Page 48 of Rogue Games

DEAN: Lynn, where exactly were they on the course when Alan got injured? They said rocks.

There’s a long pause while Lynn gets the information I need.

LYNN: Past the bridge, on the loose rocks that run down the side of the waterfall.

Slippery, unstable and wet. A shortcut perhaps, but a dangerous one. Alan’s learned in the most painful way possible, that speed is not always the most important thing.

“I appreciate you bringing him back. You could have left him or waited for someone else to come along. Instead, you ruined your own races to get him back here. I’m sure Alan is grateful. Re-breaking and setting that ankle again would have been horrible.”

Both men nod, waiting for me to drop the inevitable, but I don’t. Nor do I offer them a do-over. Instead, I’ll reserve judgement until I see how many return in one piece and under the cut off time. Temporarily, I’m distracted from obsessing about where Jamie is and how she’s doing. But Alan’s injury shows just how dangerous it is out there and my wolf starts to pace, wanting to know she’s safe.

I clear my throat, hoping I look and sound calmer than I feel.

“Why don’t you go wash up and get something to eat, but don’t go too far. I’ll find you later.”

Eli and Dash, according to their race numbers, exchange a glance and stand tall, taking my offered hand in turn. Each man meets my eye with a business-like nod and moves on, taking my suggestion as an order. They don’t argue their case, understanding that I’m choosing not to give them a verdict now for a reason. The race is still ongoing, and nobody has completed the course yet.

I’ve got other things to deal with first, and I appreciate them not making a scene and fighting with me about it. That alone adds to the chances I’ll let them stay.

I turn back to the lake. It looks choppier than before, a stiff breeze whipping up the surface as dark clouds roll in. Things are about to get interesting for those still out on the trail.

“That was pretty selfless,” Maya comments, sidling up beside me and standing at my shoulder. “It seems like they should be rewarded rather than eliminated.”

I smile. Maya’s always been the bleeding heart to my stoic exterior. I knew she’d immediately take up their fight.

“They didn’t complete the course.”

Maya merely blinks at me, knowing full well that’s not what I really think.

“Maybe I’ll take it into consideration when I’m preparing the list for the next round.”

Maya grins and nods. “See that you do.”

When a strong gust blows a flag loose and it hits the water, it floats on the surface until a gentle wave washes it up on the shore. Branches whip around us, the wind picking up fast. There’s a noticeable drop in temperature as a heavy cloud blocks the sun and plunges us into darkness.

“It’s going to get rough out there,” Maya observes, looking at the black horizon and the rain sweeping in from the distance.

“It is.” Everyone out there is going to get soaked. “You should go inside. I don’t want Nathan giving me shit if you catch a cold.”

My thoughts go to the rope bridge, an interesting prospect at the best of times, but an even tougher challenge in strong winds and with a downpour hampering visibility.

Jamie was one of the last to leave. She’ll have to endure the weather for the longest amount of time, and the bridge could be a problem when she gets to it.

For a second, I think maybe she’ll turn back and quit. Then she’ll be gone. I won’t have to deal with this intense longing anymore if I don’t have to see her.

That’s what I’d like to think.

Instead, what I really think is there’s no way in hell she won’t attempt to cross. I saw how determined she was.

A crack of lightning splits the sky, and a deluge of rain hits us. Maya runs for cover right as a deafening rumble of thunder fills the sky, coming from everywhere around us. The storm is right on top of the lake, right on top of the course. The course that I made purposefully difficult to separate the wheat from the chaff.

Now, knowing Jamie is out there, I wish I’d left it alone.

“Get out of the rain, Dean!” Maya yells, waddling as fast as she can back toward the shelter of the packhouse. I wave her on but make no move to follow. When I don’t do as she asks, she throws her arms out in exasperation. “You’re a glutton for punishment.”

Jamie’s face enters my mind, and I have to agree. The sneaky rogue has done nothing but antagonise me since she got here. She represents everything I shouldn’t want and is here to blow my family wide open.

I ignore Maya’s jab, and her exasperated huff as she leaves me behind. I should make sure she gets back inside okay, but I can’t force my feet from where I’m standing. Alan’s injury isn’t all that’s wrong. I can feel it in my gut. There’s more to come.

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