Page 86 of King Luna

Noah’s wolf bristles with pride in our bond as he steps forward, Johannes introducing him as the Greenfield Alpha. My heart pounds; Noah’s stare remains pinned on me, his flaring affection for me only agitating him further.

But to protect his body and Greenfield’s status, he needs to be riled up—within reason.

I think it’s time to give him something to look forward to.Good job, Alpha. Keep it up, and you just might get your surprise tonight.

As Viktor’s announcement finishes, Noah breaks into a knowing grin, sending a shudder down my whole spine.

Are you sure you’re ready foryoursurprise, Luna? I might have too much fun teasing you with it, myself.

Neither of us tear our eyes from each other as my wolf spills my secrets, rolling over to be mated. I cross my legs, pretending I’m massaging my neck with both palms over my scent glands. Good thing Noah took a rut suppressant this morning, or else this competition would turn into another accidental orgy.

Johannes announces today’s preliminary battle pairings, the Alphas fighting until only ten undefeated wolves remain for tomorrow’s semi-finals.

So wonderful.

The second the Alphas are released to battle their first pairings, Noah rips off his family crest with terrifying speed. Multiple Alphas flinch, and a few Lunas giggle in delight at my shirtless mate. Scowls crease their jealous Alphas’ cheeks, but Noah doesn't care to notice. He's too busy eyeing me up and down, his chest puffing as the Alpha musk in the wind draws his wolf to the surface.

But I’m sweating too much to keep flirting. I’m nervous as hell. I know Noah can sense it and can’t keep his eyes off me, determined to protect me, but in a way, his concern benefits us: wolves are petrified by him, not even paying attention to theircurrent competitors as they section off into the field with their heads turned toward my mate.

“Hey,” Annika mutters, taking her seat beside mine. For the first time since we’ve met, she’s not smiling.

My stomach gurgles. “Hey.”

“I hope Waimarie can join us soon, but she’s worried sick—quite literally. I feel awful for her.”

“Goddess, poor Luna. I feel her pain. Your pain.”

Annika grabs my hand, but it’s not enough. I huddle into her side, my eyes trained on Noah’s rippling back. As his first competitor shifts into a snarling brown and black wolf, my stomach drops.Why aren’t you shifting?

Noah doesn’t answer, his human shoulder blades gliding over his back with every deep, focused inhale.

When the starting bell sounds, Noah grips his competitor’s wolf by the snout.

The wolf rolls over in a heartbeat, submitting in forfeit.

I bite back a laugh as Noah’s wolf prances in our bond, clearly proud despite Noah’s irritation with the event.

He glances at me just long enough to roll his eyes.It’s going to be a long day.

I chuckle.Well, you look hot.

Noah drops his head to hide a smile. His next competitor takes the opportunity to shift, aiming to catch him off guard.

Just like the Luna that slithers into the row of chairs behind Annika and me, poking her head between our shoulders until we’re forced to separate. “You’re the Greenfield Luna, right?”

From her mocking tone alone, I recognize her: the Illinois Luna from Brightville Pastures Pack. Annika shoots her a glare, but I simply nod in response to the Luna’s question, my eyes returning to their focal point on Noah’s back. He takes the second competitor down the same way, his dominant scent alone weakening the Alpha’s knees.

“I’ve heard about you. A lot about you, actually,” the Illinois Luna says.

I stiffen, suddenly aware I know next to nothing about her, beyond that her mate is a huge jerk. Guilt floods my senses; I hate when people only know me as “Noah’s mate,” and here I am, doing the same thing.

“I’m so sorry, I'm a little foggy from the Summit excitement so far.” I attempt to seem open as I turn to her with a polite smile, hoping she doesn’t automatically hate us as much as her mate does. But I’m met with a judgmental, lifting eyebrow. “Can you remind me of your name, Luna? I know we sat a few seats apart at the dinner, but there wasn’t a lot of... talking.”

I’m the only one who chuckles at my joke. The Luna’s returning smile loses all authenticity, stripped of emotion despite stretching further. “Clarice. Clarice Brightville.”

My palm covers our baby on instinct. “Nice to meet you, Clarice. I’m Aliya.”

I’d rather not waste my time on a random woman glaring at me, so I turn my sights back on Noah. He’s downing the fourth Alpha, this time having to use physical force.

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