pte

sports uniforms, were spread out across the co

's high stone walls. Runes shimmered faintly across the grou

tournam

in low tones, others cheered or waved at their favorite wolves, giggling whenever one of

g, their claws flashing and eyes glowing. Mid-air, they shif

d never transformed before. Not once.

rd the stone benches. The crowd erupted as the boys roar

announced, as the cheers,

ed into the arena, circling each other before launching

, Sa

oulder. She turned to s

retending not to notice the weigh

ng at one of the fighters before givi

eyes still on the arena. Talia shrug

ned just in time to catch Damon watching her. His gaze l

e his words from yesterday. And just l

he can't find out who I rea

er in her head before turni

umped, and she quickly looked back at the ar

" she sai

d, eyes still lo

feel the

m pause. He turned t

ates," he said flat

, like the very

flickering across her face as a thin

d more on that kind of stuff there," he said dism

swer didn't

him gently. "Before I go di

early annoyed by the distract

cky enough to be mated to a high-ranking wolf, like an Alpha or a B

eacher blew the wh

ting in small groups. Derek and Talia walked over to a sh

he continued, brushing sweat off his brow. "But that kind of thing

nd turned to

e you're in love with?" he teased, til

easily, turning her face away so Derek

locked with Damon's.

him, holding out a pink water bottle. Damon broke the stare, took the bottle,

asked, eyes still

, following her gaze. "Daughter of A

casually, "She's bet

en she averted her gaze to Selene as the girl walked bac

again. The boys

pe I get chosen this round." He casual

asked, glanc

ed by another fighter. And Maste

Sure enough, the teac

with broad shoulders and an arrogant smirk stepped forward. C

Then his eyes locked

l," Derek said with a

pulling off his shirt as

Derek was down and defeated. He limped back to wher

" she said gently. "Y

d on his shoulder. He wince

of facial hair stepped into the arena. The cr

alia asked, e

k said, clapping. "He'

but suddenly, everything wen

scanning the circle... then s

a fr

s shirt and toss

ck

ck

nd louder, their voices cra

picked up the shirt. The moment her fing

ening, boys shoved her forward into the rin

e sky and pounded his chest with h

, waiting. Talia just stared, frozen, un

to fight him!" Derek's vo

er head. "N

ashed into her stomach. Air vanished from her lungs as

rowd

arms in triumph as

d, blood spattering the dust, every p

fight" Titi panicked and

ig

ig

t rose again, lo

. Her body screamed in pain, but she forced herself up, staggering to

ak into the air, making th

eek. She hit the ground with her face, and chee

was on her and grabbed her

smeared the corner of her mouth

ough the air like a blade. S

mon stood, his eyes

you gonna do about it, Damon?

to the arena, fists clenched, jaw rigid. His silv

someone you

e a rag doll. She hit the ground hard, dust rising

t didn't move first. He wai

, Damon sprang. One swift, powerful blo

ac

and unmoving. The crowd erupted in wild c

ifted her into his arms in bridal style. Wit

ament ended. Confusion an

the n

ust hap

he c

e, lips curled in a frown as she w

.

THAT

ed part of her forehead, another sat at the corner of her lip. Sh

n his bed, reading

red cup and a small packet beside

anced

," he said, eyes still on

"Thanks," she

cting like an omega." He flipped

e prey, you'

on him, but he

hy did yo

Hart"