I needed to get toLiam.
51
After managingto dislodge Justin’s jaw with my kicks, I crawled away, belly to the ground, limbs trembling like the tiny leaves of Julian Matz’shedges.
Suddenly, my body skidded several feet to theside.
What the fuck?Justin growled, standing at the exact spot I’dbeen.
Using his astonishment to my advantage, I hoisted myself up, my backside ablaze from hisbite.
Ness? Are you okay?Liam’s voice pinged inside myskull.
I nodded, backing away from Justin when he started advancing. Thankfully, he moved slowly as though afraid that if he progressed any faster, I’d slip away from himagain.
A black form materialized between us: Liam.You stay the fuck away from her,Justin.
She attacked me first,Justinsaid.
I did not!I bellowed, the pain in my rumpforgotten.
Cassandra stepped in next to Justin.Seems like our referees can’tagree.
I saw what happened. Justin bit her; Ness did nothing,Liamgrowled.
He wouldn’t have bitten her if she’d done nothin’. Besides, you aren’t a referee, Kolane.Cassandra peered at me behind Liam.Good thing you prepared her so well, ’cause rules are rules.She licked the blood coating her rubberylips.
This fight stays between you and me,Liambarked.
Too late forthat.
Liam’s body seemed to expand like an afternoon shadow, blackening the overwrought air.Ness, can yourun?
Yes,I answered out loud because he had his back tome.
Remember our bearhunt?
My ears peaked. Was Liam about to shift back into skin to distract theCreeks?
I’m going to create adiversion.
The Creek Alpha’s furry brow wrinkled.What are you two cookin’up?
Energy crackled through mybody.
Our audience should be told what’s happening,Liamsaid.
They’ll understand,Morgansaid.
I’d rather explain it. I’ll switch into skin. And since we’re sticking so closely to the rule book, unless you get into skin, you can’t attack me until I’m back in fur. Right,Morgan?
Her blue gaze glowed like a flame atop a wick.Right.
Even though the air was rife with rapid heartbeats, I caught the pace of hers accelerating. Was thatexcitement?
Don’t keep us waitin’ too long,Morgan said, her voice syrupy, borderlinegleeful.
I backed up a few paces, agitated by the intensity of herfocus.
