The day had finally arrived. I had been waiting for it since I was a pup and first heard the stories about the games. I

dressed in my training clothes and when I almost ran into Finlay and Sam outside our rooms, we all grinned.

“Time to go, boys,” I said, heading for the stairs.

“Hey, who are you calling a boy? I’ll let you know I have a daughter. I’m all grown up,” Sam objected, and both Finlay and

I laughed. We joined the others for breakfast and there was a nervous excitement in the air. We didn’t know what the day would bring, but it was finally here. Matilda was ready for everything. She had made an array of different snacks, ready to

eat meals and beverages. Everyone who wasn’t participating would be watching the games. They would all make sure her

food got there and could be handed into the appointed space as needed. Jake was looking nervous.

“Are you okay?” I asked.

“Not really. Why did we need to start with a strength test? I’m useless on those,” he told me.

“It’s not my strong point either, no pun intended,” I told him and managed to get a smile from him. “But we are a pack

and we work together. You and I will do our best and we will rely on the other three to do most of the work. Then you

and I will take the lead when we need to use our brains,” I added.

“Yes, Beta,” he said and looked a little more relaxed.

“I feel like there was an insult embedded in that, but I can’t figure it out enough to be upset about it,” Sam told Ramses.

Finlay laughed. Despite the nerves, we were all in a good mood. After breakfast, we all headed towards the gathering

point.

“Participants, please go into the stadium, spectators please go to the right and you will be guided to where you can watch the game,” an official was telling us. Our party split up and the five of us headed into the stadium. We went to our

designated seats again. There were considerably less wolves there today as only five from each pack had been allowed in. We sat down and waited for what would happen. Nine o’clock sharp, there was a sound coming from the speakers and

then the voice of the head of the council.

“Good morning. Today marks the first game. It will be performed in seclusion. This means we have prepared four

identical areas. Each pack will do the game without any other packs present or able to see what is happening. You will not

be told what the game is until you arrive at it. You will have ten minutes to plan and twenty minutes to complete it. There will be equipment provided. You may choose to use all, some or none of it. All packs will have the same equipment

will perform the game has been drawn at random. Please

follow the

join the spectators. Thank you

for a wait,’ I mindlinked the

around from time to time,’ Sam told us. We all nodded and did

packs being called. I saw Elder waving at me

waved back. He gave me a thumbs up and I smiled. Finlay

at what he thought would be the top contender for the high rankings. As

was a simple gesture we both had started doing after my birthday. Just seeking out each other.

the sensation of being watched. I looked around. James

arm. Finlay had noticed I wasn’t

looking at.

I mindlinked

don’t think this is just a way to get through the games for him,’

for me, and the ball is in my

finger. He looked at me and rubbed the spot. Sam looked highly amused, and I suspected

Jake and Ramses were deep into

an official said. We all looked at each other as we stood. This was it.

the woods and we could see a clearing up ahead. We were asked to step out and walk to the clearing.

it there was a railing and on the other

the first game, Blue Mountain pack. In the rock

the top of the rock formation, using only the designated holds. It’s

new ones, use your claws to find a better grip or damage the rock formation in any way. You have

tools on the table to your right. It is up to you if you use them or not.

the top. If not all

top within the set time, no points

based on how well you perform. Have you understood?”

voice explained.

“We have,” Finlay answered.

walked up to the table. Gloves, rope

us your

say we use the rope and talc powder. No gloves. I also say we go without shoes. From what I

them. I say you go first Alpha, Amie second, Jake

the rope.

instructed us.

the middle,’ Jake said. He didn’t look too pleased about the thought of climbing the rocks. I was with him. I wasn’t afraid of heights, but I was highly uncomfortable with

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