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But she would have to be ready to leave fast. In the meantime, it doesn t change the fact they he pointed
with a thumb over his shoulder want Missy.
We got your message that you plan on getting hitched. When they overheard the news, the Whistler
pack stopped talking about recovering a missing member, and Doug informed us that you were promised to
him. Keil s done what he could, but they ve issued a challenge for Missy.
Tad wrapped an arm around Missy. Nope. She s my mate, Erik. The real deal. They can t take her
Erik shook his head. That s what I m trying to tell you. They can. They can take her if you re dead.
Well, that would really mess up his day.
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Vivian Arend
Bloodthirsty wolves. Tad cursed.
Erik nodded. Not one of our better personality traits, I ll admit.
Tad took a long breath in and considered. He d just been triggered. Next full moon was in three
weeks. In that amount of time they should be able to help Missy s sister get away and he d be able to
prepare a battle plan. Figure out how to use his new skills as an Omega if he really did have them.
Fine, I accept the challenge. Do they want to fight in Whistler or
Erik s face screwed up into a frown. Tad, they want to fight here. Now.
Shit. Werewolf politics sucked. But I can t shift yet. How the hell is that a fair challenge? He was
supposed to defend himself against a wolf attack tonight?
There are rules about these things set out in the code, of course, but it seems since you ve been
triggered you count as a full wolf. There s nothing in there about having to wait until you actually can
shift. Erik looked extremely uncomfortable. It would be in the interest of fair play to wait, but I think
Doug s comment was something like I want to kill the little bastard as soon as possible. We re not talking
about nice people here, Tad.
Missy crowded into his side. The connection between them flared. Images flashed through his mind
Missy accompanying Doug away, Tad left in safety Tad groaned. While it was neat to know what she
was planning, it was going to make it tough to give her surprise gifts in the future if they couldn t keep any
secrets from each other. He turned her to face him and brushed a soft hand against her cheek, gazing into
her eyes. He lowered his voice to speak quietly to her alone.
Missy, you are not going with them. You think you can deny our mating and go be with Doug now?
I don t think so.
She pressed her hand to his, her fingers cold and shaking. If my sister is safe, I can stand it. I don t
want to lose you. Just get her to safety and I ll eventually get away from Whistler.
Tad hugged her close, his lips brushing her cheek. This time he spoke intimately through their mate
connection trying to pass the emotion he felt along with the words. I can t let you go back. I can t stand
the thought of him touching you. I d sooner die killing him than let you return to a life that s caused you so
much pain.
Missy clung to him for a second then stared up at him with fear in her eyes. It s a challenge. He ll
turn into a wolf and kill you, and it will be all my fault. She covered her face with her hands. I wish I d
never come back.
You don t mean that. Tad held her close to his chest. I love you, and I m so glad you came back
north and found me.
But he s an Alpha wolf and he fights dirty.
Tad kissed her. Here she was in his arms, the most wonderful thing that had ever happened to him,
and a criminal wanted to take her away from him. No bloody way. I ve got a few tricks up my sleeve. I
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Wolf Flight
can fight dirty myself if I have to. As far as I m concerned, he s not entitled to a fair fight after what he s
done to you, your family and your pack.
Erik cleared his throat. If you re ready, everyone is waiting in the back.
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Chapter Ten
Tad had seen pictures of gladiator fight rings before. This set-up was a little more archaic and rustic.
On the right side of Keil and Robyn s backyard, the snow had been packed down into the shape of a small
hockey rink. The cleared area nudged up against the trees that led out into the wilderness. Bright overhead
lights turned the whole area into high noon.
Someone afraid of the dark, Keil? Tad called.
Erik pulled Missy with him toward the house and Tad watched as the light in her eyes dimmed.
Missy. You get that look off your face and trust me. We need to decide where to go for a honeymoon. After
we finish the job at Mount Logan. Liard Hot Springs in April?
Tad, he jumps to the left.
And then silence.
Tad stared up toward the house. Keil?
Keil marched into the lit area and pulled Tad in for a hug. He wore his usual guiding gear of camo
pants and padded vest. There was a tall, lean man by his side dressed in a suit who watched with cold eyes.
Tad. This is Heath, Beta of Whistler. He s here to ensure I explain the challenge and all the terms. Keil
shot an evil look at the intruder. He s also listening to make sure I don t impart any hints on how to win
this thing. I m sorry, but they ve got traditional law on their side. I have total control over my own pack
and territory, but these kind of challenges follow laws that are bigger than me. I suggested they wait until
the next full moon so you d be able to shift as well but the damn code says&
Tad shook his head. It s okay.
Keil made a rude noise. It s not okay. Your sister is going to make my life miserable for not coming
up with a better solution.
Tad looked around but saw nothing beyond the blinding lights. The rest of the yard and the house
were dark shadows in the background. Is Robyn watching?
Yes. Erik will stay with her and Missy until this is over. They re both safe for now. Keil
straightened, looming large and dangerous. He made the Whistler s Beta look weak and pathetic.
Tad felt it again, a transfer of information to him from another wolf. Emotions rolled through his
brain his Alpha s desire to take over, his deep frustration Tad swore softly. It wasn t just Missy he
could read, he knew what Keil wanted as well. Holy shit, he was an Omega. He skimmed through the
Wolf Flight
layers of information quickly until he understood enough to reassure his brother-in-law. It s going to be all
right. You ve done everything possible. I know you d take my place if you could, but that s not allowed.
Keil stepped back a pace. He shook his head at Tad in disbelief. Shit, so you really are an Omega as
well?
Tad nodded. Seems that way. What s the deal?
Doug wants Missy, so he has to fight the actual battle. He s able to shift as often as he wants. He s
Alpha for a strong pack, he ll be a strong wolf. Don t underestimate him. You two are alone in the arena
until one is defeated. Winner gets Missy.
No weapons are allowed, Heath whined. I want to check you.
Keil glared at him. We d better pull Doug s teeth and claws, hadn t we? To make the contest more
even?
Heath shrugged. Tad is welcome to bite and scratch all he wants to win the fight.
Tad stood silently while Heath patted him down. It made Tad s skin crawl. He wished he could fart at
will like TJ, just to wipe the smirk off the asshole s face for a minute. He turned to Keil. She s my mate. I
can win this, I m sure of it.
The tall stranger made a choking sound. You re very confident. Shall we get ready? The challenge is
to the death.
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