Page 93 of Midnight Moon
I was the alpha heir, and I should be the one giving orders.
Knowing it wasn’t the time to be petty, I brushed off my irritation and replied,Same to you. Tyler is quick. Don’t underestimate him.
Hunter lowered his snout to the ground in a wolf-bow.I won’t.
The horn sounded, and the crowd roared.
I met Hunter’s determined, yellow eyes.
Our pack might be doomed to lose this game, but I vowed the Coastal shifters would have their work cut out for them before they could claim victory.
Or my name wasn’t Blair Hemmings.
Twenty-Four
Neither pack rushedto the middle of the field.
Hunter and I stayed together, trotting along the edge of the ring, moving closer and closer to our competitors.
Tyler and Jasper mimicked our movements, going the opposite direction.
Their caution surprised me. I’d expected the Coastal shifters to come at us, claws out and ready to strike.
Would the sorcerers aid them in this match, or did Tyler and Jasper plan to fight fair?
Suddenly, the Coastal shifters broke apart. I watched as the sandy-colored wolves sprinted opposite directions. Then, they pivoted and charged.
Cut off Tyler,I barked before dashing forward to meet Jasper. I refused to let the Coastal shifters pin us against the edge of the field.
I got within ten feet of the Coastal beta before veering to the side, running to the southern end of the combat ring. Jasper followed. My lips curled with satisfaction. I knew the Coastal shifter couldn’t resist the chase.
I needed to draw Jasper away so Hunter could face Tyler alone.
I looked over my shoulder to see how my partner fared and noticed Jasper had abandoned his pursuit. Confusion made me slow.
Watch out!
I threw myself to the ground one second before Tyler lunged for me. The wet grass stained my underbelly.
Tyler sailed overhead, landing and swiftly spinning around to face me with a menacing growl. He lunged again. I sprang back, barely escaping his gnashing teeth.
Hunter?I didn’t dare take my eyes off Tyler. I backed away, moving left and right, refusing to make myself an easy target as he continued his attack.
Hold on,Hunter sounded distracted.
When Tyler made his next leap, I bounded away, tapping into my speed to put greater distance between us. I heard his pursuit but spared a quick glance for my partner.
On the other side of the field, Hunter grappled with Jasper. The beta was no match for my partner, but he effectively prevented him from coming to my aide.
Focus on Jasper,I told Hunter.I can evade Tyler for now.
I’ll be there as soon as I can,my packmate grunted. He knocked into Jasper’s side, and the sandy wolf toppled over, but he rolled away before he could be pinned.
I felt Tyler’s hot breath on my hind legs as I ran to the edge of the ring. The crowd leaned against the railing with eagerness.
Their wide eyes and open mouths registered. Instinctively, I ducked. Once again, Tyler soared overhead.
The crowd gasped, fearing the large wolf would crash into them, but Tyler halted his leap mid-flight. He landed on all-fours, then whipped around and pinned me with a yellow-eyed glare. He snarled with frustration.
