Page 17 of Rogue Games

But I’m really excited about sleeping in a soft bed, so I keep my thoughts to myself.

And while this lovely woman might not be offended by our presence, some will be. Dean’s probably trying to avoid any conflict by keeping us separated from the main group. That seems much more in keeping with his character than a kind gesture.

“What Jamie really meant to say was thank you for your hospitality, especially at this late hour,” Wyatt says, all but apologising for my snarky attitude.

I smile at Lynn, suitably chastened, and mouth sorry. Lynn doesn’t deserve any attitude from me just because her alpha was somewhat abrupt.

Wyatt nudges me in the back, hard, when Lynn opens the door wide. She gestures for me to go in and I stumble inside from the force of his shove, my jaw nearly hitting the floor when I see the luxurious bedroom before me. I’ve never seen anything like this, let alone slept there. It's been weeks since I had a bed anywhere but the forest floor, and I could cry just imagining crawling into those crisp sheets for the night.

Aware that Lynn is staring at me and waiting for me to come further inside, I step toward the picture windows and stare at the magical scenery before me. My head swivels from side to side, scarcely believing this is real, as I take in the huge windows, giant four-poster bed, and a clawfoot tub in the corner of the room.

“You should have everything you need, but just holler if you want anything. Once you’re settled, come down to the party. There should still be food. If not, let me know, and I’ll rustle up something.” She points out the unopened toiletries in the massive ensuite, and a shower that could fit an entire football team. “Alpha Steel will be addressing everyone about what’s happening in the morning, so at the very least, try and make it down for that.”

Handing us two printed sheets and a wristband each, she suddenly gets serious.

“The rules here are simple. Conduct yourself as you would if you were an alpha. Assume that someone is always watching. Every second of your stay here is part of the competition, the judging isn’t just confined to the challenges.” We both nod, and she continues. “You’re guests here. Respect our home and remember that many in our pack haven't seen a stranger in decades. Be considerate of that.”

Wyatt blinks, looking at me, then back to Lynn. “That’s it. No laundry list of things we can’t do or places we can’t go?”

Lynn shrugs. “We’re back to the ‘assume someone is always watching’ part. You’re all grown-ups. If you don’t know how to conduct yourself while visiting another pack, you won’t last long.”

Holding the page up, I scan the schedule, noting the start time for the first challenge tomorrow, and more worryingly, the lack of information about what any of these events are. It’s all very mysterious, and while I’m looking forward to testing myself against these pack powerhouses, I’m also nervous.

It’s happening. We’re here, and we’re really going to do this.

“This is all very reasonable. I thought Alpha Reynolds would be more…” Wyatt begins, but frowns, trying to find the right words to say what he means without insulting her boss.

“Of a dictator? Jackass?” She helpfully supplies, with a knowing smile. “Graham Reynolds? Yes, absolutely, he was as awful as you’ve heard. Dean? No. He’s a good man. Things are different now.”

I’m so confused.

Dean allowed us to come onto his lands, begrudgingly, but he did. He’s downright surly about letting me compete, and then abandons us to apparently go for a walk in the woods in the dark about his intentions.

Yet he sends someone to fetch us more clothes. He keeps us close by and puts us up in the finest accommodation, away from those who might torment us. Is he keeping an eye on us, or keeping us safe?

Running my hands along the luxurious bed sheets, I can’t figure out which he is, grumpy and overbearing, or generous and protective.

My wolf disagrees with my cynicism but she’s hardly impartial. She’s going all starry-eyed at the mere thought of him.

Clapping her hands together, Lynn snaps my attention back to her. “I’ll leave you alone to get settled. I’m on the top floor if you need anything.”

My gut clenches and I grip the table beside me as my stomach rolls.

“The alpha suite?” I guess, something dark and ugly raising its head inside me.

Lynn seems to feel my wolf’s agitation, but she finds my reaction amusing rather than offensive, her lip twitching in a half-smile. “That’s the one. If I’m not in the alpha’s office, I’ll be there.”

My wolf is not happy. In fact, she’s downright furious. We suspected he might be mated when he didn’t react to the other wolf’s heat, I don’t really understand why.

10

DEAN

Settling back into my seat and pushing away my untouched meal, I try to appear relaxed. Taking a fast but tough run, and a few minutes to myself, have quelled the unrest inside me. Kind of. My muscles ache but more from the effort of restraining my wolf, of stopping him running back to her, than the distance we covered.

I’m not sure why these two rogues have my wolf so riled up, but I need to get him under control before Jamie and Wyatt arrive at the party. I ignore the looks I’m getting from my sister and scan the large crowd, trying to predict who’s going to complain the most when our new arrivals are unveiled.

Will it be the other contestants, annoyed that someone without good standing in a pack is getting the chance to compete? Particularly, someone as impressive as Wyatt who actually has a chance at winning.

---