Page 102 of Rogue Games

I shake my head and steer her toward Alpha Steel, positioning her right next to me.

She hesitates but does as she’s told, still looking dazed. As a few slow claps turns into a swell of applause, Jamie makes to slink back down the stairs, but I grab her hand and hold her steady.

When I don’t let go, instead, entwining our fingers and raising it to kiss the back of her knuckles, she stares up at me.

“It’s for you. Let them say thank you.”

The standing ovation continues as every wolf recognises her selflessness in putting her body on the line to protect a child, and the bravery of a rogue they didn’t want among them in the first place.

Leaning in close, I whisper against her ear, praying I haven’t misjudged her and us, completely.

“Stay.”

And I mean it in every sense of the word. Stay in this exact spot. Stay in my pack. Stay with me.

Her brow wrinkles as she tries to figure out exactly what my words mean.

When I brush my lips against her temple, a tender kiss meant for the entire shifter world to see, she’s so stunned that she forgets to fight with me about me bossing her around.

Reluctantly letting her hand go, I move to the podium and a sombre hush falls over the crowd.

“This hasn’t been the start to the Alpha Games that we’d hoped for.” I begin, staring out at the crowd of powerful shifters. “And while I wish that for your sakes, things had gone smoother, this is part and parcel of being Alpha. Taking the rough with the smooth. Dealing with accidents, protecting your pack, punishing reckless behaviour. All under the scrutiny of your pack, your colleagues and your alpha.”

There are some chuckles when I point my thumb in Blake’s general direction and Blake frowns. Growing serious once more, I drum my fingers on the wooden lectern in front of me and hesitate.

“And perhaps the hardest thing of all is admitting when you’re wrong.”

I glance at Jamie by my side, who stares back like a deer caught in headlights.

Chastened, some of the shifters who were less than accepting of Jamie and Wyatt hang their heads, knowing they misjudged them.

“You see, even though the winner of this competition will become the alpha of a pack, no wolf can do it all by themselves. And nobody is infallible. You need your friends and family around you. And if the goddess sends you someone as amazing as this, don’t be an idiot. Grab that chance at happiness with both hands.”

When I wrap my arm around Jamie’s shoulder and pull her into my side, her face pales, and her eyes go as round as saucers. Just when I’m starting to think I’ve made an error in judgement here, her small hand wraps around my back and settles on my hip.

“And so, while this party was supposed to be for the wolves who’ve made it through to the next round, I didn’t want to cancel it. Because I still have something to celebrate. Finding my fated mate. The games will restart tomorrow, so for tonight, eat, drink and hopefully, some of you will find your own!”

A chorus of cheers goes up as shifters clap and stomp, smiling up at us. As a band starts and everyone drifts toward the tables laden down with food and drinks, I turn to Jamie, heart pounding, hoping that my impromptu announcement wasn’t the wrong move.

“Mate?” Jamie whispers, her fingers twisting into the front of my shirt as Blake approaches, a gentle smile playing on his lips.

“Luna, I’m glad to see you up and about.” Blake leans in and gives her a polite peck on the cheek.

Shoving down the growl building inside me, I ignore his smirk. He’s enjoying this.

“But I’ll be even happier when your mate brings you home and tucks you back up in bed. You can begin your Luna duties when you’re fully healed, but not a moment sooner. Alpha’s orders.”

Jamie’s heart is pounding as she looks up at the big man and nods.

Blake ignores how shocked she looks and turns to me with a serious expression on his face. “Go and take care of your mate. Callum and I can keep the party under control.”

Blake’s smile is broad as he turns and saunters away, picking up a casual conversation with one of my teenage pack members who looks up in awe at the suave alpha.

“Luna?” Jamie repeats, as I take both her hands in mine and lift them to my chest.

I cradle them against my heart and face her, making sure she really hears what I’m saying.

“Jamie, I already knew I couldn’t live without you before the accident. I was just being a stubborn prick and justifying it by saying you had to show me you could be trusted.” Scrubbing a hand down my jaw, my palm grating across the rough stubble, I grimace. “What kind of man wants his mate to prove herself to him?”

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