Page 86 of Rogue Games

I’m still not sure whether going is a good idea. What if he makes it clear in front of his pack that I’m not welcome? Or his wolf tries to run me off, thinking I’m trying to stake a claim as luna.

But I have to try. And in the absence of any other good ideas, this is it.

“It’s the Buck Moon tonight,” Maggie says, as she stacks fresh towels in the bathroom. “Do you know what our pack used to call it?”

I shake my head, trying to recall another name for the July Full Moon that doesn’t relate to hay or herbs. I doubt that’s what she’s thinking of.

“The Claiming Moon.”

I roll my eyes, not feeling the same level of optimism. My wolf likes the sound of that, but only if the claiming involves us. I’m not sure I could stomach watching other happy couples getting together when my own match has gone so horribly wrong.

Before we leave the room, Maggie tugs her hair back in front of her face and wraps a thin scarf around her neck. My heart aches for her, seeing how self-conscious she is about what Graham did to her.

If nothing else, I’ll be forever grateful to Dean for ending her torment at his father’s hands. The hollow ache inside me fractures, turning into a gaping chasm of regret. I have to find a way to fix things. I simply will not accept any other outcome than him forgiving me, no matter how long it takes.

“Come on. The first of the new competitors have arrived. I have a feeling that things are about to get wild around here.”

39

DEAN

Standing on my porch, hands on my hips, I stare at the huge full moon hanging low in the sky. There isn’t a cloud to be seen, and the landscape is bathed in its magnificent silvery glow.

It’s been a long time since I’ve seen as bright a moon as this, and I feel like it’s personally taunting me. It’s daring me to ignore it and go back inside like I swore I’d do earlier when Callum was leaving.

Of course, I won’t do that. I’m an alpha. And part of the job is putting on a brave face when you’d much prefer to be doing something else. Like drinking yourself into oblivion and telling everyone to get the fuck off your land.

“Fine,” I huff, slamming the door shut behind me, as though the moon is looking so glorious just to piss me off.

As I walk toward the packhouse, the air practically vibrates with energy. That, and the excitement from the trickle of new arrivals, all strong dominant wolves, that have started to appear.

Most have stayed home to run with their own packs tonight, but something tells me those who came are the serious contenders.

Maybe their presence on the pack run is problematic because their wolves want to challenge the alpha, or maybe they’ve moved away from their own packs already because their wolf is so strong. But for whatever reason, they’re eager to be here and get going with the competition, which tells me something about how seriously they’re taking it.

Getting closer, I pick up her scent immediately.

Jamie’s here.

It calls to me above all others, even the unfamiliar scents of strange wolves that only days ago would have made my wolf anxious and irritated. Today, he couldn’t give a shit. As long as they don’t try anything with Jamie, and they’re respectful of our pack, they’re welcome to participate.

Maya would be proud.

When I stride toward the gathered crowd, the laughter dies, and all eyes fall on me.

For those who are new here, it's because they’ve heard the rumours and are wary of the angriest alpha.

Those who know me better stare tonight, because the aura I’m radiating is dangerous, and they know something is wrong. My wolf is keeping everyone at bay, keen to make sure nobody feels brave enough to question me about my love life.

But they will, eventually.

When I catch the eye of Ava’s mother, her gaze immediately darts to Jamie. I let out a deep sigh. That confirms it. They’ve all heard rumblings of what’s going on.

If you think gossip spreads fast in a small town, imagine how quickly it would get around if people could mind-link each other. Every tidbit of information is shared at lightning speed. It’s always best to assume that if they don’t know something, they will soon.

Secrets are almost impossible to keep in a pack. Eventually, I’ll have to address what’s going on with Jamie, but not tonight.

“We’ve got a lot of new guests here tonight, some fresh off the boat, so we’ll keep the route simple. Stick together, have fun, and keep the shows of dominance for the next round of the competition. All it’ll do tonight is piss me off.”

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