Page 59 of Nearly Dead

Sully watches me closely, noting my reaction.“They’re gathering.The leadership trials begin tonight.”

I try to ignore the pull to join in, focusing instead on keeping my breathing steady.“Good luck with that.”

“Normally we’d wait for the full moon, but the council’s… We’ll call it theirinterestin werewolf politics.It has demanded we do this now before they arrange another fate for you.Otherwise, there are some in the pack who will doubt the new Alpha and will think we were robbed of our true leader.”

What he’s saying makes sense.I can see why he’d be so persistent about it.

“You need to be there,” he says.“Even if you don’t intend to compete, your presence matters.The pack needs to see what you choose.”

“I’ve already made my choice clear.”

“Have you?”He circles around to face me again.“Because refusing to show up sends its own message.It says you think you’re better than them.Above their concerns.Do you really want your own pack turning on you?”

“That’s not?—”

“It’s how they’ll see it,” he puts forth.“Werewolves respect strength, Tamara.They respect those who face challenges head-on, not those who hide behind spells and potions in mommy and daddy’s dollhouse.”

The accusation stings because there’s truth in it.I have been hiding, trying to control my new nature with Astrid’s concoctions and Zephronis’ magic.But the full moon won’t be denied, and neither will the wolf in my blood.

“What exactly happens at these trials?”I ask, my concern getting the better of me.

A smile spreads across Sully’s face, revealing teeth that seem just slightly too sharp for a human mouth.“Come and see for yourself.”

“I’m supposed to be imprisoned,” I look back at the house nervously.“I don’t think the council wants me to leave.”

Sully’s grin widens and he leans closer.“Do you see the council anywhere?Do you see guards?Come on, Tamara, the only way to lock up a wolf is to chain it to the floor and even then those chains better be strong as hell.”

The abandoned steel mill on the outskirts of some backwater town seems an unlikely gathering place for supernatural creatures.Though it’s close to the family estate, I’ve never been here.And yet it’s somewhat fitting for werewolves battling it out to be Alpha.

Sully’s motorcycle rumbles beneath my ass as he drives us toward the rusted structures looming against the night sky.They’re like the skeletal remains of some industrial beast lit by its funeral pyre.Orange flames glow through broken windows that gape like missing teeth.As we enter one of the buildings, I see the tangled remains of conveyor belts and machinery sprawled across the grounds.There is also a strong stench of dust and burnt oil.

“Romantic spot,” I grumble as Sully stops inside the massive warehouse building.

“This isn’t a date.You smell too much like vampire for my tastes,” he answers.“Besides, you’re not my type.”

I think of Costin.I know he’ll come if I need him.I feel his constant presence through our bond.It gives me comfort… kind of.I don’t want him coming here.Not with the sound of wolves flooding in the building waiting for us to join them.Costin would try to fight every one of them to protect me.He’s strong, but there are too many wolves.

“We’re not here for the ambiance.”Sully pushes open a heavy door that groans in protest.“We’re here because it’s remote and the humans avoid it.The locals know to leave us alone.”

The moment we step inside, the atmosphere changes.Like the werewolf den Costin took me to in the city, this one is a façade.The abandoned building is transformed into a ceremonial stronghold.Torches line the walls, casting dancing shadows across the vast space.The floor has been cleared, creating a circular arena surrounded by scaffolding.Werewolves climb the various levels, perching to watch our entrance.

The air hums with a wild, barely contained energy that makes my skin tingle.The scent of sweat, blood, and excitement fills my nostrils and makes my heartbeat quicken.My inner wolf stirs in response, pushing against the vampire for control.

“Easy, girl,” Sully soothes, noticing my tension.“They’re just saying hello.No need to tear someone apart just yet.”

I look at my hands seeing the claws and fur pushing toward the surface.I feel the stares like physical weight pressing down upon my head, most hostile, a few intrigued.

Whispers follow us as we move deeper into the arena.I can’t tell who’s speaking.There are too many of them.

“So this is the hybrid?”

“...that’s no queen of…”

“Thane’s blood...”

“What’s she doing here?”

“Thatis our salvation?”

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