Clay's Hope

by Melissa Haag

  * * * *

  Tuesday was a repeat of Monday. Gabby went to school, and I went to work. The scent of werewolf drifted to me throughout the day, and I left early again. Like the day before, the scent grew stronger as I neared the vacant building. Only this time, it wasn't a single scent, but three. I knew I wouldn't make it home before Gabby.

  Walking around the building, I retraced my steps. As I'd anticipated, the shallow bruises from the day before had already healed. I doubted I'd heal as quickly from three fights in a row. The bruising would go much deeper.

  I stepped inside and found the three challengers. Though I could see they planned to fight as men, I stripped down to nothing anyway.

  "Just give up now," one of the men said. "Sure you might win the first fight or two, but do you really think you can win three in a row?"

  I waved the first one forward in answer.

  The guy shook his head. "Whether you win this fight or not, Gabby's no longer yours. You had your chance. Elder Joshua has granted any interested male permission to approach her without supervision."

  Shit.

  I struggled to control my temper. I'd asked for controlled Introductions. Sam had said he would see what he could do. When I hadn't heard more, I'd thought...what had I thought? No answer didn't mean a yes.

  With a growl, I launched myself at the first challenger. I needed to get home.