My parents aren’t in the crowd tonight, but I still spy a familiar face. Ylfa’s mom watches amongst the throngs, her eyes on Ylfa, and I’m surprised. Ever since Ylfa’s place improved in the pack, the woman has gained a lot of respect. For years, she was ostracized for giving birth to a defective daughter, but now she receives praise.
I ball my fists. If she thinks she can get back into Ylfa’s good graces just like that, then she’s sorely mistaken.
At least my own parents haven’t come groveling. My status has improved too, yet they still don’t bother to spare me a visit.
The alpha calls up another, and now I watch the quiet, redheaded female Tiffany Blackwood as she takes her place beside Declan.
No one cheers. All is silent as the wild redhead rakes her gaze over the crowd, and a chill goes up my spine.
That Tiff is terrifying, but I have a lot of respect for her. She allowed Ylfa to win because she didn’t want to spill her blood.
She may be crazy, but she seems reasonable, and I’m glad we have someone like that on our team.
Even Ylfa looks happy to have her as she smiles, and my heart melts at the sight of her.
So regal.
The next contender is called up.
“Hunter Brown.”
I roll my eyes good-naturedly, clapping along with the crowd as the male takes his place on stage. The females go wild since he’s so popular, and I don’t fail to see the happy gleam in Ylfa’s eyes as she gets to fight alongside one of her mates.
A ripple of jealousy shoots through my veins, and Lucky whines. We like and accept Hunter as Ylfa’s second mate, but we can’t help but want to be beside her too. It’s intrinsic.
Wherever Ylfa goes, we go...
Alpha Graeme grinds his teeth at the smug male, but Elder Floyd looks proud of his grandson. Councilman Reginald sneers at the alpha.
The councilman doesn’t talk to his son much, but he’s been rubbing Hunter’s recent success in the alpha’s face lately.
Hunter will be fighting alongside Brent this time, yet the two males still can’t help but pit their sons against each together.
It’s pathetic.
Councilman Reg has been after the alpha’s seat for years, which is why the two despise each other. But they still keep up the peace for the sake of our pack. Mostly. It’s all so petty.
Looking as if he has a thorn up his ass, the alpha turns back to the bowl, ripping out another name.
The crowd draws a collective breath. Just one more name to be called up now. My heart’s in my mouth.
Please, please, please...
“Patrick Green.”
The sky swirls up before me.
Shit. Just my luck.
Despite my name—and mywolf’sname—I do not have the luck of the Irish on my side today.
I am going to compete in this year’s games.
I’m dead.