Page 79 of The Beta's Blind Date

It’s fine. I am fine. I can do this without him here, even though there’s nothing I want more.

“Are you ready?” Dawson asks.

“I’m always ready,” I say.

“I’m rooting for you,” he says. “You deserve this. You’ve earned it.”

I blow out a breath. “Thanks.”

“Kick ass, Tear Bear.”

He fist bumps me, then crosses the field to where Dominic stands in front of the gathered crowd. Almost everyone in the pack is here. The only members absent are those on patrol and any who already had business scheduled off territory before the challenge was announced.

Dominic steps forward and lifts his hand, and the crowd quiets, waiting for our alpha to speak.

“Today is an unusual occasion. Taryn Campbell has invoked the warrior laws enforced by our king and his council, and she will complete the challenge set forth within those laws. She will first face a wolf of impressive skill in hand-to-hand combat in human form. She will then complete a two-part race—the first half, she will run in her human form, and the second half in her wolf form, through the obstacle course created by Delta Conor and myself. And finally, she will face the same wolf in combat, but in wolf form.”

The crowd whistles and cheers and I step onto the field, walking to where Dawson stands behind him.

“I know these events can be exhilarating and intense, but as a pack, we should be supportive and encouraging of our members as they compete. We are a family, and family roots for each other and cheers each other on.” He glances over his shoulder and gives me a small smile, then takes a deep breath before he continues speaking. “I made a mistake when I prohibited Taryn from being a warrior, when I put her in the bottom level of the training courses instead of giving her a proper evaluation. I can’t take that back, but I hope all of you will join me in cheering her on today and wishing her success as she proves to all of us just how strong a Silver Ridge warrior is!”

The roar from the crowd is tumultuous, and I smile and lift my arms, waving at everyone.

It may be too late, but Dominic’s heartfelt speech bolsters me. My Cookie Monster may not be here with me, but having the support of Dominic, Dawson, and the rest of Silver Ridge almost makes up for his absence.

Almost.

Dominic walks to me and puts his hands on my shoulders, leaning close, his gray eyes searching mine. “You’re facing Blake,” he says, and I nod. “She’s scrappy and fast, and I know she won’t take it easy on you even though you are friends. Even though she wants you to succeed.”

“That’s Blake all right,” I say, and he chuckles.

“I’m in your corner, Taryn. I know I haven’t been there recently, but I’m back now, and I believe in you.”

I nod again, and he squeezes my shoulders, lingering in my space for a moment as if he wants to say more.

But then he’s gone, standing on the sidelines of the sparring ring, arms crossed and legs apart.

I enter the ring as Dawson finishes speaking to Blake, his hand rustling her hair. She grimaces and swats him away, flipping him off. “Troll!” she says as she adjusts her ponytail, smoothing down the strands of her white streak he pulled out of her hair elastic with his teasing.

He meets my eyes and cups his hands around his mouth. “Take that shrimp down, Taryn!” he yells over the top of Blake’s head.

“Oh, I plan to,” I say, grinning at Blake as she enters the ring.

She flashes me a grin too, and we both get into position, readying ourselves.

“Begin!” Dominic yells.

Neither of us moves. Not surprising. We’re both trained to wait, to see what our opponent does first.

But the challenge needs to move forward, and that won’t happen if one of us doesn’t make a move.

I feint to my left, Blake’s strong side, and she falls for it, giving me an opening to land a few blows before her guard is up again, and she blocks me. I dart back, out of her reach, waiting, but I don’t have to wait long. She lunges and I evade, spinning away from her and to the other side of the ring.

We continue with the same dance, both of us landing a few minor blows but nothing debilitating, both of us holding our own and blocking or evading when needed. It’s an even match—Dominic chose my opponent well.

Something needs to give, though. I need to change tactics.

I fake to her right again, but Blake is ready and lunges towards her left to meet me this time. But I double back and swoop in to her strong side, shouldering her in her ribs and landing quick, sharp jabs to her stomach, chest, and neck.

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