Page 98 of Savage Games

“Good.Brad's position won't save him when the entire wolf council hears what he's done.And I’ve got nothing to hide.”Even my wolf agrees it will be worth it to see Brad punished.

"All interviews will be under command," Callum adds."Including Naomi's.And Maddie’s."

And there it is.The real concern.

"When is she scheduled?"I keep my voice steady despite the sudden racing of my heart.

"Tomorrow afternoon.Before you."Callum's eyes meet mine, understanding passing between us."She and Maddie will both be questioned."

My wolf surges forward and my protective instincts flare.Naomi has been keeping secrets about her sister, about Brad's brother.Secrets that will be dragged into the light without mercy.

"There's nothing I can do to delay the process," Callum continues, his tone softer now."But I thought you should know.In case you wanted some...privacy before things get complicated."

The implication is clear.Once they begin their work, we'll all be swept up in the fallout, whatever it may be.Blake wants the full story, not just what happened around the hunt.

Jax clears his throat."I’ll be taking a break in about twenty minutes.And I'll be gone for at least an hour.I need to gather some herbs from the south field."

"Really?"I say, understanding dawning.He’s been watching me like a hawk, under strict instructions from Jamie, but this could be my chance to get out of this damned room.

Jax shrugs, a hint of mischief in his eyes.

"Dean and I will be doing perimeter checks on the east side," Callum adds, his expression deliberately blank."Won't be anywhere near the guest cabins.In case you were wondering."

I look between them, my unexpected allies."Why are you helping me?"

Callum's mouth twitches.“I’d hoped to find my own fated mate here.Even though it hasn’t happened to me yet, it doesn’t mean I can’t be happy for you.”

I nod, and Callum coughs, straightening before he turns to leave.

"Just be back for your interview tomorrow."Callum warns."Otherwise, Blake will send out search parties.His patience is non-existent right now."

They slip out as quietly as they’d come, the click of the door echoing in the silent room.

Twenty minutes.Twenty minutes until I can escape this sterile prison, find my mate, and then make her mine in every way before the storm breaks tomorrow.

I gather what little I have, the fresh clothes Jamie brought, and wait, counting the seconds while listening for Jax's footsteps to fade down the corridor.

The moment they do, I'm moving, slipping out of the window rather than risking the main entrance.My back protests as I drop to the ground, the mostly healed wound still tender, but the pain is nothing compared to the urgent need for my mate that’s pulsing through my veins.

I follow Naomi's scent across the compound, keeping to the shadows where possible.It leads me to the dining hall.She's early for dinner, her distinctive vanilla and wildflower scent mingling with others.Lynn’s.Maddie’s.A few other competitors I don't know well.

Pausing at the entrance, I straighten my shoulders, ignoring the lingering weakness in my limbs.I may not be at full strength, but I'm strong enough for what matters.

The conversations inside falter as I push open the door, all eyes turning toward me.I scan the room, ignoring their stares, until I find her.

Naomi sits between Lynn and a petite woman, who must be her sister, her back to the door.She's laughing at something Lynn said, her head thrown back, the graceful line of her throat exposed.

My wolf fixates on that patch of skin, at the exact spot where my mark will go.

As if sensing my presence, she stiffens, her laughter cutting off abruptly.Slowly, she turns, her eyes widening as they meet mine from across the crowded room.

"Wyatt."Naomi breathes, just loud enough for my enhanced hearing to catch."What are you doing here?Maggie is going to kill you."

I don't answer, just move toward her with a single-minded purpose.Every step brings me closer to what I need.Conversations resume around us, though quieter now, watchful.

She rises to meet me, concern written across her features."You're supposed to be in the clinic.Is something wrong?"

"No."The word comes out rough, almost a growl.“Yes.”

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