Page 4 of Rogue Games

Looking down at my grazed knuckles, I sigh. It’s not exactly a great start. But tonight, my wolf was on edge. If I hadn’t punched that guy, the animal inside me was going to deal with it himself.

And I couldn’t let that happen.

Always quick to assert his dominance after years of being forced to submit to my father, and constantly needing to be on guard, he was waiting for something to happen all evening, but the stubborn beast wouldn’t tell me what.

We were being watched; I knew that the moment they arrived. With the sheer number of wolves around, it was impossible to pinpoint their scent, but whoever it was, didn’t have the nerve to step out of the shadows. Yet.

We’ll see what happens over the coming weeks. There are plenty of people who still hold a grudge against this pack, and by extension, against me, for what my father did in the past. I have no doubt that whoever it is will step forward to air their grievances over the course of the competition.

Great. Can’t wait.

“Try to focus on how much fun it will be putting all these hotshot alphas through endless painful challenges and just generally making their lives hell,” Callum says with a grin, knowing that thought will lift my spirits. “Don’t get mad. Get even.”

I scoff at his gleeful expression but can’t help smiling back as I picture the first task they must complete. He’s right. I am going to enjoy that part.

Nobody competing in the competition has been here before. They don’t know the terrain; they have no idea what challenges we will throw at them. It’s another part of the reason Steel selected us to host. Nobody knows what to expect.

“You should have seen them. Most were idiots. High-fiving each other for running a fifty-yard obstacle course.” That was child’s play compared to the elaborate endurance test that I’ve planned for the first round.

“Do they think that jumping through some tires and climbing a wall will be enough to deserve a pack? It’s going to be interesting to see who rises to the top.” Callum’s loving this as much as me.

In my opinion, my loyal beta would have as good a chance as any of the shifters coming, but so far, he’s refused to enter. I’ve given up pestering him because I get that being the top dog isn’t for everyone. I barely want this job myself some days, but my wolf would never tolerate submitting to another wolf, so here we are.

“They have no idea what’s coming. Although the winner tonight was good, Ryan something-or-other. He’s one to watch.” He was cocky as hell, though. The kind of guy it’d be hard to be happy for if he wins. I grimace at the thought of sitting opposite his smug face at one of Blake’s alpha meetings.

Callum nods, knowing exactly who I’m talking about. “Ryan Williams. Third in line to his pack. Annoying as fuck.”

I grin. That’s a pretty accurate assessment. A bit blunter than I’m allowed to call it, given I’m supposed to be impartial to these proceedings.

“He didn’t even have to compete tonight; just did it to be a dick and stop someone else from getting a pass to round two.” Callum continues his character assassination, looking like he’s just getting going. There must be some bad blood there but now’s not the time to delve into it.

“Let’s go over the plan in the morning and get an update from Beckett.”

My wolf is restless. Maybe scenting the female in heat is what has him so tense. I was surprised at how easy it was to get him out of there.

“I saw the changes. It wasn’t evil enough for you already?” With a dark chuckle, Callum drags a hand down his tanned face, the rasp of his palm over coarse stubble, telling of the hours he's been putting in lately. He’s normally clean shaven and fresh faced. The bags under his eyes tell me he needs a rest as badly as I do.

“I might have had some new ideas.” I admit, kicking my feet up onto the coffee table and resting my head on the back of the sofa to ease the ache building inside my skull.

Everyone is tired. When the competition is over, and I get to kick the last person off my territory, I'll give everyone in the pack a couple of days off and a huge party. It's the least I can do. Everyone’s been working their asses off to get things ready.

My eyes slide closed, and I sink down deeper, melting into the cushions.

“Don’t fall asleep there. You need a proper night’s rest,” Callum says, pointing toward my bedroom like the mother hen that he is.

“Close the door on your way out,” I mumble, longing for a few moments of silence and alone time before the madness of the games begins. And not appreciating being told what to do. Even if he’s right.

“Night, boss.” There’s a smile in Callum’s voice at my rude dismissal. He knows me too well to get offended. Only when he presses a twenty into my open hand do I realise he’s not quite gone yet. “Give that to Lynn for me. I bet her twenty you’d meet your mate at the launch. Since you’re home and all alone, I guess I was wrong.”

Growling, I scrunch the note up and toss it at him. “Give it to her yourself.”

The prospect of my fated mate walking straight onto my territory and turning my life upside down is a source of endless amusement for my two best friends. As if I don’t already have enough on my plate.

“I have a hundred bucks on the table with her that you’ll fall for some pack princess who arrives to watch the second round. We need to run a book for all these bets she’s making before she robs us blind.”

Callum tips his head back and laughs. “Ah, but the difference here is I want to meet my mate, Dean. Pack princess or not.”

Solid and always in control, Callum will make a great mate and husband. Unlike me.

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