Page 142 of Ignite

To the women, I’m completely unrecognizable. That’s the idea. We never want it getting out who runs these games, the element of secrecy adds to the illusion.

Unless they know my eyes well, no one would guess.

“First contestant is entering the woods now. She’s feisty,” Asher, one of our newer recruits, tells me through the radio.

“Okay. Continue as planned to the intake cabin. The contract is on the table.”

I log into the security system and pull up the first cabin. Each girl is taken there first to sign the contract and is given their outfit and rucksack of basic survival supplies.

The second year I did this chase, the winner actually lasted six days in the woods, the master of hiding. So, I’ve had to dial it back as I don’t have six full days to hunt.

Instead, this year, I’ve opted for a scavenger hunt style to eliminate the first round, speeding up the time to get to the real chase. And this year we’ve got Drago on the drones, my eye in the sky to hunt these women.

I send one last text to Hallie, it’s like a kick in the teeth. I’m a fucking asshole. A selfish one.

Me

Have a great day at work, trouble. I’ll be busy training today, but I’ll call you when I can. Miss you.

It’s midnight, she will be sleeping. I know she has an early shift.

I put my phone on silent and put it on the desk. No more distractions.

I keep my eyes locked on the screen as the first participant is led blindfolded through the woods. Once inside the cabin, Asher removes it, and I screw my nose up as this firecracker of a brunette launches her fist into his chin.

I can’t see her face, since she’s covered by the deep green full-face mask. “Ouch,” I mutter.

He safely restrains her and guides her to the table, pulling out her seat and sitting her down, with a gun to the side of her head.

Great start.

I pull up my script on the screen as Dean, the second guard, places the contract in front of her.

She scans the room and I can smell her fear from here. But it doesn’t spark anything in me. Not this time.

I need to get that hunting blood flowing through my veins, just like I did when I chased Hallie.

Chapter 49

HALLIE

Ibolt upright as my front door crashes open; it’s like a bomb has gone off. Bertie erupts into a fit of barking as I launch myself to my bedroom door and lock it.

Before I can even move away from the door, I hear deep voices getting closer. I suck in a breath, Bertie’s barks are bound to give me away.

“Shhh,” I warn Bertie.

As I sprint to the bathroom, my door is kicked wide open. Three armed, masked men barge in, blocking my exit.

Am I being arrested?

Is this for the racing? Or because I’m now seeing someone in the mafia?

I glance over at my phone. The tall one in the front clocks it and aims his pistol directly at me.

“You have been summoned to participate in a game. All of your questions will be answered on arrival. But we need you to come with us.”

I can’t place that deep accent. Maybe southern?

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