Nothing could ruin Maddie’s mood. A smile tugged at her lips, never faltering, even when some odd looks were thrown her way. The pack was quiet, many wolves were still in bed, either recovering from the party or enjoying the company they had found there. Though she would love to be back in Michael’s bed, sinking into his embrace again and again, she knew they wouldn’t have to be parted for long. Knowing the end of the Alpha Games was near, stirred a feeling of such content within her that it spurred a shroud of glee to wrap around her. She kept an eye out for him but had yet to see him around the packhouse. She didn’t mind. The crystal that was hung around her neck, buried from prying eyes beneath two layers of clothing, held the glow of his presence. As the afternoon gave way to evening, more wolves ventured out of their home and drew to the packhouse for their dinner. Maddie hoped to see Michael there and almost danced down the stairs. She had donned a high collared dress that was

His apology sent a surge of heat through Maddie’s veins, as she thrashed in his arms. His hand muffled her screams, but it didn’t stop her from trying. In the evening, the nearby wolves might be able to hear her, so she’d make her throat raw before she stopped trying to warn them of what was coming. Michael clamped his hand tighter around her mouth. It was large enough to engulf the lower half of her face and didn’t budge when she bit into it, the assault gloves protecting him. However, she didn’t give up. She stomped on his foot and tried to kick at him, but he raised a knee to block her attacks, all the while keeping her locked in his grip. It was frustrating how easily he kept her attacks at bay, but she couldn’t stop trying. “Madeline. Madeline.” The Dark Night Alpha had to restrain his voice, while also trying to make her listen. The wolves behind him came forward to help, but he barked at them to stay back. An order they instantly obeyed. Even Erik halted his movements, solidi

“Maddie!” The new voice gave her a sense of relief, before anxiety gripped her. “Jess? What are you doing here?” Maddie’s voice was strained, her throat raw from all the screaming. Her body was limp in Daniel’s arms, fatigue weighing impossibly heavy upon her. Rather than answer, Jess glared at Daniel. “Shouldn't you be helping Lewis? Put her down.” Not being able to argue, Daniel lowered Maddie to the floor and moved to Lewis' side, ready to defend them too. Jess crouched at her side, throwing a look towards the Alpha standing off against the two warriors. Without being in the middle of them, Maddie wondered what was to come. They wouldn’t have to hold back anymore. They could shift and bite and claw at each other until all of them were hurt or worse. Michael had already shown his proficiency for battle. It was clear he would’ve won the Alpha Games should he not have decided to attack the pack. The thought should make anger boil beneath her skin but, instead, her stomach turne

“Jess.” If Maddie’s throat wasn’t already torn to shreds by her screaming that horrible evening, her friend’s name would’ve come out as more than a whimper.    She dropped to her knees, catching Jess before she toppled to the floor and eased her back against the tree. Her hand fretted over the wound. She needed to try and stop the blood flow, but there was so much. Her abdomen was already dye

Michael POV - Michael didn’t waste the opportunity he had created. The moment Alpha Jonathan became willing to listen, albeit grudgingly, he began to share the truth, just as he had done with Madeline. With her being true mate, she had accepted his words quite easily, but he didn’t fool himself to think it would be the same with her father. However, he needed to try. Michael shared his account of the last sixteen years, starting with the first attack. He recounted the war, the struggles, his reason for entering the Alpha Games and their alliance with Mountain Forest. With Erik leading their support, their involvement could no longer be kept secret. While he spoke, Michael watched Alpha Jonathan’s expression for any micro changes he could decipher. The man was like a rock. No information shared made him waiver in his neutral composure, leaving Michael unaware if any of it was sinking in. It made him uneasy, but he continued regardless. He didn’t know how long he’d get to keep t