Page 87 of Rogue Games

Levelling some of the rowdier shifters in the group with a hard stare, I wait until I get a few sullen nods in return before gesturing to Callum, who’s watching me like I’m a ticking bomb.

“This is my beta, Callum. In case there’s any doubt in your mind, his word is as good as mine tonight. If any of you are out of line, and he tells you to knock it off or go back to the packhouse, you better listen.” Feeling slightly guilty about the nervous looks on my own pack members faces; I plaster on a tight smile. “Now that the formalities are over, let’s run. There’s a barbeque at the rear of the packhouse after.”

Ducking down to chat to a young pup who’s on his first run tonight, I try to focus, to be present and undistracted by Jamie’s intoxicating presence, but it’s no good. I can feel her watching me. And my wolf, although angry, is drawn to her.

I keep my focus stubbornly away from where she stands awkwardly with Maggie and concentrate on getting this thing started. Stripping my T-shirt over my head, I twist my neck from side to side, relishing the loud cracks in my stiff joints.

It’s been too long since I ran, the chaos since the games started has taken over my life.

As I smooth a hand over my stomach, opening my belt with one hand, I can feel the weight of Jamie’s gaze on my body. It feels like flames dancing across my skin.

My wolf preens, looking forward to the opportunity to impress her.

Let her look. Let her see my wolf in all his glory. The spiteful side of me hopes that adds to her regret.

A chorus of howls and hollers go up as I step out of my trousers and shift into my massive wolf. While I wait for all our guests to get undressed and complete the process, I bump into the members of my pack, rubbing along their flanks, reassuring them that even though there are a lot of wildly powerful wolves here tonight, I’m also here to protect them. I’ll make sure nobody gets out of line.

Wyatt stands on the periphery, looking like he’s itching to say something to me but smart enough not to. Not tonight, anyway.

Once everyone is furry and four-legged, I tip my head up toward the sky and let forth an almighty howl, one echoed by my pack members in turn. It calms the turmoil within me. No matter what, I have my pack. They had faith that I could lead them after Dad’s death, and I strive every day to repay that blind faith by working the hardest for them that I can.

Which makes Jamie’s attempt to blacken my name even more hurtful.

Wolves dance and bound around the lawn, the open expanse of grass in front of the house lending itself well to the boisterous attitude of our younger pups.

One loud bark, sharp and commanding, is enough to have the wolves turning and running for the trees. Joy unfurls inside my chest as I see my pack enjoying themselves, at peace with the changes being thrown at them. They’ve adapted and are thriving. It’s great to see them having so much fun.

Callum comes alongside me, and we jog together into the forest, his silent support always a gift.

Once we’re into the thick of the trees and the wild atmosphere eases, he steps into me, giving me a playful shoulder into a tangle of brambles. Picking my way back out, I fix him with a stare and growl my disappointment. Completely unfazed, he gives a yip of challenge, before turning and darting off into the scrub.

Oh, he’s not getting away that easily.

I race after him, determined to put my best friend back in his place.

The noises of the run fade, no signs of fighting a welcome surprise. Instead, all I feel is a gentle buzz of happiness through the bond I share with every member of this pack. That, and an eagerness to return to the packhouse and get the party started once this loop of the land has been completed.

DEAN: Stop being a shit, Callum. We need to get back before they get completely out of control.

I’m greeted by silence.

Instead of listening to what’s going on in the distance where the pack runs together in a tight group, I focus on Callum.

Except, it’s not Callum. He’s played me. And when I see who’s standing there waiting for me, I’m going to make sure he pays when I find him. Money won’t be enough. I’m going to want blood.

40

JAMIE

Callum’s long gone.

And Dean’s furious.

The longer he stands there, completely silent, an impatient look on his face, the more convinced I am that this was a terrible idea.

My heart breaks seeing him so distant toward me. Instantly, I know that all those times I mentally labelled him as angry before were a figment of my imagination. This is what angry Dean looks like. I was choosing to see the worst in him, which is rich considering I’m the rogue who invaded his territory.

But I’m not just any rogue, and now he knows it. I just don’t know if he’ll accept it after what I said.

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