“Of course. I examined the wolf in question. He is healing, but the wounds are clearly supporting Beta Armeria’s version of the event. The claw marks start at the base of his neck, like they would if the target was the throat rather than the shoulder. The shoulder has ligament tears which indicates a dislocation and the bone has been put under enough force to splinter it. If this was instinct driven, the wolf causing the damages has little to no control of his inner wolf and has no place taking part in the game,” the healer told the council.
“Alpha Finlay, what is your demand of the Ocean shore pack if we find this was a planned attack?” the head of the council asked.
“I would ask that the council recognise this as evidence of how dishonest the Ocean river pack is. and by recognising this, youwould revert the former decision regarding a forced reunion of our packs. I would also like to see some punishment beyond the fifty per cent point reduction. Due to their pack members actions, one of our participants may not be able to participate in the rest of the games. This puts us at a disadvantage,” Finlay said.
“We will consider all of this and make a decision.” We were let out of the council chamber. This time, both Finlay and I had a hard time sitting still. Instead we took to wandering around the waiting area. Alpha Ryder and his Beta stood looking at each other, probably mindlinking. It didn’t take the council more than half an hour to call us back inside.
“Thank you for your patience. The council have decided Beta Karo did attack the wolf Ramses with intent to cause harm,” the head of the council stated. I was relieved. At least they didn’t dismiss it. “There is no evidence that this was a premeditated strategy that involved more members of the pack than Beta Karo. We therefore can’t accept the first suggestion from Alpha Finlay. Our former decision stands.”
‘It was worth a try,’ I mindlinked Finlay.
‘I was hoping they would go for it,’ he replied.
“We do think there should be additional punishments for the pack. If a Beta has so little control that they attack another pack’s members in the game, it needs to be made an example of. Beta Karos is banned from the game, from today and for the rest of his life. He may not be a participant and he may not be a support staff. We are also placing the Ocean shore pack on notice. One more morally dubious decision or action and the pack will be disqualified from this year’s game. This is the council’s decision.” We bowed and left the chamber.
‘It went better than I feared,’ I told Finlay.
‘It did. Being on notice will make my brother think twice. I think it was the best outcome we could hope for,’ he agreed.
‘I have to report back to dad when we get back home. Or else he will call me and use my name and I will feel like I’m five and got caught stealing cookies,’ I told him. Finlay chuckled. ‘And I’m going to ask Elder to set up a meeting with James on our next day off,’ I added. Finlay’s chuckle died.
‘Are you sure I shouldn’t join you?’
‘I’m sure. I’m thinking we should use a place in the communal area. Safe and private. I want this over with so when the games are over, I can end this with as little drama as possible.’ There was a pause as we continued walking to the cabin.
‘It feels like you had more to say,’ Finlay said. I sighed.
‘Yesterday, seeing my mom with dad and Elder with Becky, I felt jealous they had the person they love with them, as I was there alone despite you being just downstairs. I hate the feeling of having to hide. At the same time my core rejects the idea of being open about my feelings to you while being mated to someone else. I’m just tired of being confused,’ I admitted.
‘Amie,’ the mindlink from him was soft, like a caress. ‘I don’t like it either. I want to be able to growl at everyone that looks at you the wrong way, I want to be able to bring you to family dinner without having to explain why. And we will have it. But you are right. We can’t have it as long as one of us is bonded to someone else. Our time will come. And once it does, I will never let you go. You will be sick and tired of me, because I will follow you wherever you go,’ he promised me. I stopped walking and smiled at him.
‘I will remind you of that promise,’ I told him.
Chapter 52
Finlay
“Iam going.” Ramses stood fully dressed, ready to walk to the stadium with us for the seventh game.
“Ramses,” I said.
“No. I’m fine. My shoulder doesn't hurt, I’m a little stiff, but it won’t stop me. It’s better that we use me at eighty percent than we are a wolf short,” he insisted. I was about to order him back to bed when Amie put her hand on my arm and stepped in between us.
“Ramses, we are just worried about the long recovery. You are needed here. Your contribution to the games has been undeniable. Just remember that in ten days we will be going home. We need you just as much back home, if not more. Should we risk your health for the rest of your life?” Amie asked.
“I promise you, Beta, I can do this. I know my body and it will be able to handle this.” Amie sighed.
“How about you come with us and when we hear what the game is, we decide if you sit it out or not?” she suggested.
“Yes,” he agreed. She looked at me. I nodded. It seemed like a good compromise. If we were lucky it would be a game wherewe would need to use our brains. We all headed towards the stadium and took our seats. My brother’s group was one man short. His Beta was no were to be seen and I relaxed a little.
“It’s time for the next game. It will be played by all packs at once. It’s a scavenger hunt taking place in the arena. Each member of your team will need to bring an object to the guards manning the main gate. If the object matches the secret criteria, the wolf will be free to leave. If an object has been used and accepted, it can’t be used again. You will have two hours to get as many of your pack members out of the stadium as possible. We will not tell you the criteria for the object, you will have to figure that out by using deduction. Good luck. Your time starts now,” the speaker's voice told us. We all jumped up. There were people already heading for the main gate. We all tried to see what they were presenting to the guards.
‘The flag got denied,’ Sam said.
‘As did the apple and the bottle,’ Amie said.
“Oh, she got through,’ Jake excitedly pointed out.
