Page 69 of Savage Games

He's laying groundwork.Creating a narrative where anything Maddie says can be dismissed as the ravings of an unstable mind.And by extension, anything I might say in her defense becomes suspect, too.I'm her sister.I don't want to admit she's anything but perfect.They’ll think I’m too close to see the truth.

But Dean and Blake aren't buying it.I can see it in their stance, in the way they exchange glances.They know Brad is lying.The question is, what will they do about it?

"I appreciate your concern for my pack."Brad continues, his voice a masterclass in dripping sincerity."Truly.And you're right, perhaps a change of scenery will do her good.I just wish she'd come to me first instead of running away in the night.It only reinforces my concerns about her state of mind.May I speak with her, to check on how she's doing?"

Dean and Blake exchange a glance I can't interpret, but there's a weight to it that makes my stomach clench.What if they fall for his bullshit?

Please don’t let him near her.

"She's resting now," Dean says finally."The journey was difficult for her.Her wolf is still weak."

"Yes, of course."Brad nods, understanding and patient."I wouldn't dream of disturbing her.But I would like to see her soon, to assure myself she's truly alright."

Playing the act of the caring alpha, Brad's request is completely reasonable, and I hold my breath as I wait for their response.Because I know if he gets to her one on one, he'll convince her she has to go home, or he'll make sure she gets thrown in jail for the rest of her days.

"You'll see her when she's ready," Dean replies, his tone making it clear the decision isn't Brad's to make.

A flash of anger crosses Brad's face before it's quickly masked.

"I'll bring her to you later," Dean replies.

Brad's smile is creepy, satisfaction gleaming in his eyes."Perfect.Thank you for your...hospitality...toward my pack."He turns to leave, then pauses, glancing back."I think seeing Naomi and I getting close has been hard for her.Jealousy can make people lash out in all sorts of ways."

26

Naomi

With that parting shot, Brad descends the steps, his posture once again loose and confident, a man who believes he's just won a critical skirmish.

I press myself deeper into the bushes as he passes, holding my breath until he's well down the path.

Getting closer?

I despise him with every cell in my body, but once again, he's planting the seed for his scheme so that when he tries to join the packs into one, by blackmailing me into dating him, nobody will question it.

"Disgusting," I mutter under my breath as his scent fades.The way he speaks about me like I'm property he's gained, a business asset rather than a person with my own free will.He wants an empire, just like the power-hungry alphas of old, before the council system was established.

When I emerge a few minutes later, heart still pounding and now feeling physically ill, Dean and Blake have disappeared inside.But I caught the look that passed between them as Brad walked away, concern mixed with suspicion.They're not quite sure what to make of the situation.Both of them know, or at least suspect, that Wyatt is mine.

I need to find Maddie.Now.

Moving quickly but carefully, I circle around to the back of the packhouse, intending to try the service entrance.My head spins with panic and fatigue, the lack of food and sleep combining with stress to make the world tilt alarmingly.I reach out and grip the railing beside me as my knees go weak and almost buckle underneath me.

"You look like you're about to collapse," a voice says from behind me.

I whirl, my wolf surging forward defensively, only to find Lynn standing there, carrying a plate in her hands.The scent of fresh bread and cooked meat reaches me, making my stomach clench painfully with sudden hunger.

Lynn stands there looking both concerned and exasperated, her dark hair pulled back in a practical bun, and her keen eyes missing nothing.

How did I not hear her coming?I'll never make it through the next round in this state, distracted and weak.

"Easy," she says, her voice steady."I come bearing gifts."

"I can't..."I begin, but she cuts me off with a look.

"You can, and you will.You haven't eaten since yesterday.Even super wolves need fuel."She gestures to a small table and chairs tucked into an alcove of the garden, sheltered from view by a trellis of climbing roses."Sit.Eat.Then we'll talk."Something in her tone brooks no argument.

I follow numbly, sinking into the chair as my legs suddenly feel like jelly.

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