Page 81 of Savage Games

But I see something else, too.The flash of fear in Brad's eyes when he realizes I'm not as dead as he'd planned.The way his gaze darts between me and Naomi, calculation and rage warring in his expression, he obviously wanted me out of the way, for this event, specifically.

Brad stands among the other alphas, but unlike them, whose concern seems genuine, his expression cycles through a series of emotions too quickly to mask—shock, fear and anger.He didn't expect me to be standing here.He expected me to be dead in the forest, my body not discovered until after this challenge was complete.And now, he's recalculating, trying to salvage whatever plan he set in motion when he drove that knife into my back.

“He can’t compete in this state.”Brad insists, looking around him for support.

I'm not about to give him what he wants.

A male shifter, Kain I think, standing off to the side, silently observing with arms folded across his chest, shrugs.“If he wants to compete, let him.He’s a grown man, if it kills him, it’s his own damn fault.”

Unlike the others, there's no malice in his assessment, just a simple acknowledgment of my right to make my own choices.Foolish though they may seem.

There are nods among the gathered crowd.They agree, eager to see if I can pull this off.

"This is ridiculous," Jax mutters beside me."They’ll catch you and finish the job."

"Not today," I tell him, my voice low enough that only he can hear.“Not while Naomi’s still out there.It’s a hunt, Jax.And she’s unmarked.”

The implications hit Jax like a physical blow.His eyes widen, then narrow dangerously, flashing amber as his wolf surges forward."The bastard," he breathes, barely audible.

I nod, the motion sending fresh waves of pain down my spine."If I'm not there to protect her, to claim her..."

"Then he can do it during the hunt and call it part of the challenge," Jax finishes, understanding dawning in his eyes as he helps me get to my feet.

“Take your places on the starting line,” Callum shouts, reluctantly getting the show back on the road.

With painstaking effort, I straighten to my full height, ignoring the way the world tilts and sways around me.The bandage Jax applied pulls against the wound, the ointment burning like fire against my skin, but it's working, helping my wolf fight back against the poison.

I'm nowhere near full strength, but I'm alive, and I'm standing.

For now, that has to be enough.

The forest ahead blurs and refocuses as I concentrate, the trees seeming to sway slightly even though the air is still.My body feels distant, disconnected, dragged along by sheer will.But beneath the physical agony, my wolf is growling, pushing forward, ready to fight, not just for survival but for what is rightfully ours.

"You understand that there will be no special accommodations," Blake says, his tone making it clear this is my last chance to back out."No allowances for your...condition.This is an anything goes challenge.It could be dangerous."

I nod once."I understand."

Another pause, then Callum shouts, "On your marks, people."

Relief washes through me, though I'm careful not to show it.Jax shoves me toward the line, muttering dire predictions about my imminent death the entire way.I ignore him, focusing instead on Brad, who has moved to confer urgently with another alpha, his composure finally cracking.

Brad has made his way over to Ryan Williams, grabbing the younger wolf's arm insistently.Whatever Brad is saying, Ryan wants no part of.His expression is one of clear disgust as he jerks his arm away and growls something I can't quite hear.Even Ryan, who's made no secret of wanting me gone, seems to have drawn a line at attempted murder.

When Ryan shakes off his hold, Brad runs a hand back through his hair anxiously.Good.Let him squirm.

The other competitors give me a wide berth as I take my place on the starting line.Some look afraid, others suspicious, as if my presence here is some kind of trick.Eli and Dash nod at me from further down the line, their expressions a mix of confusion and concern.

“Just for the record, I think you should tell Dean.”

I shake my head.Right now, I don’t have enough proof.It’s my word against his.And I want to deal with Brad myself, when I’m strong enough to face him head on.

As Jax steps away, Naomi moves to my side, her face still pale with fear.

"What are you doing?"she whispers fiercely."You can barely stand."

"I know what he wants, Naomi.The pack and you.But he’s not getting either."

Her eyes widen slightly, and her face turns pale.

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