As tron stormed tway, I exhaled slowly, trying in calm my

wing heart.

As we crossed toward the elevators, I spotted Alpha Xavier lounging in noe of the plot armchairs, scrolling thigh his phone.

when he nced up and now us, a saddle spread across his face. He stood, pocketing his

“Congrattions on making it to the finals, Alpha Xavier‘ I offered, trying to sound sincere despite my frustration.

Xavier shrugged. “Just lucky, I guess. The spy in my game tuned out in he a fan.

“Linck is part of strength,” I replied.

His expression turned more serious as he looked at my bandaged arms. I heard about what happened. Thats some seriously messed up shit

turned to Adrian. For what it’s worth, I think the Elders will make this right. I look forward to facing you in the next round.

“Count on it.

As Xavier walked away, I couldn’t help wondering if we’d found ban /bally or just anotherpetitor ying a more subtle game.

Once inside our room, Adrian carefully locked the door behind us before turning to bme /bwith concern etched across his features.

“Let me see those bandages,” he said softly.

sat on the edge of the bed as he knelt before me, gently unwrapping the gauze from my arms. His touch was feather–light, but I still winced when the air Hot boy raw skin.

“They restarting to heal,” he murmured, examining the bams. “The redness is failing a little.”

As he applied fresh ointment and rewrapped my arms with bclean /bbandages, bhis /bjaw tightened,

“I’m sorry. Skye. I should have protected you better. I never should have let you enter that damn oven.”

This isn’t your fault.” I insisted “We couldn’t have bknown/b.

1, but you’re the

one who got hurt.” His hands stilled on my bandages. “bWhoever /b

“Maya warned you that someone wanted to eliminate me in the second trial, but is behind this, bI /bswear I find out.”

I frowned, thinking about bMaya’s /bcryptic warning.

“Do you think Maya was lying? Maybe she bwas /btrying to mislead bus /bfrom the start?”

I couldn’t imagine what bshe /bwould gain from bsuch /bdeception, but nothing about bthis /bsituation made sense.

“But whos palling the strings here?”

Adrian finished securing my bandage, then stood, pulling bme /bgently to my feet. “Don’t overthink it tonight. What you need now in rest.

In one smooth motion, he lifted me into his arms, cradling me against his chest.

b“/bbAnd /bba /bbproper /bshower,” he added with ba /bbsmall /bsmile. Let me take care of byou /btonight.”

bMy /bwolf purred with contentment as I rxed against him, allowing

gmyself this moment of vulnerability.

b1/3 /b

The thrill ring of my phone johol me awake the next morning.

“I bfumbled /bfor the device on the nightstand, wincing when I identally stretch

The disy showed an unfamiliar number.

my inbred sim

Hoping It might be news from the Council about their investigation, I quickly answered.

“Hello?”

You wanted a statement. I’ve written . Leon’s deep voice sent an unwee shock through my system. My wilf instantly stirred, alext and agitated,

I sat bolt upright, forgetting my inimy, “111e get it right away

Pain shot through my arm, and I hissed involuntarily.

Don’t bother. I’m already downstairs in front of your bestel.”

I moved to the window and pulled the curtainside, sleek ck Porsche was parked directly below, and there was Leon, leaning against it with his phone pressed to his eat.

Even from this distance, his presencemanded attention. A group of young women passing by turned their bheads /bto stare at him, giggling among themselves

If I didn’t know what a jerk he could be, I might have found myself staring too.

“wait there. I’ll be down in a minute,” I said, ending the bcall/b.

t

Adrian wasn’t in the room–he always woke earlier than me, I carefully changed into a bloose /bt–shirt, trying not to disturb my bandages, and made my way downstairs.

Leon straightened as I approachedb, /bhis eyes immediately going to my bandaged arms. He blooked /binfuriatingly good in dark jeans that emphasized his broad shoulders.

“Alpha Lean,” 1 greeted formally, keeping my bdistance/b.

“Here. He handed me a sealed envelope.

I took it, surprised at how quickly he’d prepared it. “Thank byou/b.”

and a fitted gray henley

I lips curved into a smirk. “Don’t thank me. I’m not doing this to help you. I just want your boyfriend to lose hair band /bsquare, His voice hardened. “Someone like bhim /bshouldn’t have been allowed topete in the first ce.”

My gratitude evaporated instantly.

Leon’s gaze lingered on my injured arms, his brow furrowingfnf763 Newest update provided by findnovel/fnf763

Why aren’t those healing properly? You’ve shifted now, haven’t you? Your self–healing abilities should be strongerb./b”

“They’re getting better,” I replied stiffly. “Don’t worry, I won’t affect your chances in the election.”

I knew that even though Leon had never marked me, our mate bbond /bstill existed on some level. My injuries could potentially affect him, however slightly, and that knowledge made me ufortable.

b“/bbSkye/b.”

Adrian’s voice came from behind me. I turned to see his approaching. Without hesitation, he remused his jacket and draped it over my shoulders.

“You’re wearing too little, you ll catch a cold,” he murmured, his hand lingering prodectively at my

I handed him the envelope. “Alpha Leon heought his statement.

Adrian regarded Leen coolly. Thank you?

“Dont you have a pinpei doctor looking after her? Leon asked, his tone usatory. “If not, I could take her back in my noite. My pack physitien should examine those lepas.”

Adn’s arms slid around my waist, drawing me closer to his side.

That won’t be necessary.

Leen nced

ced up at the hotel behind me, his expression openly disdainful.

“You’re staying here? This dump? His gaze swept over the cacked signs and faded walls. “If you can’t afford the election, don’t show up at all.”

He stepped closer. “Come on. I’m btaking /byou somewhere better.”

I stiffened. “It’s quiet here. We’re fine.”

Adrian moved between us in a bsh/b. “I appreciate your statement. But take one more step, and I won’t stay polite.”

The air shifted–thick with challenge. Leon’s bjaw /bclenched, his eyes narrowing.

“Are you threatening me?” he asked, voice low.

“I’m promising.” Adrian replied,

They stood just feet apart, tension crackling like lightning. My wolf tensed, ready for the sh.

1 stepped between them, forcing a smile. “This hotel has amazing coffee. The owner grinds it herself every morning. Leon, you want to try some?”

Leon blooked /bat me like I’d lust my mind.

“I didn’te here for coffee.”

??

“No, but maybe you should sit down before you bsay /bsomething you’ll regret,” I said softly.

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