Page 26 of Alpha Games

“That’s cute.” Meghan giggled. “You think his wolf will claim yours?”

Fallon’s hand landed on my shoulder, holding me back. “Are you hungry?”

I shook my head, still growling as she pinched me on the side.

“Ouch. What was that for?” I squeaked, rubbing my hip where her nails broke skin.

“Come on.” Fallon dragged me away from the table. “Let’s get you some meat.”

*

“Luna?” Ivan moved to stand.

“Just getting food.” I held out my hand, hoping he’d stay seated and enjoy his break.

I wasn’t that hungry, but my wolf was calming as I moved further away from the thirsty females at the table.

“Remember how I said I was working on leads?” Fallon kept her voice low as she refilled her cup of coffee.

“If you’ve got a name, let me have it.” I sniffed the ham sandwich to make sure it wasn’t tainted.

Seriously. I will slice a bitch.

“I don’t,” Fallon said, “but every female at that table stands to lose a good chunk of land or money if they don’t mate with an Alpha from one of the bigger territories. Ranger is the top catch this year. If I was a betting person, I know where I’d put my money on the threat. None of them have slipped up and said they were involved, but I wouldn’t directly antagonize anyone either.”

“I’m not scared of them.” I sank my teeth into the sandwich, tearing out a chunk of meat.

“I can see that,” Fallon laughed. “But let’s have a little more self-preservation until we figure this out.”

She was right.

It didn’t make things easier to swallow.

“Why are you helping me?” I asked.

Those were her friends orpeoplesitting at that table I assumed. I was no one to that group. Other than a threat apparently.

I’ll take that as a compliment.

“Isn’t it obvious?” Fallon arched one of her dark eyebrows, looking so much like her brother in that moment as she motioned to the screen.

I didn’t need to look or hear his voice projected through the speakers. I could physically feel his howl of victory echo through the mountain and rile my own beast as she howled in response.

I tossed the rest of the sandwich into the trash and glanced at the screen. Ranger stared straight intothe camera with a wicked gleam in his eye that seemed directed straight at me.

My heart skipped a beat as I rushed out of the tent, causing Ivan to jump to his feet and follow.

I snagged a rose from the cooler on my way out, keeping it pressed close to my chest, and ran to the other side of the cliff to watch Ranger tackle the last challenge.

12

Ranger

Fuck. That. Rock.I panted, giving myself a minute to enjoy the relief of finishing. Of all the things I’d done in my life, I never expected to be moving a literal boulder up the hill, but here we were.

My lower back was killing me and I’d probably be sore for days. I was starting to doubt if this was worth it. The camera crew waiting on the sidelines gave me space, sending their drones over instead, as I let out another frustrated howl.

The remains of my shirt fluttered in the wind and I beat my fist against my chest, feeling the primal sense of accomplishment pump up my blood.