24

On her right, she saw a few boulders forming a natural crossing through the raging waters. Already, Chayton was leading the way down the ravine and closer to the water below. It didn't take long until everyone was lined up at the boulders, testing the surface for slipperiness. They didn't have much to worry about as their paws gripped the boulders easily and carried them across with no trouble.

Once they reached the other side, Savannah couldn't help a shiver from running all the way from her nose to her tail. The sheer number of nearby rogues was making her nervous and skittish. Only when Zion stepped closer and rubbed his nose against her body, nuzzling into her neck, did she calm down.

They shifted back and began walking quietly along the river before turning onto a faint track amongst the trees. The path narrowed, forcing them to walk Indian file. Once it widened again, opening to a small clearing that led to an escarpment, Savannah marveled at the rocky ledge that rose before them. They all had to scramble up as if rock climbing, and she was grateful for her jeans that protected her knees against the jagged rocks.

They soon reached the top and all fanned out to survey their next move. Zion scanned the rugged landscape that lay before them, then pulled Savannah to his side.

"Listen, Savannah. I'm gonna need you to play it cool tonight and reign in that Alpha dominance of yours. If anyone even gets a whiff of who you really are, of your rank and title, we could all be dead before sunrise."

She didn't think his words were intended to scare her, but they did, and she nodded with perfect understanding. Shrinking her shoulders in on themselves, she lowered her head but kept her eyes raised. Looking around at her new friends, she could see they each wore solemn expressions, staring at her expectantly.

This was obviously the final check before proceeding. She could act weak and insignificant for one night, right? Even if she was confident of fighting her way out of something, she didn't want to risk Cale's or any of the gang's lives. She'd do this for them. "Yes, I can play it cool." She took a deep breath and smiled at Zion. "I can be the coolest out of everyone, right? No one's gonna peg me for an Alpha. I'm way too cool for that." She couldn't seem to shut up until Zion lifted a finger and placed it over her lips, effectively muting her nervous babbling.

"Not that cool," he gave her a subtle smirk.

The air rushed from her lungs before she inhaled a new sense of positivity. Being this close to her mate had that effect on her, the cypress notes of his scent calming and centering her once more.

They began walking slowly down a stony path, before they came upon a clearing and were stopped in their tracks.

"Halt! Who comes?"

"Silverfang," Zion replied boldly, stepping forward into the faint moonlight.

Out of the shadows stepped a hulk of a man, his stance predatory and his expression fierce. He held two weapons, a silver dagger in each hand, and his belt was lined with knives. Savannah got the impression he was guarding the entrance to wherever these rogue games were being held.

"What time does the moon rise?" he asked in a cold whisper.

"Uh, five thirty eight, or around then," Savannah guessed, trying to take into account their latitude and time of year.

Zion cast her a frown that could only mean one thing--shut up! Turning back to the stoic guard, he replied evenly, "When the Alpha lies dead in his grave."

Well, if the scowl on the guard's face hadn't knotted her stomach, Zion's cryptic words certainly had.

After a tense moment, the guard broke into a grin, and pulled Zion in for a bro hug. "Good to see you, man. New faces?"

"Yep, only the best," Zion motioned to Cale and Savannah. "They're here to ensure we hold on to our title."

The guard laughed gruffly. "I wouldn't be so cocky if I were you. I hear Nightwing has some fresh blood, too."

At this, Savannah sensed Willow stiffen, and she gave the shewolf a questioning look. Willow just shook her head and threw back her shoulders, determination entering her stance.

They passed the guard and entered a large meadow lined with trees. The open grassy space was big enough to hold a tenth of her territory, Savannah thought to herself. Dotted over the clear slopes were groups of rogues huddled together, some lounging on the soft grass, others pacing through warm up routines, others just watching with feigned indifference as they subtly sized up their competition.

"Well, well, well," a familiar voice rang out to the left of them, and Savannah turned to see Baby Bax walking towards them. "If it isn't the Alpha wannabe, back for round two," he smirked, eyeing Savannah in a greasy way that made her skin crawl. In the silvery light of the moon, he looked even more ugly, tall, and threatening than he did at the party, his bare chest wrapped with muscles equally massive as his arms.

He was surrounded by his buddies, many faces recognisable from the party including Chuck and Olly. A tall shewolf with thick black hair stalked beside him, her hand draped over his shoulder possessively. She glared at Savannah as if she'd heard all about her victory over her man, and hated her for being so audacious.

Zion laid a hand on Savannah's waist, subtly pushing her behind him.

"It's okay, I can handle this," she told him, stepping forward to meet the rogue wrestler head on.

Bax smirked at their interaction, taking her bold move as invitation to step closer and whisper in a rough voice, "You may have beaten me last time, sweetheart, but I was just practicing. When the real games begin, no one will be able to defeat me."

He cast a lingering glance over Savannah's shoulder where she could feel Zion hovering, then continued, his lips twisting in a sly grin, "Not even an Alpha."

"Yeah, no. Not gonna happen." Savannah tried her best to stand up to this loopy guy who thought he could defeat her. Her only trouble was appearing strong without really standing up to him in a dominant Alpha way. All she really wanted to do was punch the smug expression off his face, but Zion made it rather difficult by touching her arm cautiously.

"Vannah. Cool, remember?" he muttered quietly so only she could hear.

Patting his hand, she took a calming breath. "You know," she began, lifting an eyebrow at Bax, "You seem to be forgetting who you're dealing with. My man is capable of shredding three guys single handedly. Tearing right through their flesh and bones like they are noodles." Sliding her arm through Zion's, she leaned into him and smirked when Bax's face paled. "And he will remain by my side all night. So good luck defeating us."

"Yeah, good luck!" Talei strode forward, right between Bax and his clingy girlfriend. She purposefully shoved her shoulder against theirs, causing Savannah to bite back a laugh at the furious expressions on their faces. The rest of the Silverfang rogues moved as one through Bax and his buddies, staring coldly down at them.

Savannah felt a lingering stare and looked over her shoulder, meeting the dark gaze of Bax's girlfriend. Somehow, she got the distinct impression that this wouldn't be their last run in with each other.

"Okay, let's arrange into teams," Zion announced once they'd set up camp. It wasn't much, just a plaid picnic blanket with their bags thrown down around it.

If it was the middle of the day with a bright sun in the sky, anyone would think they were all gathered for a festival, and Savannah almost smiled at the community spirit that lingered around them. But the only light was from the silvery moon, casting inky shadows over everything and providing cover for innumerable shady activities. The Alpha's smile disappeared when she heard grunts and growls coming from a few wolves wrestling a dozen yards away. Their bloodthirsty cackles of laughter were definitely not family friendly.

Looking around, she briefly wondered where all the children were. Did their parents leave them home while they attended these war games? Or did rogues just not have many children to begin with? Or maybe they sacrificed their babies to the moon in some sort of voodoo ritual?

She wouldn't put anything past these heathen rogues, though she was beginning to see how socially structured these rogues could really be. But did that extend to relationships and family units? Savannah thought of Marlon and Yolanda and their gorgeous baby Matheus, and concluded rogues weren't all bad.

"I'm with Chay," Talei immediately announced.

"You were on his team last year," her twin pointed out.

"Why do you think we won?"

"Because Niko cheated," Willow snorted in amusement.

"Did not! Since there are no rules, how does one actually cheat?"

"Dude, stop splitting hairs! You know what I mean."

"Why don't you all quit squabbling and let me pick my own team?" Chayton interrupted before a fight broke out.

"You'd pick all the shewolves, that's why," Niko commented sourly.

Chayton shrugged in agreement. "Maybe that's because they make the best distraction."

"That is a sexist comment, and I object!" Talei stamped her foot.

"I object to your objection! Everyone knows shewolves are given special treatment in the wars."

Willow rolled her eyes. "Yeah, specially treated to a one way ticket over the cliff."

"That was an exception, so you can't keep bringing it up. Everyone knows Tori totally deserved it," Phoenix responded vehemently.

"Wait, you threw a girl over the cliff? That's horrible!" Savannah glared at them all, slapping Talei's foot away when she accidentally stepped on her leg.

"I know, right? Such brutes." Talei sat down heavily beside Savannah and handed her a muesli bar in apology.

"So what did she do to deserve it if there are no rules around here?" Savannah dared to ask.

"She killed Regan's son."

"And who is Regan?"

Her question was met with a sudden thunderous roar as everyone around them stood and began applauding. They thumped the ground with their feet, beat their chests, and shouted as a man strode to the centre of the clearing.

He ascended a small wooden platform that Savannah hadn't noticed before, and surveyed the gathered rogues with his broad chest puffed out and his shoulders thrown back with authority. The natural dominance he exuded was powerful, making Savannah wonder just who he was and where he came from. What blood did he have running in his veins in order to garner so much respect and veneration from these wild rogues?

He lifted his arms. "Welcome to the Rogue Wars of twenty twenty!" he announced with a powerful voice.

The crowd cheered even louder if that was possible.

"Tonight, under the blessed light of the moon, we gather to display our might and power against our foes! We have come from all across the continent with different scars we bear and stories to share, but in this we unite--we are warriors! We are free! And tonight, we will test our strength, speed, endurance, intelligence, and strategy. Let the games begin!"

The crowd went wild, their shouts and cheers nearly deafening.

Savannah had never been more disturbed in her life. Surrounded by so many rogues was something from her deepest nightmares. Instinctively, she sought Zion's hand and slipped her fingers through his.

He squeezed back, giving her a reassuring smile.

"Okay, let's get the activities started!" another rogue shouted from the platform for all to hear. The wolves gathered closer to receive the instructions. "Strength matches will take place in the wrestling ring with Baxter and Calista."

A large group of wolves who looked like typical muscle-building gym junkies moved off to gather around Bax and his gang, flexing and warming up for the impending matches. Savannah snorted, unsurprised Bax would be the one officiating. She had no intention of participating, but hoped someone else would put the Baby in his place--a bassinet, preferably one resembling a coffin, and placed six feet under.

The murderous thoughts caught her off guard. Hanging out with these rogues had definitely influenced her badly.

The speaker continued, "Speed races are being held on the southern plains with Riot and Casey. Endurance race is the same course as last year with minor changes. Easton will get you sorted at the starting point by Hanging Rock."

Savannah watched curiously as wolves began moving in different directions, heading where the activities had been pointed out. "I thought we had to form teams?" she asked Talei who was still sitting and munching on a bag of peanuts.

"We will later tonight. Individual activities take place first, before anyone gets injured."

"Injured?" A finger of fear snaked down her spine, contrasting to the air of calm that Talei assumed.

"Well," the shewolf shrugged. "The team games, followed by the final war, can be a little wild at times. Everyone is super hyped by then, and very competitive."

"Can you explain to me exactly what the games and war are all about?"

Before Savannah could get a proper answer, Zion interrupted. "Alright, Savannah and Cale, you stay and mind the stuff. Phoenix and Tas, you good to go for speed races?"

They both nodded, and Phoenix slapped Tas on the back. "You're on, man. I'm totally gonna whip you."

"In your dreams. I've been training, and shaved three seconds off my sprint since last year."

"Can't wait to see it.... When you trip and fall face first before the finish line."

They continued joking as they ran towards the plains.

"And Chayton, you okay for wrestling?" Zion checked in with the burly rogue.

He flexed his muscular arms and grinned. "I'm looking forward to crushing everyone to a pulp, then meeting the Baby himself in the ring."

"Tell him I said hi," Savannah said before he winked and jogged slowly towards the wrestling area.

"Niko, Willow, and Talei, you're still down for swimming?" Zion asked.

"You bet. Can't let that tadpole Fraser beat me again. He's got a lesson to learn, and I'm gonna teach it to him," Willow smirked and pulled off her hoodie and jeans, revealing a sleek, black kneeskin underneath. It hugged her solid figure and toned muscles, showing off her powerful thighs and shoulders.

"And when we finish, we'll head over and cheer for you," Talei nodded at Zion before the three headed off and disappeared into the trees.

"What are you competing in?" Savannah asked him when it was just the three of them left.

"The endurance race. It's a twenty mile run around the perimeter of the Black Forest. It crosses a swamp, river, and tracks through the heart of the forest itself before finishing with a sprint across the desert plain. Very gruelling track riddled with obstacles, but I've never lost. It's about to start, and I've got to hurry to get a good place at the starting line. You two going to be okay?" he stood over them, his eyes examining the surroundings as he spoke, yet he met Savannah's concerned gaze on the last question.

"Sure, but there's absolutely no way I'm just going to sit on a picnic blanket and play dolls while you have all the fun. I'm coming with." She stood and brushed off her jeans.

"And I'm not leaving Vannah's side," Cale joined her, his face resolute despite how inviting Zion made the race sound.

Zion pinched the bridge of his nose. "I can't keep you safe while racing, so the best idea is for you to--"

"To remain by your side. We can keep up. Don't worry about us." Truth was, while the endurance race did sound dreadful and she had no idea if all her training would hold up under the uncertain conditions, remaining here like sitting ducks was far scarier. She'd take the odds of entering the race. There was always the option of outrunning rogues if they tried eating her alive.

"Fine. It's your decision. Let's go," Zion took off without even a backward glance.

A shiver of excitement ran through as she weaved her way through the crowd, following Zion carefully as he got into position under the large cliff that ended with an overhanging rock. Its silhouette was black against the sky, casting them in a dark shadow, but the path before them was lit by the moon and disappeared down into a valley.

"This is all about endurance, remember," Zion whispered as Easton shouted instructions to the gathered wolves, their voices hushing with anticipation. "So don't rush ahead and take the lead straight away. You have to pace yourself, look out for obstacles, and never rush blindly around a bend. You never know what the track will throw at you."

Not revelling in her victory for fear of being called out as Alpha was not as easy as she'd expected. Sharing an annoyed look with Cale, he just shrugged back in acceptance of the fact. They were pack wolves among rogues, after all.

"Way to go, short stuff," Tas congratulated her as they joined the gang.

"Call me that again, and I'll make you shorter than me," she growled threateningly.

"Ohh, feisty," Niko laughed. "Someone's still got energy to burn. You up for a three-legged race? They're about to start the first heats."

"Three-legged race? That sounds so...rudimentary," Cale raised his eyebrows in surprise.

"Oh, come on, kid, there's nothing rudimentary about this race," Willow looped her arm through his and dragged him over to another clearing where Regan was calling all eager contestants to gather.

"May I have this honour?" Zion held out his hand, tilting his head in question as he looked at Savannah with the airs of a perfect gentleman.

"What are the penalties for winning?" she raised an eyebrow, wondering how much trouble they'd be in if they came first again.

"Oh, a little torture, probably involving fire and silver. Nothing you can't handle. I might even make up for it with a kiss when this is all over," he smirked, his eyes twinkling under the silver moonlight.

"I will hold you to that kiss." Grinning, she shoved him in the chest before slipping her hand in his.

"Alright! Line up with your partners!" Regan called out, and couples immediately found their places along the starting line. The track looked simple, roughly a hundred metres long. Savannah had run many three-legged races growing up, and she and Justin had perfected the technique. She only hoped that Zion would be as good a partner. They found a good place at the start, and she watched as the competitors tied their legs together. There were hisses and muted gasps of pain, and she realised with alarm that the ropes used were threaded with silver.

"That's to deter anyone from untying the rope mid-race. The track can get pretty gnarly out there," Zion explained under his breath.

"In what way?" Savannah was almost too afraid to ask.

"Well, besides everyone trying to trip each other up, sometimes Regan and his men will release snakes onto the path, or similar obstacles. Other times it's a strip of burning coals we have to run over, or broken glass."

With a sinking feeling, Savannah wondered just what on earth she'd gotten herself into. This race sounded savage.

"Well, lookie who we have here."

The greasy chuckle was accompanied by a dark shadow. Savannah turned and found Baxter and Calista shoving their way to stand right beside her and Zion.

"Wow, Bax, I'm liking the new look. Is that Chayton's handprint on your face?" she motioned to all the bruising on his neck and face. "Maybe you'll start a new trend," she smirked, not concerned with the way Bax's eyes darkened.

Zion gripped her hand tightly. "I wouldn't goad him, if I were you," he hissed quietly in her ear.

"Well, you're not me," she patted his arm, feeling a sudden surge of confidence even as Calista glared at her murderously.

"You're going down," the rogue shewolf growled devilishly.

Savannah shrugged it off. "Yeah, I wouldn't bet on it."

Calista just chuckled, none of her confidence diminished.

Once everyone was ready with two bands of silver rope around their thighs and ankles, Regan began the countdown. "Ready, set, go!"

It didn't take long for her and Zion to work out a steady rhythm, and they raced smoothly across the field. Bax and Calista were doing a good job of keeping up, undeterred by the others beside them who grabbed and reached to pull them down. Zion deftly fought off a male who latched onto his arm, and Savannah stifled a scream when a bat came flying right into her face. This race was worse than the time she, Emerald, and Petrinna snuck over the border into Alpha Malachi's haunted forest at midnight when they were teenagers. The shadowy demons they'd met had given her nightmares for weeks after, and they weren't nearly as bloodthirsty as the rogues here tonight.

"Ouch!" she suddenly shrieked, grabbing her foot as pain stung her uncovered flesh.

Zion nearly face planted with the sudden stop, but he managed to keep them both upright. "What is it?"

"I stepped on something sharp!" Lifting her left leg, the one unbound from Zion's, she saw something silver embedded in the flesh of her heel, glinting under the moonlight. It stung terribly, sending a jolt of pain spiraling through her foot with a paralysing effect.

"Oh, did I drop something?" Calista called from a few yards ahead as she and Bax overtook them.

"You slimy little snake, you!" Savannah snarled back, baring her teeth viciously. "Just wait till I get my paws on you!" She tried hobbling after them, but tripped over her own feet. The pain grew unbearable as it shot up her calf and into her thigh.

Zion pulled her back up and held her tightly. "This isn't going to work."

"Clearly! That minx cheated!"

"No rules, remember?"

"Then let's just call our private chopper to fly us to the finish line. Would that be allowed? These people are nuts!"

"Shh, calm down!" he tugged on her hand and shook her gently. "I have an idea."

"It better be good because everyone is beating us," she whined, not understanding why it hurt so bad to be coming last. Perhaps it was her Alpha complex that refused to be anything but the best.

Zion pulled her around until the front of her body was flush with his, her back facing the finish line. "Put your feet on mine," he instructed. "Now loosen all your muscles and let me take the lead."

She relaxed in his arms, staring up at the moonlit planes of his face as determination took over his features. Her arms slid up to wrap around his neck tightly, and she tried to forget the pain that numbed the entire left side of her body. When this was over, she was going to pluck Calista's eyes out.

Zion took off running, his movements slightly impeded by Savannah, but otherwise he was much faster than when they ran side by side. She smiled as she watched the faces of those they overtook. It felt good to be gaining ground, and soon she saw the furious looks from Bax and Calista as they passed them.

"Look who's going down now, you big fluffy poodles!" she shouted at them, laughing as Zion crossed the finish line first.

He smiled down at her briefly before crushing his lips on hers, the exhilaration of the moment consuming them both. "Good job, babe," he whispered against her mouth.

"You're the one who did all the work," she breathed, gasping for air.

"Couldn't have done it without a partner. You're way more fun to run with than Phoenix."

They both laughed, grinning from the mental image of Zion dragging his right-hand man along the race field.

Zion gently lowered her to the ground and quickly untied the silver ropes that joined their legs. Though the silver had slightly stung even through her jeans, Savannah hadn't minded being bound to her mate in such a way. It almost felt nice and so very right, as if being glued to his side was the most natural thing in the world.

"Let's see, what do we have here?" he mused, examining her foot closely.

"I can do it," she pulled her leg back, determined to help herself. She didn't want to rely on Zion to always patch her up when she got hurt. Especially when the others came running over to congratulate them, she couldn't bear to appear like a damsel in distress, sprawled on the ground as her knight in shining armour hovered over her, tending to her wounds.

"You were epic out there! Totally put that weasel Bax in his place!" Chayton crowed, a smug look on his face as he watched Bax and Calista with amusement. They were arguing with each other, tangled on the ground by the finish line as they had tried unsuccessfully to untie themselves. Other wolves were still on the race field, having an all out fist fight as they grappled in the grass.

"Yeah, who knew Calista could be so nasty? At least we can be prepared for next year. I'm thinking scorpions," Niko tapped his chin, his brow scrunched in thought as he dreamed up ways to get revenge on the obnoxious Bax and his dirty shewolf.

"You people are--"

"Crazy!" Cale exclaimed as he and Willow hobbled across the finish line before collapsing beside Savannah and Zion. "That was the most outrageous race ever! How can you judge talent and strength when everyone is just pulling dirty tricks on each other?" He rubbed his hands over his face, furiously trying to remove something that was bothering him.

"Exactly my thoughts. I'm still digging out silver tacks from my foot," Savannah complained, her fingers burning every time she gripped a small piece of silver and yanked. It was worse than pulling teeth.

"I'd rather that than spiders! I think there's still one on me."

"Yeah, there's one crawling up your back right now," Willow reached over and flicked his shoulder.

"Eeek!" Cale shrieked and leapt to his feet, then proceeded to jump up and down like he was doing a shuffle dance.

Savannah couldn't help laughing. "At least it wasn't rabbits."

"Oh yes, I would've died!" Cale gasped for air, eventually flopping down on the grass once he was sure no other spiders were crawling on him.

Willow snorted, her expression incredulous. "You're afraid of rabbits?"

"One almost killed him when he was a young pup," Savannah commented dryly.

"You're kidding."

"It's true! A bunny nearly ripped my throat out. Vicious little creature. It left me with this terrible scar," Cale pulled down his shirt collar, revealing the jagged while line that glowed under the moonlight.

Everyone gathered in for a closer look, gasping at the dramatic way Cale retold the events of that fateful morning all those years ago.

Zion leaned in to Savannah, his warm breath ghosting along her sensitive ear. "Was it really a rabbit?"

Trust him to not believe the story. The Alpha chuckled then lowered her voice for Zion's ears only. "In truth, we were running through our forest one morning when a rabbit jumped out in front of us. Scared the living daylights out of Cale. He tripped and landed face first on a sharp root that tore into his neck. He lost a lot of blood and was really traumatised from the whole accident. That's why he thinks it was the rabbit who attacked him. I don't bother correcting him. Let him have his fun." She shrugged and smiled at the way Cale excitedly showed off his scars, even lifting his shirt to point out a bite mark on his abs from a bear they took down together as teenagers.

Zion nodded in understanding, his face crinkling in a playful smile. "Wait till you hear about the time a jellyfish nearly suffocated me."

"A jellyfish? Was it the irukandji? I hear they are deadly," her voice lilted with excitement.