Page 91 of Savage Games

I wait for the answer too, my curiosity momentarily overriding my instinct to not question their unexpected help.In my years as a lone wolf, genuine allies have been rare enough to count on one hand.

Dash’s gaze flicks to me briefly, something unreadable passing behind his eyes."Because this isn't right.”His voice drops lower, carrying a conviction that surprises me.“And because you would've done the same for me."

The words hit me harder than I expected, because he’s right.Despite my solitary nature, I would have stood between Dash and danger.Not for advantage or alliance, but because it was right.

“I could give you a beta position in my new pack, and all the wealth you could wish for.”Brad tips his head toward me.“It wouldn’t take much to finish him.”

When Dash growls at Brad, his voice carries a subtle challenge laced with contempt."I've been eliminated already.I've got nothing to lose by sticking around here.”He shifts his weight, ready to spring if needed.“But you, Alpha?You've got your reputation.You're standing with the council.Do you really want to hang around and wait for Dean and Blake to arrive, to discover what you were planning?"

Brad hesitates, calculating."What did you really see?A hunt?A challenge over a female who’s not yet marked?”

The sound of approaching wolves reaches us then, with multiple sets of paws moving through the underbrush, drawing nearer with each passing second.Twigs snap and leaves rustle as they navigate the dense forest.Brad's confident smile grows, clearly believing his reinforcements have arrived.

But as the first wolf breaks through the trees, it's not an ally of Brad's.

It's Jax.His dark form is sleek and powerful as he moves to stand beside me, propping me up and allowing me to stand taller and stronger than I feel.Behind him, emerging one by one from the forest like shadows taking form, come more wolves.Some carry bundles of supplies in their jaws, others move with the purposeful stride of trained fighters.Dean's wolves coming to my aid.

The cavalry has arrived.

Brad's confidence visibly falters as he takes in the growing group, all here to help me.His eyes briefly stick on Jax, whose energy is just off enough to make him the biggest threat.A wild wolf is a dangerous one, and Brad knows it.

What was meant to be a simple execution has become something else entirely: a confrontation with witnesses, and with consequences he can't easily dismiss.

"This changes nothing."He snarls, but the doubt in his voice betrays him.The sound echoes off the creek rocks, hollow with false bravado.

"It changes everything."I counter, my certainty growing despite my failing strength.The taste of copper fills my mouth as I speak, but I force the words out clearly."You're not hunting anymore."

For the first time, genuine fear flickers across Brad's face as he scents the air.A quick sniff tells him who else is coming, Dean and Blake, the two wolves here he doesn’t want to meet right now.

“You’re outnumbered, Brad.You should have made sure you killed me while you had the chance.”

He's an alpha, yes, but even alphas aren't invincible.Not against numbers, and not against witnesses who might speak against him to the council.

"This isn't over," he warns, already backing away, calculating his odds and finding them no longer in his favor.

"No."I agree, my voice steady despite the effort it takes to remain standing."It's just beginning."

As Brad retreats, disappearing back into the forest, I allow myself to finally acknowledge the extent of my exhaustion.The pretense of strength dissolves, and my legs give way completely.I sag against Jax, who edges me toward a gnarled oak and props me up against its rough bark while he roots around in a backpack for what he needs.

“Should I stop him?”Dash asks, staring at where Brad’s disappeared, his body tense and ready to give chase.“I think we could take him if he puts up a fight…”

The poison has progressed too far, wrecking my system faster than I’d expected.Each breath feels like drawing fire into my lungs.

“No,” I insist, the word barely more than a rasp.“He’s dangerous, and he doesn’t fight fair.I don’t want anyone else hurt.”

My vision tunnels as darkness creeps in from the edges.My legs give out, sending me to my knees on the damp earth.The world spins in nauseating circles around me; the ground seeming to rise to meet me.

Hands catch me as I topple sideways, supporting me while I struggle to remain conscious.Dash on one side, Jax on the other, their voices distant but reassuring, as though filtered through water.

"We've got you," someone says."We've got you, brother."

Jamie's there suddenly, her chestnut hair a blur of colour against the forest's muted palette, her face creased with worry, concern pouring off her in waves.I try to reassure her, but I can't form words.Can't even send coherent thoughts.

Something inside me is shutting down.The poison has worked its way to my heart.My breathing grows shallow, my pulse erratic.

WYATT:Naomi...

I reach for the mate bond with desperate determination.Even though we can’t mind-link yet, I try, attempting to send her reassurance, but it's like grasping smoke.My consciousness is fading too fast.

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