Page 67 of Alpha Games

“I thought the black bear would win.” John O’Neil clapped me on the back. “But you owned this one.”

“Mountain lions are the real pest in these woods. They get bigger without a natural predator and the show doesn’t let the local humans hunt themanymore,” I said, watching Jay as he walked off stage. “Did he say fights?”

“Yeah.” John nodded. “They were talking about them earlier. It looks like the show is setting up some sort of ring in the back portion of the property for tomorrow. Seems you’ll be right at home there if the rumors are true.”

I forced myself to look at John, seeing the concern on his face. It was no secret what my past was like, but it didn’t make sense why they’d set up fights like this when none of the other Alphas would’ve had my training.

“Looks like they want to see a classic challenge from you,” John said. His expression was sympathetic.

Slow clapping came from behind us as Chad walked over. He was way too clean for just returning from a hunt. Whistling, he put his hands in his pockets. “Too bad it wasn’t based on weight. My elk would have beaten both of yours.”

“You took an easy kill, going for prey.” John straightened his stance. Alpha power came from him in waves, causing Chad to wince and take a step back.

I rubbed the top of my head, trying to understand how it’d come to this when it hadn’t been done in the history of the show or decades prior at the mating season gatherings. I wasn’t sure I could do it. A traditional challenge would mean I’d have to take over Chad’s inheritance position. It would have to end with his death and my continued involvementwith Tulia Pack–the one group of shifters I wanted nothing to do with anymore.

I looked back to Aspen who stood next to my sister, a sea of calm in the wave of women walking away on either side of her. She was still smiling. A question was on her face as she watched, waiting. Her big brown eyes shining with excitement called to my inner beast.

And I had to wonder if revenge was worth it.

27

Aspen

Butterflies were doing loops and dips in my stomach while my thoughts raced a mile a minute. I felt like I wanted to jump out of my skin, but giving our skin to my wolf wouldn’t solve this metaphorical itch. True, I was still a little frustrated about the whole invasion of privacy thing. But a bigger part of me wanted to hear Ranger out.

He’d knelt at my freaking feet.

What kind of Alpha does that?

Not Derek, that’s for sure.

“Are you positive you’re alright?” I had my phone on speaker, plugged in above the bathroom counter. This charging issue was really irritating me. Ivan and a shifter named Beau were standing guard outside my door while I waited for Ranger to finish setting things up for our date.

It’s really happening.I know!

“Everything is fine,” my papa spoke over the phone line. “Alpha Derek is pissed. His wolf is out there howling up a storm while Ranger’s boys pack the house up.”

I squeezed my eyes shut, taking a deep breath. Things were happening so quickly. I hadn’t decided that I was ready to mate Ranger yet, and he was already moving me–and my papa–onto his lands.

“We can still say no,” I said, more so to remind myself it was an option. Ranger was solving all my problems and I’d really hate to go back to the beginning without his support. I’d have to figure out where to go next if things didn’t work out between us, but as an Alpha he could petition the government better than I could and I didn’t want to mess up this opportunity.

“Screw that,” Papa said. “If you’d have told me what happened with Derek, I would have figured out a way to get us out of here sooner. And don’t think I’m not upset with you for lying to me.”

“I didn’t want to worry you.” I smiled softly, knowing there was nothing he could have done. It was the thought that counted.

“Hey, watch that portrait.” My papa covered the phone, mumbling a few choice words as if I couldn’t hear them. “I’ve got to go and make sure these guys don’t ding up your gram’s stuff.”

“I love you.” My heart was so full it could burst. No matter what happened between us, I owed Ranger so much for cutting through the red tape. If what Fallon said was true, my application was being expedited as we spoke and Derek would no longer be able to claim me or my papa as pack.

I might have complained about how much something like this cost if he hadn’t been basically spying on me. We weren’t close to even, but it was a really decent start.

I left my phone in the bathroom and paced the length of my bedroom, glancing up to where thecamera once was. Knowing what I did now, I might have put on a little show to express my appreciation.

My belly warmed just thinking about how this date would go. The other day after the obstacle course was just a tease. Ineededto get laid.

Now you’re talking.My wolf gave a little stretch, getting herself limber for tonight.Just in case you can’t seal the deal.

You wouldn’t,I teased the dirty beast of mine.