Page 68 of Wild Games

“This is bad.” I examine the wounds more closely. “Why did you leave them on?”

After I left him.

He doesn’t answer.

I clean the wounds carefully, using saline to flush away any dried blood and debris. The silver salve comes next, spreading cool against the burns. It will neutralize the poison, letting his healing finally begin.

“You lost it.” My voice is gentle, not accusing. “Even with Zane here.”

“He was bothering you. He touched you.” Simple. Like that explains everything.

And maybe it does.

“Raven’s being an ass, and I know he was provoking you.” I raise my eyes to his as I wrap bandages around his wrists. “But you can’t give him the satisfaction of reacting like that. Not when they’re already watching you.”

His hand comes up to cup my face. “He had no right. He was acting like you were still his, even though I could see his mark.”

I wince. That’s exactly what he was doing.

“He’s just annoyed that I’ve moved on. We’ve been friends for so long. I think he assumed I’d always be single and… there for him. He never expected me to find my mate.” I lean into Jax’s touch, making sure he knows I’m his.

Tomorrow, under the full strength of the moon, tempers will be short, hormones high, and Jax and Raven will be almost guaranteed to tangle again when their wolves have the reins.

I grip his hands tighter. “You need to show everyone you can control yourself.”

Jax looks at me like I’m crazy. He had no intention of running.

“You can do it.” I press my forehead to his. “Then Zane can argue that you’re fine.”

I kiss him softly, once, twice, pulling him closer, begging him to try.

“Just twenty-four hours,” I say. “On your best behavior.”

30

JAX

The full moon hangs low over the trees. I can feel its pull making my skin too tight and drawing my wolf too close to the surface.

Tonight’s run is mandatory. Every pack member and every wolf on our land here to see the Games is expected to attend.

There’s going to be a lot of wolves, a lot of powerful shifters, hyped up and ready for some fun. My wolf relishes the thought of it, itching for a physical release for all his pent-up frustration, but I know that attending is likely to be a very, very bad idea.

With my unmarked mate wandering around, being admired by all these males, including her ex, who clearly has some regret, we’re almost guaranteed to get into trouble.

I’ve been training in the gym since sunset, trying to burn off the energy that’s buzzing through my veins, to tire him out as much as I can before the run. If I attend the run, and if I can sit through the final of the Games without incident, then maybe Zane will leave me alone.

Those are some big ifs.

I find myself outside Camille’s cabin without consciously deciding to come here. The small wooden structure sits at theedge of the pack compound, windows dark. Despite knowing she’s not home, I climb the stairs, cross the porch, and linger at her door, my wolf reluctant to leave.

Resting my fingers on the brass doorknob, I hesitate, then, already knowing I shouldn’t, I grip the handle and twist it.

The door swings open.

Pack members rarely need to lock their doors, but I’m still not happy considering what she’s just been through.

Anyone could wander in just as I have.