From Bait to Queen: The Rejected Mate's Destiny

Hayley POV:

The Blood Pit smelled of old iron and fear.

"You're up, little meat," a scarred man grunted.

I was shoved into the arena. The crowd roared. High in the VIP box, Dean sat on a velvet throne, Karina on his lap.

The loudspeaker crackled. "Tonight's main event! The Alpha's reject versus... The Beast!"

A gate opened. A Feral-a wolf lost to madness-emerged, standing seven feet tall, foam dripping from its jaws.

I looked up at the glass box. Dean was leaning forward.

Three minutes, I heard through the dying bond. She won't last three minutes.

He looked... bored. Detached. Like he was watching a weather report, not his mate's execution.

The Feral charged.

I couldn't run. I stood my ground, letting my inner wolf take over. I opened my mouth and let out a high, piercing howl that shattered the air.

The Feral hesitated, confused by the power, but bloodlust won. Its paw swiped me.

I flew across the arena, ribs snapping. I hit the cage wall. Pain blinded me. The Feral was on me again, biting into my shoulder.

I looked up at the box. Dean was gripping the rail, his knuckles white. For a second, the fog in his eyes seemed to clear. He looked horrified. But Karina placed a hand on his neck, and the mask slammed back down.

The Feral raised a claw.

Suddenly, the arena lights died. Gunshots rang out. Pop. Pop. Pop.

Strong arms scooped me up. "I've got you," Brennen whispered. "Stay with me, White Wolf."

I coughed blood. "The phone... photos..."

"I have it."

"Tell Dean..." I wheezed, my vision fading. "Tell him I died."