Page 2 of Midnight Moon
And they were drawing near.
Adrenaline pumped through my veins. I hadn’t heard my pursuer in the woods, mostly because the sound of my own footsteps had drowned out all noise.
Now that I was out in the open, I’d lost the advantage of maneuvering through the trees. It was open season out here, and based on how close the footsteps sounded, the competition was about to become a brawl.
I lengthened my stride, hoping I’d reach my destination without needing to physically confront whoever followed me.
As expected, my hopes were crushed. As were my lungs when strong arms wrapped around my waist and tackled me to the ground.
Quick as lightening, I twisted and used my legs to kick my opponent off me.
Hunter was ready for the attack. He rolled to the side, releasing his hold, allowing me the opportunity to get to my feet.
I was only up for a moment before Hunter lunged and knocked me back again. I lifted my elbow to strike his jaw, but he leaned back to avoid the hit. Firm hands wrapped around my wrist and pinned them to the ground by my head.
“Come on, Blair. I know you can do better than that.” Hunter’s hazel eyes shined with a mix of amusement and attraction.
My temper flared. I tried to bring my knee up to hit his family jewels, but Hunter anticipated my move and shifted his weight so his thighs pinned mine to the ground.
I growled, cursing the fact the beta’s son and I sparred on a regular basis. He knew my tricks. With his larger size, there was no doubt I’d lose this fight if I didn’t get to my feet.
I wiggled from side to side, hoping to loosen his hold to give me the chance at another strike. It didn’t work.
Above me, Hunter leaned back and smiled. “That was a good try, Blair, but you had to know I’d be faster than you in skins.”
I grumbled under my breath, hating that I hadn’t been able to take advantage of the head start Stephanie gave me. I continued to try and break free.
“Concede defeat, Blair, and I’ll let you go.” He smirked.
I scowled. “Go to Hell.” No one ever conceded defeat during these challenges. No self-respecting shifter would.
Hunter tilted his head back and released a boisterous laugh. The sun highlighted the red hues in his auburn hair.
The urge to punch his throat was strong.
“Well, well, well. Are we interrupting something?”
I turned and watched Mike saunter towards us. A gathering of pack members trailed behind him, including my father.
My stomach sank as I noticed my and Stephanie’s red ribbon dangling from his fingertips.
Damn it.
I couldn’t believe we lost.
We were so close.
Hunter gave another amused laugh before removing his weight from me. Standing, he held out a hand. “Good try, Blair.”
I scowled and batted his hand away. “Whatever, Hunter.”
I scrambled to my feet, brushing the dry grass and pinecone bits from my brown jeans and green sweater.
“Come on, don’t be a sore loser,” Mike interjected, walking up and slinging an arm over his partner’s shoulder. He grinned. “You two had to know we were going to win.”
“You got lucky. Ten more seconds and Blair would’ve totally reached headquarters and won.” Stephanie appeared at my side. Her hair was knotted with twigs and leaves. I grinned. Clearly, my teammate had put up a fight.
“Would’ve, could’ve, should’ve,” Mike teased. “The fact is, we still won.”
