Page 50 of Midnight Moon
I took a breath and remembered my strategy.
In game two, we were required to remain in skins. If I ran into a confrontation with any member of the opposing team, I would have the disadvantage. Knowing this, part of my strategy was to evade conflict at all costs.
If that didn’t work, my combat training would be put to the test. I had a decent chance at fighting off a beta, but an alpha would be a different story.
“Then where should we plant the flag?” George O’Leary, the alpha of the Northeastern Pack, asked. “We only have ten minutes left.”
“Blair?”
I met Chase’s questioning stare. “What?”
“You’ve extensively studied Badlands’ territory. Where would be a good place to plant our flag?”
How did he know that?
Surprised to be called on, it took me a moment to come up with a response.
I pictured the pack’s map in my head, scanning over the terrain to find the best spot to defend our treasured flag.
“There’s a lake on the west side of their territory. With the recent drought, I’m sure the waterline is low enough to have exposed the rocky island that’s in the center. We can plant our flag there.”
“Water will weaken their ability to scent the flag,” Asher said, lending support to my suggestion.
“Not to mention, it will slow them down if they do find the flag,” Chase added. “Two or three of us can guard the shore. Even if one of them gets past us, we can meet them on the shoreline when they try to return with the flag.”
The Northeastern Pack looked at one another. I chewed the inside of my cheek.
Knowledge was pretty much all I could contribute to this group of physically superior shifters. I hoped my teammates accepted my idea, and that it would earn me more points if we managed to win the game.
I let out a quiet sigh when Alpha George finally nodded. “Sounds good. How far is the lake?”
I spouted off my best guess. If we ran, we’d have plenty of time to get to the lake and plant the flag.
Without another word, our team took off. We didn’t bother to be quiet as we ran over fallen leaves and twigs. Time was of the essence, and our opponents weren’t in wolf form. We’d been directed to opposite sides of the forest at the start of the game, and they shouldn’t be able to hear us this far away.
I led the way, proud of myself for my speed. Alpha George and his beta were in great shape for being in their mid-fifties, but I heard their rapid breathing as they worked to keep pace with me.
Asher and Chase, however, were nearly silent.
We arrived at the lake. As expected, the rocky island had broken through the water.
I averted my eyes as Chase stripped down to nothing and dove into the frigid water.
He made quick work of swimming to the center of the lake and depositing the flag on the island.
The rules said the flag had to be visible in its location, so Chase set it atop the highest point on the island’s tallest boulder. After we all gave him a thumbs up, Chase dove back into the lake. His arms sliced through the water with ease. He dressed promptly upon his return, unbothered by the moisture clinging to his skin.
“All right.” Alpha George clapped his hands together. “That’s done. Now, we need to divide and conquer. Some of us should remain here to protect the flag, while the rest go retrieve our opponent’s flag.”
“Do you or your beta have any preference on your task?” Asher asked the alpha.
Alpha George and Beta Kendrick shared another look.
“You and your partner are faster,” George said. “We will guard the flag. You two should go hunt down theirs.”
It took a lot for a shifter to admit a weakness, especially an alpha. I was glad Alpha George and his beta hadn’t let their pride rule their decisions.
“Fair enough.” Asher’s gaze landed on me. “Blair should come with us.”
