Page 104 of King Luna

Grasping a handful of my own hair, I track a furious, scowling Johannes on the sidelines, Annika chasing after him to prevent his shouting from distracting Viktor from battle.

Noah, why in the world did you and Tane shift back?! Doesn’t this break the rules?

The rule was to shift into wolves at the start, and we did. We just happened to shift back into humans afterward—to carry out our yearly boxing tradition.

The two Alphas beam at each other, grappling face to face with claws extended.

I can’t believe he’s enjoying this. After complaining about this Summit all week, Noah is having the time of his fucking life.

As Tane’s cackle echoes across the field, spurring Noah into weakened laughter, Waimarie and I have to laugh with them.

Waimarie sighs. “I’m glad I have you here to endure this nonsense with me now.”

Laughing, I rub her arm. “Are you kidding? I couldn’t be more relieved.”

At least it’s nice to see that fluffy goofball happy. I just don’t understand why this competition has to be so bloody.

I dare to look up again, just in time for Tane's fist to sock my mate in the jaw.

“Fuck!” Noah shouts.

I grip my mouth, nausea creeping up my throat.

But Noah shakes off Tane’s punch, his smile spreading even wider. “That was a good one, man.”

Tane beams. “Thanks, bro. Told you I practiced.”

Noah charges back in for Tane, who can’t stop grinning either.

“How long—Oof!” Tane grunts as Noah flips him into the ground.

The two beasts wrestle in a ball of naked muscle, flinging mud into the sky. When they break apart, fresh blood coats their torsos.

Waimarie lets out a small whimper. “Oh, Goddess.Why—”

Growling through a grunt, Tane’s voice strains beneath Noah’s weight. “How long do you reckon it’ll be before they tell us off this year?”

Noah breaks into his giddiest laugh. But then he has to hop to his feet, both Noah and Tane sprinting across the field at the sight of Viktor’s angry Beta storming after them while swinging a broom.

Before Johannes can even finish threatening to disqualify them, the pair shifts into two massive black wolves—impossible to tell apart.

“Oh, my God, are youkiddingme?! As if this wasn’t stressful enough.” I groan, not caring if everyone’s staring at me, giving me a wide radius as I pace.

“I’m with you. Walk it off, and come back to it.” Waimarie’s voice rasps as she clutches fistfuls of her jacket.

I zip back to her side, rubbing her arm. “Oh, poor Luna. I’m staying right here. Keep breathing.”

When one of the wolves hops around his opponent in playful, slippery teases, I sigh.

“Oh. Never mind, that one's clearly my mate.” I shake my head.Noah, you’re out of control.

His wolf can’t stop wagging his tail, spitting out a mouthful of Tane’s fur.I know, I know. I had my fill of fun now, I promise. It’s about to get hellish, so Tane and I had to lighten the mood a bit. Sorry, Luna.

I’m glad you had fun, you big puppy. Just don’t hurt yourself.

The closer I watch the massive black Alphas—crashing down on each other in thick, audible slaps of muscle—the more Ican see that the unparalleled strength of black-coated Alphas isn’t just a Lycan folktale. Yasmine shared a theory that they’re bred stronger for survival reasons, living with such obvious, un-camouflaged fur. But it’s clear these two also trained their way up the ranks, boosting their physical power tenfold with pure willpower. They can have fun togetherbecausethey’re evenly matched.

Which means it’ll probably get even bloodier before someone submits.

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