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He nodded."I've given it plenty ofthought."

"Well, I accept those terms,"Gregor said, clapping his hands together. "And to be nice, why don't we have the race here, in Wolfheart? Wonderful track you have here. I wouldn't want to have you complaining that you weren't used to the track when I defeatyou."

"How thoughtful of you,"Arthur said. "Hopefully we won't hear you complaining that I had the home field advantage when youlose."

The clan officialwho had been witnessing the agreement completed the challenge contract and passed it to Arthur and Gregor to sign. The silence in the room when Arthur put his pen to the paper was sharp as a knife. It was like every one of the Luna family had held their breath. If Arthur left the clan, it was almost like leaving the family, the two were so intricately intertwined. Even though I understood Arthur's reason for making the decision, I felt horrible about it. I hoped that the Lunas didn't now regret their decision to help me, now that he'd donethis.

Gregor signed his name."You both will be back where you belong soon," he said, standing. "They'remyhusband and daughter. This foolishness will be over and done withsoon."

"Don't kid yourself,"said Tresten. "Like we'd let anything happen to Perry andJupiter."

"That's right,"Mason said. "You have no idea who you're fuckingwith."

Gregor fumed,his face twitching. He straightened his jacket, and then smiled. Again, that unsettlingly fast transition of expression. "I'll see you soon, sweetie-pup," he said to Jupiter, and then he strode out the door, his men followingbehind.

"What a horrible person,"Stellasaid.

"I'll never getwhy you and Mom thought he would be a good match for Perry," Dimitrius said to Dad. "Was it seriously just for the status? You'd do that to yourson?"

Dad shrunk down."We didn't know. We interviewed him, and he was always, well, charming. Kind. Honorable. Even as a boy. I'm sorry. I'msorry."

"Ican't believe you,"Dimitrius said. "Hounds of hell,Dad."

Basch turned to Dimitrius."Young man, that's yourfather."

"No, no. He's right,"Dad said. "I failed to protect my son. I have to live withthat."

"Enough,"I said. "It's in the past. And Dad is right. Gregor can be a very likeable person in order to get what he wants. Let's just worry about thischallenge."

"That's right,"Christophe said. "There's three days until the race. We need to use all our energy to support Arthur and Perry. We're family. We're all together inthis."

Jupiter ran over to me,and I picked her up and hugged her close. Arthur and I exchanged a glance, and I could see the simmering anger in hiseyes.

"Thank you,"he said. "It makes a big difference to have you all lending your confidence. I know the decision I made was a severe one, but I believe it was important to do. No one will question the fairness of this whole thing when I kick Gregor'sass."

"We understand,"Basch said. "It was the honorable thing to do, and we're proud ofyou."

"We're with you, brother,"Loch said, gripping his shoulder. "All theway."