There was less fanfare at the start of the Strategy trial compared to the previous Games. Maddie didn’t know if it was because the Alpha had advised the Silver Moon wolves to be wary of the battle ahead, making them stay inside, or if the urgency to push the trials on was making them lose their prestige, but it made the whole event feel lacklustre. So far, since the trial started, Maddie had only spoken to Jess and one other wolf, and that was to secure her base for the game. Joe was happy to let her use his bar, though he had the condition that she’d have to pay for any damages. The building was made to handle drunk wolves, so she was confident in its structure, and if anyone came to take her flag, she’d take the fight outside. It wouldn’t get to that though, not with the plan they had. Her and Jess sat around their usual table, the flag they had to protect sitting between them. Though she kept her ears pricked for any sign of another wolf approaching, after an hour of silence, her

Maddie raced ahead of Erik and Jess as she returned to the centre of the Silver Moon territory where the trial had started and now concluded. She held her flag safe and tight in her hand, wondering who was out of the game. If they had followed the plan, then Daniel’s flag would’ve been taken, but Michael said the plan had changed without giving Erik a reason why. Had he been attacked? Or maybe he had decided to attack Lewis? Maddie didn’t know and that uncertainty crawled over her skin, making her pick up the pace. She tried to mindlink Lewis but he pushed away the connection, making her unease grow. Three wolves were already waiting as she ran up to meet them; Michael, Lewis and Ryan. What was he doing with them? Daniel had chosen Mark to be his supporting wolf. She cast him a frown, unnerved when he smiled back, and headed over to Michael. When he turned to greet her, a rush of breath passed her lips at the sight of the flag in his hand. He had made it. Then, she turned to Lewis, t

Michael POV - It was difficult to remain still under so many disapproving glares. He had faced down masses of rouges attacking his home without hesitation and yet the formalities of the ball were a different challenge altogether. It soured his good mood, but he tried to not let it show on his face despite the unfiltered horror being thrown his way. Michael was surprised that so many of the wolves passing into the grand hall recognised him. Of course, the Silver Moon wolves were aware of him, but the guests who had been invited to celebrate the final three contestants and watch the finals wouldn’t have seen him since he was a pup, if at all. He had changed a lot since then. He supposed word of his entry into the Games had spread, and his dark features and large form made identifying him quite easy. He smiled, though it only felt genuine when he saw his friends in the crowd. Representative of Mountain Forest had come at Erik’s invitation. Some would stay while others would likely

Michael’s POV - The party slowly relaxed as the night continued. The older, stiffer wolves had retired for the evening leaving the younger wolves to enjoy themselves. Michael felt the gradual release of tension as watchful eyes slipped away, until only those unbothered by his presence remained. Aside from his time in his room, it was the most relaxed he had felt on the Silver Moon territory yet. Soon, the younger wolves gained control over the music and the bar, pushing tables and chairs out of the way to form a space. Alcohol flowed, the hall filled with laughter, and everyone danced. “Silver Moon sure does throw a good party.” Connor grinned, his eyes trailing between the women around them. With the soft giggles that responded to his flirty winks, Michael didn’t doubt that his brother would find some company for the evening, but he only had eyes for one woman in the room. He parted from Madeline to avoid suspicion of their relationship and to catch up with his brother, bu

Michael POV - His body thrummed as he held it above her on the bed. His cock was pressed into her thigh and a simple shift of his hips would line him to her pussy and allow him to bury himself inside her, however he refrained from doing so. He could still feel the heat of her mouth wrapped around his cock. If he hadn’t had stopped her when he did, he would have cum there and then. He didn’t want that. He wanted to take his time with her, after all, she might not allow him to touch her again after tomorrow. Michael pushed the thought from his mind and focused on the gorgeous woman beneath him. A gentle flush caressed her cheek, and he brushed his fingers against it, allowing himself to indulge in the moment, to indulge in their connection, without feeling selfish. He followed his fingers with a sweet kiss, slowing down their passion. Madeline responded to him exquisitely, wrapping her arms around him and drawing him into a deep, slow kiss that made him melt. It was almost enough