nd up on the combat m

t expect to walk

, Beta Kade, must've sensed the thick tension in the air and decided to feed it. "

mach d

eyes scanned the lineup until they landed on me. Then they slid over to

how that bond plays out under pressure," Kad

onto the mat like a panther, all slow grace and simmering danger. His jaw ticked and his eyes were unreadable. But I caug

same girl h

p inside that arrogant che

're ready for this, little reject?" he said, voice

d not kindly either. Just en

blew the

ng to hurt me. A jab, a twist, and a sweep of his

toward his ribs; he blocked,

training,"

born strong," I sna

and he came again,

us until the air felt electric. My body ached, muscles screaming, but I held my ground. Th

rom my lungs but I didn't stay down. I lau

, muscles tensing like he hadn't expected me

for a heartbeat. H

e flecks of storm gray in his silver eyes and the w

anym

posed to touch

wing yourself a

as aiming to b

enemy and the drug he couldn't stop tasting-set s

-for just a second

hing hard, fire rushing th

tension. "Enough!" he barked. "You

as he stepped off the

his time and not even with anger but w

les bruised, ribs sore, and mind reeling. The stars stretc

I wa

nder mine. The look in his eyes. The way we moved-like

o couldn't deny it; something between us had crack

he night air cool my flushe

from outside b

curling into my

snappe

mine and not my wolf'

ak

. The air thickened. My pulse quickened. Something deep in