Page 41

Perry

The stadium was filledbeyond the normal turnout for an open race day. The stands were packed with people, and Arthur's name was on their lips. Those who hadn't come because of the challenge were quickly sucked into the excitement by those who had. All sorts of wild rumors were flying around about the nature of the challenge. Arthur had stolen me away from a loving husband. No, Gregor had used me as a betting chip to win the Luna fortune. Or was it a stunt to draw attention to a promising new racer's blossoming career? The stories flew through the stands, each person convinced theirs was accurate, and betting accordingly. It seemed like only a minority knew the actual reason for the challenge, but no one really seemed to care. For most, it was a rare and exciting occasion: A Luna against a popular foreigndriver.

The family hada private box overlooking the track, and we went there first. Jupiter was sitting on Dimitrius's lap, and he was pointing down to the track and explaining things to her. Basch and Stella took turns looking through a set of binoculars, while Kota and Alexis chased each other around the box. Vander, Pell, Christophe, and Mason all stood at the window, watching the races that were currently going on. Loch and Tresten sat on one of the leather couches and looked over a betting tablet. Jupiter was the first to notice us, and she hopped down from Dimitrius's lap and sprinted over to us, hugging me around my legs. The rest of the family came over to greetus.

"Seemslike the odds are being stacked against you, Arthur," Loch said. "Better for me when youwin."

"You're betting on the race?"I asked, half amused and halfaghast.

"Hell yeah.Hey, it's not just me. Mason, too. And about half of the masters atschool."

Mason smiled,sheepishly. "We all think you're going to win," he said,encouragingly.

"Becareful,"Stella said to Arthur, brushing a bit of fluff from his shoulder. "I don't know if I'll even be able towatch."

"I'll be fine, Mom,"hesaid.

Basch grippedhis son's shoulder. "I have no doubt you'll race well, Arthur. Make the clanproud."

"Iwill."

Guided by the track manager,we made our way down to the garage bays at track-side. Eyes were on us from everywhere, and we received words of support from all sorts of people we passed by along theway.

"This is crazy,"Arthursaid.

"It feelslike everyone knows about us," I agreed. "Nopressure."

"Nothing has changed.Now we just have an audience. I'm still going to race thesame."

We wentinto the garage bays, and the other riders came over from their bikes to wish us a good race. Then, as we made our way down the line towards Arthur's electric blue wolf-cycle, Gregor emerged from behind his bike. He was using his XR76 'Rip Jaw', its neon-orange body covered in sponsorship stickers. He was flirting with a young omega, and grinned when he noticedus.

"May the best wolf win,"Arthur said, offering his hand. Gregor ignoredit.

"Ithinkit's obvious who that is." He spat onto the floor next to Arthur's feet. He stabbed a glare at me. "I'll seeyouverysoon."

"You'll be seeingthe last of me, Gregor," I said. Without another word, Arthur and I strode pasthim.

"He's got no chance!"Gregor yelled after us. "Don't even think for a second he's going to win. Perry! I'm talking toyou!"

We madeour way down the line, until we reached the end where Arthur's bike was. He laid his hand against its side and closed his eyes for a moment. "Time to do this," he said. On monitors hanging from the garage ceiling was video feed of the race currently happening on the track. Arthur changed into his racing suit and then the two of us walked around his bike to do an inspection. We both worked in silence, too nervous to talk. My heart was pounding so hard, I almost couldn't feel my legs. Everything was tingling, and I felt like I was on the verge of vomiting, even though I hadn't had the appetite to eat a bite of anything the entire day. Arthur was the same, and I was worried if he'd have trouble because of it. I knew whatever I was feeling, he had to be having it worse. But when I looked at him, his eyes were surprisingly calm. He sat on the ground next to his bike, his back against it. He stared straight ahead, his hands folded in his lap. I sat down facing him, and he smiled atme.

"Thinking about the race,"I said. It wasn't really a question, but to my surprise, Arthur said, "No."

"Names,"hesaid.

"Names?"

"What we should nameour baby. If it's a boy, maybe Mars. A girl, Venus. Something from the stars, likeJupiter."

Ismiled,moved that he was thinking about something like that at a time like this. But then, maybe it was the best time to think about it. Anything to focus, to keep the nervescalm.

"From the stars,"Iagreed.

We sat quietly together,Arthur's hands resting in my palms. His pulse was steady, and it helped to calm me. A short time later, we were approached by the trackmanager.

"Your race is next,"hesaid.

We stood,our hands still clasped. I looked into Arthur's eyes, willing him as much strength as I could, but I could see he didn't need it. He was focused. He was ready. He slipped his hand around my waist and pulled me into akiss.

"This is it,"hewhispered.

Ikissed him again,and a part of me wondered if it might be the last time. I felt a pulling urge to grab his hand and run. I didn't want to lose himagain.

"Kick his ass,"Isaid.

His lips formed a slanted smile.Slowly, reluctantly, he let go of my hand. "Talk to you on the track," he said, and then shifted into wolf form. I hurried off towards the pit, and heard the grumbling roar of his engine behind me as he started his bike and pulled out of thegarage.