95

His sharp teeth gleamed in the sunlight. Xavier was strong and bulky, but when we met in the middle of the ring, he couldn’t push me back. Bellowing his frustration, he nipped at my throat, desperate to get my fur in his jaws. Ducking those snapping jowls, I took a page from my mate’s fighting playbook and got my head under his belly.

I bucked, and he flew through the air with a surprised yelp. He crashed to the ground with a thud. The tide shifted in the crowd. Those who were screaming for Xavier to kill me were drowned out by my pack’s cheers. My blood thrummed powerfully through my body, and I’d never felt stronger in my life.

Xavier struggled to his feet, his breath so hot that it fogged at his salivating mouth. He’d landed on his right leg. He couldn’t put any weight on it. Time to stop playing with him and end this.

I rushed him, no longer in the mood to drag this out. Claws out, he pawed at me, scratching my shoulder as I tackled him. I barely felt it. I opened my mouth and sla