Page 108 of Midnight Moon

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The black wolf howled; The sound was a mix of frustration and determination.

Asher jumped into the air, breaking free of the oppressive magic determined to hold him down. He turned and snapped at Tyler’s heels. The Coastal shifter cried out and staggered out of Asher’s reach.

The magic returned, surrounding Asher. I waited to see another color of light, or any indication that Asher fought back with his own power, but only the flame-colored magic was visible.

The force continued to slow Asher down. Tyler landed more vicious swipes and piercing bites. Blood smeared Asher’s fur, but he stayed on his paws against all odds.

Next to me, Hunter began to speculate the cause of Asher’s perceived weakness. Shifters around us overheard and joined in the conversation. All were surprised by the Wilds shifter’s unimpressive display, thus far. Everyone had expected he would claim an easy victory.

It amazed me how not one of the shifters in the crowd thought, even for a moment, that the Coastal Pack could be cheating.

Then again, why would they?

Like me, they had no inkling sorcerers were involved in shifter politics. As far as they knew, the magical race kept their distance.

Stephanie’s grip tightened when Tyler clamped onto Asher’s hind leg. His responding howl clogged my throat with emotion. I needed him to lose, but not like this. I didn’t want him to be in pain.

Asher dropped his weight and kicked back with his free leg, forcing Tyler to detach or lose a few teeth.

Tyler released him.

Asher’s gait was uneven as he moved back, but he growled and lowered into a fighting stance, unflinching. His wolf’s eyes were piercing as he stared down his opponent, as if saying he was determined to fight to the death.

My chest ached.

“We had a deal!” A shout broke through the crowd’s noise.

I followed the sound to its source, recognizing the voice before I saw its owner.

My dad stood at the railing closest to where Asher crouched. He glared at the Wilds shifter with a vehemence I had never seen from him.

He slapped the wood railing and yelled again, “Damnit, Wolfstan. We had adeal!End this.”

The black wolf’s ear twitched, but he didn’t take his eyes off his opponent.

Wolfstan?

Was he talking to Asher?

Suddenly, determination filled me. I had too many questions, and it was time I got some freaking answers.

I started moving towards my father.

Stephanie pulled back on my arm. “Where are you going?”

“To talk to my dad.”

She followed my gaze to the other side of the ring. “Yikes. He looks pissed.”

“I know.” My father continued glaring at the shifters in the ring. Even from this distance, I could see his teeth were clenched.

I shrugged out of Stephanie’s hold and maneuvered through the crowd. I kept my eyes off the fight, ignoring the gasps and shouts from the excited crowd. I didn’t want to look away from my father for one second—afraid he’d disappear before I could reach him.

My fears were unfounded. My father was so focus on the fight; he didn’t even see me approach.

“Dad?”

He startled, sparing me the briefest glance possible before focusing back on the fight. “Blair.”