Page 68 of Fated to the Wolf Prince

Todd and Vance both nodded in grim acceptance, and I pulled back the dominance another notch. I’d gotten what I wanted, and I couldn’t afford to keep letting my wolf out of control, or I’d lose it as soon as Jasline took the first swipe at Brielle.

And no matter what, I had to maintain control. If I went feral over my mate, not even Gael could stop me.

I declined the prepared seat, turning my back to it as I stood at the edge of the circle, flanked by the two packs’ Alphas as was customary.

That was when I felt her. My wolf perked up, the first delicate notes of her jasmine-and-apple scent reaching me over the muddled chaos of the crowd. The mass of bodies parted, making a clear path for her to the circle. She was radiant, though I spotted the dark circles under her eyes. Her silky brunette hair was tied back in a braid and pinned close to her scalp, leaving nothing for an opponent to grab or use against her. She wore all-black stretchy athletic pants and a sports bra that I wanted to peel her out of with my teeth when this was over.

It had been more than a week since I’d been inside her, and my wolf needed to claim her again, love her again. After this, I would demand that we never spend another night apart.

She loved me.

I couldn’t believe she’d said the words, but I wanted to hold them close to my chest, use them as a shield to protect her from the whole world, if she’d let me.

But my mate was strong and stubborn, and I knew she wouldn’t. All I could do was watch her spread her wings and wait and catch her when she fell.

Because I wouldalwayscatch her when she fell.

FORTY

Brielle

Jasline stepped into the ring, and the noise of the wolves around us rose to a fever pitch. She was grinning, but the expression was so sharp, I could see her already-shifted fangs. She was practically feral at the idea of ripping me to pieces, and a cold tingle ran down my spine. I didn’t flinch, though. Didn’t let myself show the fear that tried to worm its way through me.

I was Kane’s fated mate. No amount of choking dominance rolling off her would change that, and no amount of fear would change what I was here to do. I was here to claim my mate, and nothing and nobody would stop me. She began to pace around the circle, staking the claim on her space. I followed the motion, pacing in the opposite direction so that we stayed squared off.

Kane’s scent hit me, and I allowed myself a single second to drink in the delicious sight of him, standing there brooding at the head of the ring. He was dark and dangerous, and I wanted to climb him like an oak tree when this was over.

Because Iwouldwin. Shay and Leigh had pumped me full of coffee and some weird runner’s goo for energy—gross, but whatever worked at this point—and helped me into mybadass uniformas Leigh had dubbed it. She insisted psychology was half the battle.

Jasline was expecting an easy win, and if I could do anything—big or small—to disabuse her of that notion, that surprise might be the window I needed to knock her flat and end this in my favor.

“Pack mates and friends!” A thunderous clap rolled over the field, Jasline’s Alpha stepping up to toe the chalk line that made the boundary as he addressed us all.

Everyone froze, except Jasline. She kept circling like some kind of feral land shark, so I did too.

“We are here today to oversee a challenge for mating rights to Kane, son of Kosta, son of Konstantin, high alpha of the greatest shifters in the world!” He raised a fist at the end of his proclamation, and the onlookers as one went wild.

It was history in the making; I understood that, but it was so much more to me. It was mylife, and I started to get angry.

The flush started at my chest and slowly rose up my neck. I was probably turning red, my scent sharpening in the air, but I didn’t care. These people acted like this was a freaking game of football, when I mightdietoday.

I let myself lock eyes with Kane when I was across the circle from him. He held my gaze, and I could see the fury burning at the edges of him. He looked relaxed, but his hands told the story. One was clenched, the other half-shifted. It was subtle, but I knew in that moment that we were in sync. Already, we were bonded. Already, we were mates.

This fight was just details. Proof for those who’d question me.

I snapped my attention back to Jasline, as her Alpha droned on.

“—a time-honored tradition. The rules are simple. Two competitors. One match. There are no breaks, and winner gets bonding rights. Seconds are allowed, but discouraged.”

I glanced at Shay, who was furious, but calm. Ready. She bounced on the balls of her feet, giving me a nod. We’d discussed it over the last week, and while she didnotwant to bond with Kane, she’d agreed that if I lost, she would dive in and finish Jasline. She’d insisted, actually.

Even if I lost today, Jasline still wouldn’t get my alpha.

It was as backup to a backup, but I was glad to know this power-hungry bitch wouldn’t lay a single finger on Kane.

“No interference is allowed, except from seconds if a challenger loses. And per the challengee’s Alpha’s request, today’s match will be to submission. This challenge isnotto proceed to death, and you will accept a submission, or your own life and that of your pack will be forfeit.”

Jasline took a lunging step toward him—apparently, somethingcouldrattle her—and he held up both hands. I didn’t know how to feel about the fact that it wasn’t to the death. Grateful, I supposed? But if I lost, wouldn’t they all put up a vicious fight about us being allowed to mate?

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