Page 115 of Savage Games

"Your pack."Dean confirms, nodding slowly."Win or lose, you've accepted a formal challenge from another alpha-potential.There's no backing out now, unless you plan to go straight home to pack and move out."

The realization hits me that this was Wyatt's plan all along.Not violence, not revenge, but justice.Even when seeking retribution, he's thinking like an alpha.Unlike Brad, who was ready to flee rather than face consequences of his actions.

This isn't just about getting even for what Brad did to us, it's about Brad’s pack.About leadership.About how weaker wolves are treated by the person they trust most.And payback for running him off his land all those years ago.

"Fine," Brad spits, with venom in his voice.

"Be careful."I plead, my voice catching as I lock eyes with Wyatt."Please."

He smiles, looking completely unfazed by what’s about to unfold as he follows Brad outside."Always."

The look that passes between us carries more than words ever could.Trust me, his eyes say.I know what I'm doing.

And despite the fear coiling in my stomach, I do trust him.My wolf does, too.

As they move to the centre of the large clearing, with Blake and Dean standing off to one side, heads tipped together in conference as the two contenders circle each other, I feel Jamie's hand squeeze mine.Her fingers are cold but steady, her presence grounding me when I feel like I might fall apart.

"He's going to win," Jamie says softly.“Don’t worry.”

I wish I could be so certain.Fear from his recent injuries still lingers in my mind as they shift, and the snarls and growls grow louder and more vicious.

Wolves pour outside to see what’s going on, and Jax appears, breathless and wide-eyed, as he moves to stand beside us to watch the fight.

“What the hell is going on now?”

They come in groups, competitors and pack members alike, drawn by the commotion, but staying to witness justice.Among them, I spot Eli and Dash, both nodding respectfully to Wyatt.Even some wolves who once avoided him are now watching with interest rather than fear.

“A challenge,” Jamie whispers, and Jax turns to stare, stunned by this turn of events.His wolf pushes forward, clearly enjoying the prospect of a fight.And of seeing Wyatt win.

This isn't just about Brad's punishment, it's about Wyatt being appreciated, at last, for who he truly is.

42

Naomi

Ican't breathe.

The crowd expands quickly, word spreading through the Games’ participants like wildfire.

Competitors, staff, even some of Dean's pack members form a loose circle around the clearing in front of Brad's cabin.The morning sun filters through the trees, casting dappled shadows across the ground where my mate and my alpha face each other.

The contrast between them is stark.Brad’s wolf is lean and wiry, all calculated precision, while Wyatt towers over him, broad-shouldered and powerful.But I know better than to underestimate Brad.He's survived as an alpha for years, and he fights dirty when cornered.

In any other setting, he'd be impressive.But next to Wyatt's massive dark form, he looks almost delicate.The difference isn't just size, though, it's in the way they move.Brad circles with practiced precision, each step measured and controlled.Wyatt's movements flow with natural power, a predator who's survived by instinct rather than training.

Blake steps into the centre of the clearing, his presence commanding immediate silence.

"This is a formal challenge between Wyatt, competitor in the Alpha Games, and Brad, Alpha of the Northern Ridge Pack," Blake announces, his voice carrying across the gathered crowd."The terms have been agreed upon.The challenge will be fought in wolf form.Victory comes by submission or…" he pauses, just for a moment, "incapacitation."

A ripple of murmurs passes through the crowd.Everyone knows what he's not saying: that some challenges end in death when one wolf refuses to submit.

"Let it be witnessed," Blake continues, "that this challenge was issued and accepted freely, with full understanding of the consequences."

Brad's cold eyes find mine across the clearing, a promise of retribution in their depths.I hold his gaze steadily, refusing to show fear.He may have controlled me through threats before, but not anymore.Whatever happens today, that power is broken.

"Begin," Blake commands, stepping back to join Dean at the edge of the clearing.

For a long moment, neither wolf moves.They just watch each other, waiting for the first opening, for the other to make a move first.The crowd holds its collective breath.

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