Page 143 of Psycho Beasts

Ten minutes was a lifetime.

When the gong finally sounded, I discreetly pulled out my droplet of blood.

The bald alpha staggered away from me in fear.

I gave him a small smile and tried to act nonchalant.

His eyes were wide as he realized I’d overtaken his free will, and he stalked at me like he was going to rip my head off.

I closed my eyes and flinched.

However, the blow never came.

“Hunter, the fight is over. Back away,” Molly said as she crouched in front of me and shoved him aside.

He looked like a Hunter.

Bald and unwell.

Z’s voice sounded, “A record, six of the seven initiates have passed the second trial.”

Alphas bellowed and chanted with excitement.

Terrified, I scanned the room.

I slumped with relief when I saw James’s broken body lying in the ring, unconscious.

Betas dragged him off, and I winced as I realized I was happy that someone was being murdered.

But all I could feel was relief that it wasn’t one of my men.

Finally, I passed out.

Chapter 25

Sadie

IT’S EMOTIONALLY MATURE TO CRY

“Wake up, little alpha,” Jax growled, but his voice cracked. “Please love.”

The desperation in his voice dragged me out of unconsciousness, and I instantly took note of pain, everywhere.

Who would love my crazy ass? The thought had me hurtling back into consciousness.

Existence was a bitch.

“Please, please, please, Sadie,” he begged, and a wet cloth was gently dragged across my forehead.

“Um, I’m awake. Also, you’re obsessed with me.” My voice was a soft, harsh rasp, and I licked my cracked lips, desperate for moisture.

The cloth on my head stilled.

“Why aren’t your eyes open?”

With the force of the sun god, I dragged open my heavy lids. Bright light stabbed my corneas, and I immediately shut them. “Too bright.”

“SHE’S AWAKE!” Jax bellowed at the top of his lungs, and I winced. Then he dropped his voice and whispered in my ear, “I was so worried, love. Never scare me like that again.”