CALIFF “Are you sure she’s ready for this?” Kindra asked. “It wouldn’t be fair for everyone if she will be given a long time to prepare,” Duke answered his mate, sitting next to him. The pack started filling the bench before the football field, where the challenge would begin in a few minutes. Was I worried that she wouldn’t win the challenge? No. I would be more worried for her opponent that Lyon would pick a name that Shadow was challenging. I had confidence in her, and so did the enforcer. “This is gonna be fun.” “I’m worried, Cal. She’s been a rogue for a long time, and two days training with Zack is nothing compared to our enforcers who have trained since they were pups.” “We’ll see.” “What if she won't win?” I looked at Kindra as she began tapping her knees. “She will be omega like everyone else.” “And that is okay with you?” Duke asked. “Yeah. Fair is fair.” “I thought you two have a thing. I heard you went to the city to buy her clothes.” “Because she doesn’t have

CALIFF I watched Shadow writhe in bed. She was probably dreaming about intense sex. She grasped the bed sheet, gripping it tight as she bucked her hips, and her head threw against the pillow, exposing her neck. As her chest rose and fell, her lip caught between her teeth, and then she moaned. Her thighs pressed together and spread them apart, seeking friction. A low growl erupted from my chest, thinking she was dreaming of sex with another man. However, I could have made her dream come true if I hadn’t controlled my wolf. I groaned as the scent of her arousal grew strong enough to make my dick harden in my jeans, but my mind warned me to proceed with caution. My pulse raced as my body responded to her motion. And no woman had ever affected me this way, even women who flirted and seduced me to get to bed with them. What I had with Everlee was nothing but sex, but something with Shadow that made me crave her, even if I hadn’t tasted her. And her smell was so addicting and alluring,

SHADOW No one should have experienced what kind of hell I’d been through at a young age. I lost everyone I loved that night, the only family I considered in that attack, and I hadn’t succeeded in killing the one responsible for that bloody slaughter. And now I just lost my identity— I didn’t know myself. I didn't know who I was anymore. I missed my old life. I missed Kent and hadn’t spoken with him unless my prohibition was lifted. “I’m not. It’s the truth. Every pack needs connections because we’re not in a very peaceful world. The attack from envious packs is imminent, and it’s good to have friends and good relationships with other packs is a great help. Alpha Califf needs everyone’s loyalty.” “Are we talking from experience?” “Before my parents died in that horrible attack, we lived in peace and harmony. We’re not as big as this pack, but everyone is happy with working with humans. The Alpha was married to not of our kind. She left where she came from and gave up everything to

CALIFF And there is more— probably a hundred more. This time, I rolled my eyes, which I didn't do it. “Of course. It wouldn’t be you if you didn’t come prepared.” A small smile appeared on her lips as if she was winning her arguments. “I want that bitch out of my sight, away from you, and if I smell your scent on her, I will rip her throat out of her pretty neck.” I couldn’t help but grin. “Your wolf, or you are the one talking.” “Both. I know she’s a daughter of your ally, but she should know her place. If she keeps coming to you because you are fucking her, I suggest you decide whether to keep me or her.” “Shadow.” I let out a warning growl. “Don’t make me choose because there’s nothing to choose from.” “Well, that’s the nicest thing I heard from you since you kidnapped me,” she proudly said, crossing her arms over her chest. “And we fucked. That was weeks ago. I already ended it up since I found you.” She gulped down. Her eyes met mine. “You knew. Well, sorry to be a disap

CALIFF “How did you know?” Zack asked as everyone tried to search for any animals or humans. “I heard more than one heartbeat in distress.” Shadow had still her eyes closed as she tried to concentrate. She had a good hearing. Even for an Alpha like me, she excelled more than me. My heart filled with pride. “We were attacked…” What were the last words of the wounded werewolf before he passed out? He was around my age, but I didn’t recognize him even from our allies and the one who was severely hurt on his back. I smelled fear and distress, but nothing feral. He could be telling the truth, but he could be trained to lie and deceive us all. “Proceed with caution,” I told them. “Preston, Sam, take the truck, load the wounded, and bring them to the infirmary. If they try to attack you, don’t hesitate.” “Noted, Alpha. I want nothing but to end their lives quickly.” Sam began carrying the man on his shoulder like a sack of potatoes. Preston took the other one, a little leaner than the