me.

"Each of you will be given a head start, then the alphas you see here…" he gestures to the imposing figures beside him, including Brad, "will pursue you through the forest.Your task is simple: reach the marker at the northern boundary without being caught before your time runs out."

The remaining competitors all glance at each other, scarcely believing what we’re hearing.The curiosity in the crowd rises to a buzz of anticipation.Dean twists and sweeps his hand toward the massive, ancient forest at his back.

As Dean's words sink in, the forest behind him takes on a more ominous character.No longer just a beautiful backdrop, it's now the arena for a primal contest, thousands of acres of dense woodland full of ravines, caves, streams, and shadows where anything could happen.Where a wolf could disappear without a trace.

"Yes, ladies and gentlemen, today you will be hunted."

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