Page 23 of Rejected Mate

Judging by the trickle of blood sliding down Ares’s neck to the gym floor, it was clear the blade was hurting him, though he didn’t show it. One of his fists clenched and unclenched. What would he do? Challenge Callan? Ban him from the games?

“Fine. I surrender,” he said.

What?!

Callan drew the blade back, looking pleased with himself. The vampire who tripped Ares gave him a conspiratorial look, and Callan nodded.

Then he turned toward us.

“Ladies, it is a pity I cannot choose all of you,” he said, pouring on the charm, “but alas, I can only pick one.”

Violet’s hand had gone cold in mine. It was clear how badly she wanted him to pick her. And why wouldn’t Callan choose Violet? She was beautiful, funny, and loyal.

“The woman I chose is…”

“Please,” Violet whispered.

Callan’s eyes found us in the stands. “I choose… Wren.”

For the second time, I stood stunned, unsure I’d heard correctly.

“What?”

Violet’s hand slipped from mine.

I stared at Callan. “No, no, no. You’re mistaken.”

Callan shook his head. “I’ll see you tomorrow evening, princess.”

Princess?

Thudding steps on the bleachers drew my gaze to the person fleeing the gymnasium. As I watched, Violet ran out crying.

“Violet, wait.”

A hand grabbed my arm, stopping me. When I whirled, Laurel’s manicured nails dug into my arm.

“This isn’t the time,” I said, trying to pull my arm free.

“Look at the misery you have wrought, Ravenmoon,” she said, using my pack name. “If I were you, I’d bow out now before everyone here hates you.”

Bow out? I would if I could. That bitch knew that as well as me.

Her eyes surveyed the gym, and I followed her gaze. Violet had been my only ally and now, who knew what she thought? The rest of the females stared at me with open contempt. The vampire males were regarding me coolly. If Callan tried to lay claim to me, that might mean the others would steer clear.

But what about Ares?

I tried to find him in the crowd, but he wasn’t there. Finally, I spotted him at the back gymnasium doors. For a moment, our eyes locked. He gave me a sad nod and then slipped out the door, leaving me alone in a den of vipers.

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