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He goes still at that information but finally gives me a nod. Good. He’s strong.

Ze’ev might live under a rock, but even he knows about Arwan. For some reason, that doesn’t surprise me.

I sigh and lie back on the furs as a familiar ache settles low in my stomach. The furs are in a neat circle around me. I don’t remember organizing them that way, but for some reason I feel better inside of them.

And, like a crazy person, I want Ze’ev to join me.

It’s almost night, which is when my pseudo-heat seems to hit. Whether or not Godric accepts me as a potential mate, I’m still linked to him. In fact, every time he “helps” me with the side effects, they only seem to grow worse the following evening.

Not that I’ve informed him of that. Even if I won’t fully admit it, I don’t want him to stop.

But Ze’ev is here now.

And he’s a potential mate. A very… very good looking one.

“You really should leave,” I tell Ze’ev, because now I’m starting to have inappropriate thoughts about the attractive hunter. “After the infusion, I’m still dealing with side effects.”

He smirks as if he knows exactly what I mean by that. Is it anything I can help with? his note reads.

I can almost hear the smugness in the words.

“Godric is usually back by now to deal with that,” I tell him. Ze’ev probably shouldn’t be here when the Alpha returns.

But now I’m not so sure I want the Outcast to leave.

Ze’ev hands me another note, then strokes my arm as I read it.

He won’t be returning for at least an hour.

I give him a raised brow. “How do you know that?”

I saw a rival pack sending their Alpha for a challenge tonight. It’s why I was already so close to the wall. I was making sure you were safe.

My vision sprinkles with stars. “A challenge?” I say as I scan that word on the page. “What does that entail?”

I would imagine a challenge between pack Alphas isn’t anything good.

And it would explain why Godric hasn’t come to find me yet.

Concern wraps a knot in my stomach to join the other pressing sensations.

Ze’ev’s fingers continue to stroke up and down my arm.

While I’m still mad at him, my body demands a release. One that it seems to recognize Ze’ev can help with.

I squeeze my eyes shut.

I’m having a hard time hiding the side effects that I now suspect might be getting worse because I keep interacting with my potential mates.

This is probably how it’s supposed to work. Tensions should grow between candidate and sponsor until the games begin.

Compatibility might even be tested beforehand.

Which means sex, doesn’t it?

Am I supposed to be sleeping with my sponsors to see if we’re a good fit?

Godric won’t sleep with me.