12

Zoe held up a hand to stop Kolton. “Now I will admit, if you think too long about some of the stuff that happens, it is awful. I mean…I don’t like watching people die, but they all signed up for it, and it’s more of a cultural thing. In the past, wolf shifters went through similar trials to find their mate, and lots of them died. It’s part of why you all do the blood test thing now. It’s a show, and that’s that. Watch it or don’t. I, on the other hand, love the drama. It’s sort of romantic. A bunch of rejected alphas competing to win the heart of a rejected female. The whole thing where the Moon Goddess comes and blesses their new union at the end.” Zoe sighed and smiled, her eyes glassy. “It’s dreamy. And honestly, if I knew I was going to find a lifelong partner, I’d think long and hard about taking part in the dangerous missions and tasks they go through. It’s exciting to watch.”

Kolton laughed and shook his head. “Okay. You do you. I’m gonna grab something to eat.”

He was gone bef