“Madeline.” Her father spoke without lifting his head from his work as she walked into his office. There was an unusual chill to the room that sent a shudder down her spine. Maddie peered around but there was nothing noticeably different. The bookcases appeared untouched, as did her mother’s desk on the far side of the office, and, as usual, her father was behind his desk, with a stack of papers before him. Maybe it was just apprehension making itself known as she stood before the Alpha, her mind a mess of thoughts wondering what words would make him listen. “Did you visit my office after the trial?” He asked. That wasn’t a question Maddie expected and she frowned. “No. Jess helped me to my room where I passed out for the rest of the day. Why?” “It smelled heavily of the sea after the trial.” “You think someone covered their scent then came in? Was anything missing?” She peered around again, catching sight of the valuable items that hadn’t disappeared. “No. Nothing obvi
There was less fanfare at the start of the Strategy trial compared to the previous Games. Maddie didn’t know if it was because the Alpha had advised the Silver Moon wolves to be wary of the battle ahead, making them stay inside, or if the urgency to push the trials on was making them lose their prestige, but it made the whole event feel lacklustre. So far, since the trial started, Maddie had only spoken to Jess and one other wolf, and that was to secure her base for the game. Joe was happy to let her use his bar, though he had the condition that she’d have to pay for any damages. The building was made to handle drunk wolves, so she was confident in its structure, and if anyone came to take her flag, she’d take the fight outside. It wouldn’t get to that though, not with the plan they had. Her and Jess sat around their usual table, the flag they had to protect sitting between them. Though she kept her ears pricked for any sign of another wolf approaching, after an hour of silence, her
Michael POV - “It wasn’t funny.” Michael grunted. His arms were folded tight across his chest, eyes glaring into Erik, but the Mountain Forest warrior was too used to his attempts to intimidate and brushed it off. “It was kinda funny.” He snorted, then pitched his voice higher. “I know you don’t know each other, but we all have a common enemy.” He laughed again. “What were the chances? If I didn’t know any better, I’d think the pair of you were in cahoots.” It was the first time since the trial was announced that him and Erik had been alone, and the first thing his friend had done was laugh it up about their situation. Michael didn’t see the funny side. He just saw another way Maddie was going to get hurt when she realised the truth. Whether it was ignorance or a coping mechanism, Erik didn’t have the same concern about Jess finding out. They were about an hour into the strategy trial, and already Michael was losing his patience. As an extra defensive step, him and Erik had shift
Maddie raced ahead of Erik and Jess as she returned to the centre of the Silver Moon territory where the trial had started and now concluded. She held her flag safe and tight in her hand, wondering who was out of the game. If they had followed the plan, then Daniel’s flag would’ve been taken, but Michael said the plan had changed without giving Erik a reason why. Had he been attacked? Or maybe he had decided to attack Lewis? Maddie didn’t know and that uncertainty crawled over her skin, making her pick up the pace. She tried to mindlink Lewis but he pushed away the connection, making her unease grow. Three wolves were already waiting as she ran up to meet them; Michael, Lewis and Ryan. What was he doing with them? Daniel had chosen Mark to be his supporting wolf. She cast him a frown, unnerved when he smiled back, and headed over to Michael. When he turned to greet her, a rush of breath passed her lips at the sight of the flag in his hand. He had made it. Then, she turned to Lewis, t
The mirror showed her all the bruising over her shoulder. It was a mottled pattern of purples and green, unsightly for any party let alone a ball when she was one of the three wolves being honoured. At the centre of it all was the jagged scar that curved over the arch of her shoulder and disappeared behind her. Maddie eyed itand rolled the joint, testing its movement. The pain was almost gone, leaving her with a simple stiffness that she would gladly put up with. &nb
Michael POV - It was difficult to remain still under so many disapproving glares. He had faced down masses of rouges attacking his home without hesitation and yet the formalities of the ball were a different challenge altogether. It soured his good mood, but he tried to not let it show on his face despite the unfiltered horror being thrown his way. Michael was surprised that so many of the wolves passing into the grand hall recognised him. Of course, the Silver Moon wolves were aware of him, but the guests who had been invited to celebrate the final three contestants and watch the finals wouldn’t have seen him since he was a pup, if at all. He had changed a lot since then. He supposed word of his entry into the Games had spread, and his dark features and large form made identifying him quite easy. He smiled, though it only felt genuine when he saw his friends in the crowd. Representative of Mountain Forest had come at Erik’s invitation. Some would stay while others would likely
Maddie stood between Daniel and Michael at the entrance to the grand hall. Every wolf in there was staring at the three of them, scrutinising them, judging whether they deserved their place in the Alpha Games. Her father stood a short way before them, announcing them to the Silver Moon wolves and invited guests, stirring a story of the challenges they had weathered so far and the one to come. Between two warriors, who would become Alphas of their own packs should they be unsuccessful, Maddie felt out of place, but she didn’t let the feeling show. She stood strong under the critical looks, knowing she had earned her place in the final. The grand hall had been decorated with the colours of their packs, a blend that worked strikingly well. The red and black clashed in a war of dominance, while her silver spun between them, lifting the colours and making the hall gleam. It was beautiful but it paled in comparison to the decoration they would see next week when they’d be announcing the d
Michael’s POV - The party slowly relaxed as the night continued. The older, stiffer wolves had retired for the evening leaving the younger wolves to enjoy themselves. Michael felt the gradual release of tension as watchful eyes slipped away, until only those unbothered by his presence remained. Aside from his time in his room, it was the most relaxed he had felt on the Silver Moon territory yet. Soon, the younger wolves gained control over the music and the bar, pushing tables and chairs out of the way to form a space. Alcohol flowed, the hall filled with laughter, and everyone danced. “Silver Moon sure does throw a good party.” Connor grinned, his eyes trailing between the women around them. With the soft giggles that responded to his flirty winks, Michael didn’t doubt that his brother would find some company for the evening, but he only had eyes for one woman in the room. He parted from Madeline to avoid suspicion of their relationship and to catch up with his brother, bu
Inga POV - There had been few moments in Inga’s life when she had stopped to simply observe the world around her. There had always been something she needed to do, every single action having a purpose towards her goal to liberate Grey Stone of their leadership and break free from Red Dawn. Each step forward she had carried that responsibility, that burden, but it was finally gone. Eleanor was dead, Autumn was the Grey Stone Alpha, and she was no longer a Beta. Well, she was in name, but she was free of the role’s duties during her and Connor’s break. The moment she had recovered from the war, Silver Night had been their first stop to confirm their decision with Alpha Michael, and then they were off. Connor didn’t waste any time taking her away from everything, carving out a small piece of the kingdom just for them. He took her to the one place he knew better than anywhere, a place where they could be alone. Dark Night was beautiful in a tragic way. The years of battle had scarred t
Nala POV - “Do you give up?” Nala growled in Autumn’s ear, nipping the soft flesh beneath it. Her mate squealed and wiggled beneath her. Nala smiled as she managed to squirm her legs free and wrapped them around her waist, giving her the purchase to roll them over. She could’ve stopped it, but why would she when it gave her such a great view. Autumn sat astride her waist, pinning her arms to her side with her thighs, a victorious grin on her perfect mouth. Her chest heaved with each pant, and she watched a bead of sweat fall from her chin and slide into her cleavage. Nala's tongue flicked across her lips, a pang of heat swelling in her core. “Ha!” The Alpha shouted, letting her head fall back, her red hair falling around her in wave after wave of beautiful curls. Nala’s fingers twitched at the memory of their softness. “I did it. I finally pinned you.” She laughed, the sound spreading across the empty training field. Nala took the opportunity to look over her mate’s form, gr
Michael POV - “That could’ve been us.” Nala snorted, elbowing him in the gut with a force that almost winded him. It was almost horrifying to picture being mated to his friend. He thought as much as he rubbed his side, already feeling a bruise forming, but didn't get a chance to respond as she turned back to Alpha Autumn. The Grey Stone wolf leaned in to hear Nala's whispers and immediately bloomed a stark red. She fumbled for something to say and ended up thrusting their pup into the warrior's arms instead. Nala lifted the pup to her shoulders, letting him wave widely at the couple on the stage, though it didn't stop her from leaving a hand on Autumn's thigh.Michael chuckled. It was a good thing she had vehemently denied becoming his mate to broker a stronger alliance between their packs. He shuddered to consider it now, but it was easier to laugh about it when they both sat beside their mates, watching the rightful leaders of the pack take their positions.“Mountain Forest, I giv
Inga POV - When one closes their eyes for what they think will be the last time, it’s odd when they open them again. Though everything was blurry and bright, Inga was sure it wasn’t a dream or her imagination playing tricks on her. The pain lancing through her skull could attest for that. Sound came first. The rustling of material beside her, followed by a few sharp shouts that were blaringly loud, as if right beside her ear, but far too muffled for any word to be clear. Her frustration bubbled like hot water beneath her skin, her drive to understand what was going on far greater than her submission to the pain or fatigue trying to pull her back into slumber. She blinked open her eyelids, wincing through the blur of colours that moulded into oddly shaped blobs. One particular blob leaned in close, too close, and her body reacted on its own. Her arm jerked up; her fist semi clenched as her muscles ignored her instincts. She punched the blob, or more like tapped it with her fis
Inga POV - It may have only been two stories, but after the day she had had, the week, hitting the ground felt like hitting a wall that punched the words of giving up to her tongue. Inga swallowed them, her mouth dry, clawing to hold onto her surrender. Every inch of her ached. The impact jarred through her body, making her head ring and her vision dizzy. At least she had managed to push Luna Eleanor off her while they fell. Inga didn’t want to think about the additional pain she’d be in if that bitch had landed on her. If luck was with her, hopefully the Luna had fallen on her face or, better yet, a knife. The night sky was a blanket of black spread out above her, dotted with stars, like glitter threaded into a plush blanket. She was so tired that the paved road at her back felt comfier than her bed back at Grey Stone. Just thinking of that bed made her remember her last night in it, cuddled at Connor’s side, in disbelief and awe that he was there. He made her feel safe, he made h
Inga POV - Inga didn’t so much as flinch when the door cracked hard enough against the wall that it dented the plaster. She didn’t blink when six wolves barrelled inside. She didn’t hesitate as one of the warriors felt gutsy and charged her before the others. She didn’t give him the chance to attack. He had asked for her attention; he had unknowingly drawn the short straw. She lunged. Her body protested as she forced it to shift, but it obeyed. The glare she pinned to the wolf as she moved towards him, made him freeze with the instinct of prey already caught by the predator. It was his lack of discipline to refine his reflexes that was his downfall. The warrior didn’t so much as jerk as her jaws latched onto his arm, her canines digging deep into his flesh. The familiar warm, metallic, taste of blood pooled on her tongue, a wave of feral victory washing through her. With no time to bask in its glow, she twisted her head until she heard the bone snap, before letting the wolf go and re
Inga POV - “Okay. Just stand back, there’s wounded in here.” Lewis raised his voice through the door, then waited, listening for the slow shuffle of feet. Inga listened too, trying to catch any small whispers of deceit among the crowd of Red Dawn warriors waiting for them. “We’re coming out.” The trio shared one final nod, before the Beta twisted the handle and the door swung open. Her stomach was in knots looking out at the wolves watching them, waiting, their eyes predatory. There were at least six; enough to block the corridor that stretched directly from the door towards the stairs, but Inga was certain there were others. She spotted the Red Dawn Alpha and Daniel standing behind their warriors, the leadership safe except for Luna Eleanor. She had the balls to stand at the front. Inga didn’t have to fake the way her face paled as she locked gazes with the Luna. The gleam in her eyes was malicious, her lips lifting as she took in Inga’s hunched form, leaning so far onto Jami
Inga POV - Clawing at Lewis’ arms did nothing. The man was pure muscle and resilience, ignoring her cries for Connor, ignoring her curses, ignoring her pleas for him to stop. Against the Red Dawn warriors, she doubted she’d be much good anyway. Her body felt heavy, like her veins were filled with lead, every muscle protesting her orders. She couldn’t even lift the arm where Luna Eleanor had stabbed her. Even wiggling her fingers sent shooting pains all through her body. Inga had been stabbed before, most warriors had, but it felt different. Her energy, her strength, was sapped. It was like the blade was draining her. However, none of that mattered. Connor was her mate; she couldn’t leave him behind to face all those warriors alone. She had to try and help him. Again, Inga pounded on Lewis’ chest, each impact jarring her, but none of them made the Silver Night warrior even flinch. It was like she was a fly bumping against a window, the force hurting her and not even smearing his s
Connor POV - He was sure his heart stopped, freezing time for the span of a breath, as Inga tipped on the stairs. Her body shifted backward, falling with only the hard stairs to catch her. The silver blade in her shoulder caught the light as she became airborne. Its flash shot through Connor’s mind, jerking him back to his body, forcing a fresh dose of adrenaline through his system. He charged forward, reaching with desperate hands to catch her, to soften her fall, to protect her. He wasn’t sure if it was a miracle, or a divine gift from the Moon Goddess, but the moment he felt her back push against his fingertips, the panic eased, relief chased it away. He was allowed a breath, but the brief moment of calm was crushed as Inga crashed into him. Connor was off balance. His only goal had been to soften her fall, but he didn’t have time to catch her. Her weight pushed him back, forcing him to join her fall, but he wrapped his arms tight around her, curling into her, protecting he