Page 24 of Midnight Moon
“Blair already said they have nothing to talk about.” Hunter placed his hand on my back. “Come on, Blair. Let’s go inside.”
Asher’s eyes, once again, zeroed in on Hunter’s touch. “We need to talk before the games tomorrow.”
I should’ve allowed Hunter to lead me away. I should have told Asher and Chase to eff off and never speak to me again.
But a whisper in the back of my mind urged me to remain. As much as I’d like to ignore both males for the duration of the games, I also wanted answers.
I stayed where I was, ignoring the pressure Hunter applied to my back. “There’s no reason to discuss your pack’s idiotic prize,” I told Asher.
“No?” He cocked an eyebrow. Moonlight illuminated his features.
“No,” I confirmed. “Because it won’t matter.”
His eyes glinted. “Okay, I’ll bite. Why won’t it matter?”
“Because I am going to make it my mission for you to lose the games.” The vow flew from my lips before I could think, but once the words were released, I knew they were true. The only way to guarantee my future in the Summit Pack was to ensure the Wilds Pack did not win the Alpha Games.
Asher released a loud laugh. “Well, that is going to make what I wanted to discuss awkward.”
It was my turn to raise an eyebrow. “What do you mean?”
“I mean, I wanted to speak with you about an alliance.”
I was unable to hide my surprise. “What?”
Asher flicked his attention to Hunter. “I’d like to discuss this in private.”
“I’m Blair’s partner in the games.” Hunter puffed his chest. “I need to know about any alliance.”
“And Chase is my partner, but alliance negotiations are between leaders,” Asher replied coolly. “Now, go wait in your cabin for your alpha heir to come tell you what we discuss.”
Hunter vibrated with anger. Before he could explode, I turned and placed a staying hand on his chest. “It’s all right. I’ll talk to him.”
My partner looked like I slapped him, and indecision warred behind his eyes. He wanted to stay, but he didn’t want to disobey me in front of a rival pack.
If I had to guess, his hesitation was caused by more than his desire to have my back. I’d noticed his reaction to hearing I’d met Asher and Chase before. No doubt, I’d be interrogated about it the moment we were alone.
Seconds passed. Finally, Hunter acquiesced. “I’ll be right inside. Holler if you need me.”
I nodded. Hunter spared one last glare for Asher and Chase before stomping towards my cabin. He would wait for me before going to his own cabin.
Chase gave me a small smile before he, too, walked off. Only, he didn’t walk towards the guest cabins.
I watched Chase disappear down the dirt path which led to the main road. “Where is he going?”
“To our car.”
I frowned. “You aren’t staying on Badlands’ territory?”
“No.”
“Why not?”
“Since our arrival was a surprise, the Badlands Pack didn’t arrange accommodations for us. We’re staying in a hotel in Laurel.”
“Ah.” I stared at the tree line, shadowed in darkness. Shifters interacted with humans from time to time, but we typically didn’t reside in the same areas. It was easier to keep our secret that way.
Silence settled.
