Jolie POV

The neutral grounds weren't neutral at all.

Wolves lined every inch of the ancient stone circle. I saw them watching as we rode in. Hundreds of them, maybe thousands. All here to watch me die.

"Stay close." Ryder's voice came through our new bond.

I nodded because I couldn’t speak. My throat was too tight as my heart hammered against my ribs.

The combat circle sat in the center of a clearing, surrounded by pine trees so old they'd probably seen the first wolves walk the earth. The ...