Page 93 of Rogue Games

As Jamie stares right back, unfazed by my temper, I see a glimmer of understanding in her unwavering gaze, and no anger. Why is she so fucking perfect in every way?

Jamie gives me a small nod, and I sense her gratitude that I stuck up for her. It hurts me to think that other than Wyatt, nobody else does. My mate steps back, melting into the shadows, foregoing the festivities for my sake. Without her saying it, I know she’s leaving to make this night easier for me and my pack, because she understands her presence is fuel to the fire raging inside me.

I don’t like feeling out of control, but this is what she does to me. I can’t rule a pack like this, fighting with everyone says a bad word about her. Because there will be plenty that do.

She says she’s not going to give up, that she’ll be there for me whenever I’m ready. I just don’t know if I’ll ever be ready for this.

42

JAMIE

Standing at the registration desk, I shield my eyes from the sun with one hand and stare out across the gathering crowds. As Lynn predicted, most of the new arrivals spent the full moon with their own packs and are trickling into Dean’s territory in a steady stream this morning.

This new batch is all alpha lineages. You can feel their power thrumming in the air. Their parents were pack leaders, and these contestants only missed out on being alpha because of birth order. These are strong wolves who understand what it takes to run a pack, and what it means to be in charge.

And they want it. Badly.

The tension has palpably ratcheted up a notch as these super competitive shifters, many of whom know each other from pack visits or alpha training, size each other up and make it clear they mean business.

Nobody here from this point of the competition onward is here to play games.

You can see the wolves who made it through the preliminary round visibly shrink, doubting their chances now that the big guns have arrived.

Wyatt stood out among the others, bigger and stronger than most of those who came through round one. But now, the playing field is much more even. Many of the new wolves size him up, letting their displeasure at having to fight against a rogue be known, but they don’t fear him like the others.

And they have the good manners and professional decorum to keep their opinions to themselves, in the presence of Blake Steel at least.

“Welcome, ladies and gentlemen!” He gives every wolf a warm smile and a handshake, directing them to our table and encouraging them to find their accommodations, get settled, and take a look around.

At each invitation Blake issues for these strangers to make themselves at home and wander around the territory, Dean bristles. I’m certain that’s why Blake’s doing it.

“Here you go, Naomi. There’s a map in there with your accommodation already marked and a timetable for the next few days. Any questions, you come and find us.” Lynn offers with a friendly smile to the stunning female in front of her.

“Us?” I say to Lynn, eyebrow raised as the rare alpha female smiles gratefully and pulls out the map before tucking the rest away in her backpack.

The eyes of dozens of men watch her every move, but she either isn’t aware or doesn’t care. She swings the bag onto her back and walks away in search of her room, pulling the attention of half those waiting in the queue with her.

“Yes, us. You’re Maggie’s daughter. No matter what happens with Dean, you’re one of us now.”

I blink back the tears that spring to my eyes unbidden from Lynn’s words of easy acceptance. It would mean everything to me to have roots somewhere. Anywhere really, but where my mate is, and my family? It’s too good to be true.

Lynn pats my arm gently before returning her attention to the next wolf in line, who doesn't hear his name being called, still preoccupied with drooling over Naomi.

“Next, please. Hello? Yes, you, come on.”

I can’t help myself, stealing a glance at Dean to see if he’s watching her walk away as well. With her flowing chestnut brown hair and legs that go on for miles, that’s the kind of she-wolf he probably wanted as his mate. Perfectly groomed, not a rough-around-the-edges rogue who’s forgotten what it’s like to be part of a pack.

But when I look at him, it’s not Naomi who his intense stare is fixed on. It’s me.

My chest tightens as our gaze’s lock.

Dean’s jaw tenses, as I swipe at a stray tear rolling down my cheek. He refuses to look away, our eye contact only broken when an exuberant young wolf leaps at him, and Dean’s forced to catch him, or risk being bowled over backward.

“Dean, I need to show you something.” The young boy tugs on his sleeve and gazes up adoringly at the giant alpha cradling him in his arms.

“Freddy, is that any way to greet your alpha?” Dean rumbles, pretending to be annoyed but really loving it as he bundles the tiny pup up in his arms. “I think I might have to teach you a lesson about proper behaviour.”

Intrigued, I watch on as Dean’s planned lesson becomes apparent. He tickles the youngster mercilessly, and Freddy wriggles in his arms, squealing in delight. The laughter attracts everyone’s attention, and the outsiders to the pack seem surprised to see Dean and the pup laughing and playing together.

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