Page 76 of Savage Games

"Alpha Reynolds?"I say, pitching my voice to carry, trying to muster as much courage as I can."This challenge seems designed to allow the targeting of specific competitors."

His gaze lands on me, sharp, but not unkind."The challenge was decided on weeks ago, long before the roster of competitors was completed.It follows traditional hunt rules.It was not designed to do anything, but I agree, that could happen."

Before he knew there would be rogues entering, is what he’s trying to say.

I press on, aware of the attention I'm drawing, but unable to stop.Wyatt needs somebody in his corner, even if I have no idea where the hell he is.

"Certain competitors will be pursued out of spite.It creates an imbalance that has nothing to do with testing alpha potential."

Around me, I sense the surprise at my boldness.A female challenging the host alpha directly is not something they expected to see.

The other competitors watch with varying degrees of shock and admiration.Even Ryan looks momentarily taken aback by my audacity.

Dean studies me, then responds with unexpected candor."The ability to face adversity, even unfair adversity, is a critical quality in any alpha, Naomi.The real world isn't always fair.An alpha must win over packs, even those he might not like or respect, to create important allies, no matter how unsavoury that sometimes feels."

Brad scowls as Dean all but points at him.

"Some might use it as an opportunity to get revenge," I say, knowing I'm pushing the limits of Dean’s patience, but all I can think about is Wyatt being hunted down by a mob of vengeful wolves, or them targeting me because hurting me is the easiest way to get him to submit.

"Some might," Dean acknowledges, "but the challenge stands as designed."His gaze softens slightly."Besides, candidates must be present to compete.If Wyatt doesn't arrive soon, the point will be moot."

The casual confirmation that Wyatt is absent gives all the other men on the line a boost.They still have a chance.Only Eli and Dash, and Kain standing slightly apart from the others, seem disturbed by the news.

The lone male is a competitor I have paid little attention to before.Tall, with thoughtful eyes, and an air of quiet confidence.Unlike the others who seem relieved by Wyatt's absence, he frowns, scanning the forest edge with genuine concern.

Blake checks his watch."We begin in two minutes.Get ready."

The gathered wolves disperse, but I stand frozen, the reality of my predicament hitting me.

Wyatt isn't here.Wyatt, who's been determined to win from the beginning, who has everything riding on this competition, hasn't shown up for a crucial round.

I scan the treeline desperately, as if I could manifest him through sheer will.

The large male drifts closer and stands at my shoulder as we stare into the forest.“You can do this.”

It’s a small show of support, but I appreciate it.

“He wouldn’t miss this by choice.He’s being kept away,” I whisper, rubbing the ache between my shoulders and breathing through the tightness in my chest.

He nods.“Seems like it.Best thing you can do is finish this and pray he’s just locked in a cupboard somewhere.”

"I'm Kain," he whispers, his voice carrying a slight accent I can't quite place."And you're right, he wouldn't miss this.Not after how hard he's fought to get here."

His unexpected kindness catches me off guard."Why do you care?One less competitor should be good news for you."

Kain shrugs."My pack values honor above all else.Whatever's happening here isn't honorable."

He can say that again.I bite my lip and stare into the trees, willing him to appear.

Would he want me to stay?Yes.Am I a terrible mate for not abandoning the competition to go looking for him?Probably.

"One minute," Blake calls.

Competitors form a ragged line, muscles tensing, eyes fixed on the path ahead.I take my place among them, torn between competing and the desperate need to find Wyatt.

"Take your places now."

I feel Maddie's concerned gaze on my back, and sense Lynn watching quietly, her eyes glazed in an almost constant mind-link conversation.Appearing calm on the surface, my bet is she’s coordinating a search.

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