Page 5 of Wild Games

Callum’s shoulders tense slightly. He knows I’m here.

He just has no idea why.

“I’m sure you’ll meet him at some point…” he says, turning to leave, eyes narrowed as he stares at me through the gloom. He can’t see me, but he knows where I am, and he’s warning me not to go near her because he can sense my agitation. No doubt, he heard about my earlier altercation and thinks this is just a continuation of my foul mood.

As he walks past my position, I catch the slight acceleration in his heartbeat and the frown on his face. He’s concerned. And he’s right to be. And so should she.

Because my wolf has already decided this newcomer is ours.

“Don’t even think about it, Jax. Just stay away,” he warns, speaking into the open, knowing I’m listening.

Ishouldleave. Return to my basement prison beforeshenotices me.

Instead, I sink deeper into the shadows to wait. To watch. To torture myself with proximity to something I can never have.

My wolf settles slightly now that we can see her moving about inside, turning on lights, moving from room to room, as she checks out her home for the duration of her stay, but I feel his need for her, his obsession already taking hold.

He’s found what he was looking for today, but the hunt is far from over. This is just the beginning.

What happens when he decides watching isn’t enough?

3

CAMILLE

Once alone, I unpack my gear and try to relax after the long drive, flicking through the papers I’ve spread out on the desk from my previous investigations.

The folder Callum left contains detailed accounts of the incidents, times, locations, and who might have benefited. I study them carefully, looking for patterns, because there have to be some. A common thread that links the suspected magical interference.

This isn’t random experimentation; someone has a specific agenda. Someone with enough money and incentive to buy a stolen magical power.

But the longer I stare at the pages, concentrating becomes increasingly difficult.

Heat blooms across my skin despite the cool evening air that’s billowing in through the open window, making the curtains sway in the breeze. I tug at my collar, wondering if I’m coming down with something. Or maybe it’s simply that my nervous system is overwhelmed. There are a lot of dominant shifters here, which is not normally a problem for me in small groups, but every powerful wolf for hundreds of miles is here.

It’s invigorating and exhausting, all at once.

Giving up on the papers, I change into fresh clothes, lighter ones, but the cloying heat spreads. My breasts feel heavy, nipples tingling and sensitive against the soft fabric of my shirt.

What the hell is wrong with me?

I check the small wooden box carved with protection runes, needing the familiar ritual to ground myself. Gifted by the witches to help protect me from the effects of the artifact, it seems prudent to make use of it now. Taking out the opal necklace, I set it on the table, marvelling at the colours dancing within the pale stone.

As I examine myself in the mirror, my fingertips dance over the gold moon charm resting against my skin, glinting in the fading light.

It was supposed to represent a promise, that Raven and I would be together as soon as I got my wolf, and that we’d complete the academy together, living and working, side by side, before returning home to run his pack when his father retired.

We were so certain. Or at least,Ithought we were.

Turns out I was wrong.

Carefully removing the jewellery, I consider putting the necklace inside the box and leaving it there. Instead, I pocket it, proud of myself for this small baby step. I’ve never gone a day without wearing it. Surely, this counts as progress?

When I touch my bare neck, feeling naked without the necklace, I suspect the answer is no.

Frustrated with myself for still being so affected all these years later, I step away from the mirror with a sigh and wipe my hand across my clammy brow. The cabin suddenly feels stifling. I need air.

As twilight deepens, I escape onto the porch, hoping the evening breeze will cool my overheated skin. Leaning against therailing, I extend my perfectly honed senses, trying to understand what’s affecting me so strongly.