Chapter 119
“Pentry words frem a man was 11 të riiminated before the third trial, Teon unneled. Liboy playing Alpha alle you can:
“That’s enough,” I intrinsted, heat Bonding my cheeks at what hord heen shout to revad. “This for the place
Lenin’s jaw Hightened, a muscle iwitching beneath his skin. Ter a moment, I thought he might actually attack Adrian, roméespences be damnes merely surped back, composing himself with visible effort.
“Enjoy your temperary anangement,” he said gebly. “When the election, when mor mate band is officially all you want.”
an play house with your desert deg
“Big talk from someone who stole eins from unconscious competitors, Ryder interjected, unable to contain himself any longer.
Leon’s attention snapped to Ryder, his expression darkening. “The catelul, pup. The adults are talking “
Adrian shifted slightly, positioning himself between Leon and Ryder. We’re done here,” he said firmly, effectively ending the confrontation.
As the tension began to dissipate, Elban pilled me aside, his voice lowering. “I called Mom and Dad,” he admitted. “Told them I saw you. He hesitated, uncertainty crossing his features. “They’d love to hear from you this week. Even just a short call
The thought of speaking to my parents after four years sent a mixture of lunging and anxiety through me. “Okay,” I agreed softly “Ell call them”
Fatigue suddenly washed over me, the day’s events catching up all at once. “I need to get back to the hotel, I murmured to Adrian. Tim exhunted”
He nodded, understanding without words as he guided me toward the exit.
As we stepped outside, a somber procession moved slowly down the street–werewolves dressed in formal black, carrying two wooden coffins draped with pack colors. The sight of the funeral procession for the Alphas who had died during the trial hit me with unexpected force.
I gripped Adrian’s hand tightly. “This isn’t a game,” I whispered, the reality of the election’s stakes suddenly crystal clear. “People are actually dying for this
Adrians fingers intertwined with mine, his expression grave. “No, it’s not a game. It never was.”
Back at our hotel, Adrian and I stood awkwardly outside my door. The no–contact agreement with Leon hung between us like an invisible barrier.
“Thank you for saving me today,” I said softly. That was incredibly foolish of me, diving in without equipment.”
‘It was,” Adrian agreed. “But I understand why you
u did it
As he shifted his weight, I noticed him wince again, his hand instinctively moving to his ribcage. “You’re hurt,” I said, concern sharpening my voice. “Let me
Before he could protest, I ushered him into my room and gently tugged his shirt upward. I gasped at the sight of his chest–a massive bruisespread across his left side, the skin mottled purple and black.
“It’s nothing.” he said dismissively. Just a few broken ribs. They’ll heal by morning”
“This isn’t nothing, Adrian! I exclaimed, my fingers hovering over the injury. “Was it the Direwolf? Or did someone do this to you?”
He hesitated. “It doesn’t matter.”
“It was Leon, wasn’t it?” When he didn’t answer, I knew I was right.”
*I’ll get Lydia’s healing salve, Wait here.”
I returned moments later with the medicinal cream. As I gently applied it to his injuries, our eyes met, and the intensity in his gaze made my breath catch.
172
Chapter 1:19
Enribing that ticklen seith. When
| you is the water without equipment; my Clari
The raw vulnerability to hit expression made my throat Highten: “I thought Fif left you,” “I admired. “I couldn’t hot wait on thate, haping
Promise ine, he insisted.
“1 Prombe,” I whispered.
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