Page 7

7

Naomi

E merging from the trail, my lungs burning and my legs feel like jelly, but a sense of accomplishment rushes through me. I did it. I actually made it through the scent tracking challenge without getting lost or running out of time. In fact, from the approving nod Callum gives me as I cross the finish line, the prize at the end of the scent trail gripped in my hand, I might have done better than just scraped through.

"Good time." He confirms, jotting something on his clipboard. "Most competitors took at least fifteen minutes longer. You might have even beaten your friend, but you didn’t hear that from me."

Though I've been careful to hide my strengths, my speed has always been exceptional, even by shifter standards.

A warm flush of pride spreads through me, a brief respite from the dread that's been weighing me down since my conversation with Brad. Maybe there's a chance I can win this thing on my own merit, without having to rely on Wyatt or make impossible bargains with Brad.

I scan the crowd of competitors and spectators gathered at the finish area, looking for that towering frame and those dark eyes. Where is he? He finished his run ages ago. I need him. Need his comforting presence.

As pathetic as that is when we’ve only just met.

Then I feel it, a tug on the bond, followed by that now-familiar warm sensation spreading through my chest. He's close.

"Naomi!"

I turn to see Wyatt pushing through the crowd, concern etched across his features. His eyes scan me from head to toe, as if checking for injuries, before settling on my face.

"You did great," he says, but the worry doesn't leave his expression. "I felt... something was wrong. Did you get hurt?"

My heart stutters. This is still so new. I didn't realize he could already sense my distress so acutely.

Guilt twists in my stomach as I force a smile. My wolf whines softly, wanting to press against him, to take comfort in his touch. But we're surrounded by others, and Brad's warning hangs over me like a shadow.

"Just nerves." I lie, hating myself for it. "It was more challenging than I expected."

Wyatt studies me, unconvinced. His hand reaches for mine, his thumb brushing over the pulse in my wrist that’s hammering now, seemingly without conscious thought. Then he catches himself and lets it fall back to his side.

"You sure that's all? Because I felt…" He stops, struggling to find the words. "I felt fear. Not competition nerves. Something... sharper."

Losing his touch is enough to make my wolf whine. She just wants to be with him, with no deceit.

I swallow hard, my throat suddenly dry. How do I explain without telling him everything?

"I just really didn't want to get eliminated," I say. "I need to stay in this."

Something flashes in his eyes, understanding perhaps, but mixed with suspicion. He steps closer, lowering his voice. "Naomi, what's going on?"

The concern in his eyes makes my resolve weaken. Maybe I should tell him. Maybe together, we could figure out a way through this impossible situation.

Wyatt is strong, stronger than most wolves here, and he's clearly smart. If anyone could help me protect Maddie while escaping Brad's manipulations, it would be him.

I grab his arm, the solid muscle beneath my fingers grounding me. "Wyatt, there's something I need to tell?—"

"Well, well. The rogue survived the tracking challenge. Shocking, considering you spend most of your time on the hunt."

Ryan Williams appears beside us, his lip curled in disdain. Behind him, two other competitors hover, both looking sullen. They must be the ones who didn't make the cut.

Ryan's the second son of alpha Williams from the northern territories, born with a silver spoon and a chip on his shoulder. Everything about him screams entitled, from his perfectly styled hair to his designer boots that have somehow avoided getting muddy.

"And look who else made it through," Ryan continues, his gaze sliding to me with a mixture of appreciation and contempt that makes my skin crawl. "Nice job, sweetheart. Must be nice having some special... assistance."

Wyatt tenses beside me, his jaw clenching. I can feel his wolf rising, pressing against the surface of his skin.

"Back off, Williams." I warn, stepping slightly between them. “Callum told you to move on already.”

Ryan smirks, folding his arms across his chest. "Just making friendly conversation. Or is that not allowed? The rogue has a monopoly on talking to the ladies now?"

"The ladies can choose who they want to talk to." I snap. "And right now, it's not you."

Something ugly flashes across Ryan's face. "You know, a lot of us are concerned about having a feral wolf wandering around the compound." He turns to address the growing crowd. "Trouble just follows some people."

I gape at him, unable to believe what I'm hearing.

"That's ridiculous." I protest. "Wyatt’s going to win. He doesn’t need to cause trouble."

Ryan raises an eyebrow at my bold declaration.

"And you feel safe with him here? Because most of the women I know are nervous. Rogues can’t control themselves. What if he gets the urge to take what he wants?”

His words are calculated to provoke, to push Wyatt into proving exactly what Ryan's claiming, that rogues are dangerous and unpredictable.

Wyatt remains eerily still, but I can feel the rage building in him. His control is impressive, but it won't hold if Ryan keeps pushing.

Oblivious, Ryan continues, playing to his audience, wolves slowly gathering as the young man holds court. "Who knows what he's capable of? Or what he's already done?"

Murmurs and whispers ripple through the surrounding crowd.

"That's enough," a female voice cuts through the tension like a knife. The she-wolf from earlier steps forward, her expression stern as she surveys the scene. "Ryan, unless you have actual evidence to support these accusations, I suggest you keep them to yourself."

She scolds him like he’s a bold school child, and Ryan's face reddens. "I'm just saying what everyone's thinking, Lynn."

His hard stare shows off his hatred of Wyatt. I’m floored by the unprovoked character assassination, but then I see Brad watching from the side, looking pleased with himself, and I know these are probably rumours he’s started.

"No, you're saying what you're thinking." Lynn corrects sharply. "And what you're thinking is dangerously close to slander. If you have a genuine complaint, take it to Dean. Otherwise, move along."

Lynn's gaze sweeps over the onlookers, her stance firm and authoritative, despite her smaller stature. As pack manager, she has Dean's full authority, and everyone knows it.

When she returns her attention to Ryan, eyebrow raised, for a moment, I think Ryan might argue further, but Lynn's unwavering stare seems to drain some of his bravado. As does Callum’s presence, looming near the edge of the crowd.

With a final scowl at Wyatt, he turns and stalks away, his cronies trailing after him.

Lynn watches them go before turning to us. "You two alright?"

I nod, but Wyatt remains silent, his eyes tracking Ryan's retreat with a predator's focus.

"Maybe find somewhere quieter to catch your breath before the next challenge." Lynn suggests, her tone gentler now. "Some people are looking for any reason to stir up trouble."

As she walks away, I glance up at Wyatt, seeing the tension etched in every line of his body. He's rigid with the effort of containing his anger, his hands clenched into fists at his sides. He looks like he’s about to explode.

"He's not worth it," I whisper. "He's just trying to get a reaction."

Wyatt finally looks at me, his eyes gradually softening. "I know." He exhales slowly and drags a hand down his face. "But every day, it's something new. And with you here, it’s getting harder to ignore."

I know exactly what he means. The connection between us makes everything more intense. His wolf is already protective of others by nature, but add a new mate bond to the mix, and the urge to defend and claim becomes nearly overwhelming.

The raw honesty in his voice tugs at something deep inside me. Here I was, about to dump all my problems on him, when he's already fighting an uphill battle just to be treated with basic respect.

"What were you going to tell me?" he asks suddenly, his dark eyes searching mine, all of his focus returning to me.

I hesitate, the moment stretching between us. Every instinct tells me to trust him, to let him in, to share the burden I'm carrying. But as I look at him, this strong, good man who's already dealing with so much, I can't bring myself to add my troubles to his.

"Nothing important." I lie, forcing a smile. "Just wanted to thank you for the advice about the scent trail. You were right about the gaps."

He studies me for a long moment, and I know he doesn't believe me. But he doesn't push.

"Anytime," he says finally. "That's what challenge buddies are for, right?"

His attempt at lightness doesn't quite mask the hurt in his eyes. He wanted me to confide in him.

"Right." I agree, my voice unnaturally bright. "Challenge buddies stick together."

As we walk together toward the next station, keeping a careful distance between us, my mind races with impossible choices. Tell Wyatt everything and risk him flying off the handle, potentially costing him his chance at the Games? Or keep silent and deal with Brad alone?

Either way, someone I care about will get hurt.