Julian’s POV


    Amber’s cheers struck straight through me, igniting a spark that had started to dim as Roman got his punches in. For a moment there, I had thought that I might actually lose this fight. But hearing Amber’s voice, knowing she wants me to win – now I was sure that I couldn’t lose.


    Just as Amber’s words empowered me, I could see them have the opposite effect on Roman. Looking up at Amber on the balcony, his shoulders fell and his entire demeanor seemed to dete. A blow to his confidence was incredibly for me, and I was eager to make use of this new advantage.


    I jumped forward, forcing Roman into a grapple. His hands were on my shoulders, and mine were on his. He shoved me left as I shoved him right.


    In the past, this might have resulted in him having the upper hand, but this time, I was the one who came out on top, tapping into strength and energy I hadn’t even realized I possessed before I heard Amber’s


    cheer.


    I threw Roman down onto the ground.


    He stumbled, falling down onto his knees. Growling, he pushed himself up and turned back to face me, too quick for me to add another attack while he was down.


    But the effects were still positive for me. Roman was clearly rattled. I’d gotten under his skin.


    Off–bnce, he pounced back at me, but he telegraphed his movements from a mile away, so I was easily able to sidestep as he reached me. He blew by me, catching nothing but air.


    Growling louder, he turned to face me again. This time, his eyes shed red.


    As if on cue, the three minute bell sounded, indicating that we could now shift into our wolf forms.


    Roman wolf exploded out of him. In a sh, he had shifted into a half–man, half–werewolf hybrid. That form gave him more power, but it also made him bulky and slow.


    In response, I shifted fully into my wolf form. My Alpha wolf wasrge, true, but not asrge as Roman’s hybrid. And fully shifted, I had immense speed that would avoid Roman’s clumsy strength.


    He reached for me with his massive furry arms. Easily, I dodge out of the way. In a sh, I was behind him. Then, as quickly, I rushed forward, smashing myrge wolf body to the back of his knees. He crumbled at once, stumbling backwards. As I was still there, he tripped over me.


    He fell like a tree, smashing hard against the ground.


    As he struggled to get back onto his feet, I stepped over him. Baring my teeth, I ced two massive paws on his chest<b>, </b>then lowered my mouth to his neck.


    He was forced to lift his chin, making room for my fangs, lest he get cut.


    +15 <b>BONUS </b>


    My own threatening growl left my throat. I clearly had the upper hand here. He had strength, but it was


    awkward and clumsy in this form. I didn’t think he could even get up with my weight on top of him.


    His only choice now was to surrender.


    He snarled and chuffed, but it was pointless. We both knew he’d lost.


    His struggle went on a few long seconds more, before he finally seemed to relent. Slowly, she shifted back


    to his human form.


    The crowd seemed to hold its breath. Not a bird chirped in the silence. Even the wind held still, not rustling any leaves.


    Everyone was waiting for what he might say.


    Yet, he refused to speak right away.


    I growled again, lower, more dangerous. I didn’t want to hurt him, but I would win this challenge. That


    meant he either had to surrender or I could make him go unconscious. I’d do my best not to kill him, but


    Alpha wolves weren’t exactly built for restraint.


    Like I was, I was a killing machine.


    For both our sakes, he had to surrender.


    Then, atst, after a heavy breath, Roman said, “Fine. I surrender.”


    Another heartbeat passed as everyone seemed toprehend the words and what just happened.


    Then the crowd erupted in cheers.


    I stepped back from Roman, off of him, and shifted back to human.


    I waved at the crowd, but my attention was drawn elsewhere. Lifting my gaze, I searched for Amber up on


    the balcony.


    Amber’s POV


    Relief flooded through me so quickly that it punched the breath from my lungs. I had to sit down, my legs


    growing weak. In thest few moments of the fight, I had stood, just as everyone else had done, eager to see the fight’s conclusion.


    I’d been so worried, but now, Julian was safe. Roman wasn’t hurt either.


    I couldn’t be more pleased with the oue.


    Beside me, however, Rafael stewed with his own disappointment and annoyance, his face skewed, his


    mouth a twisted, downward frown.


    I didn’t say anything to him, and he didn’t to me either. His gaze was down on the ring. I couldn’t tell if he was ring at Julian or at Roman. Perhaps both of them.


    After a long, quiet moment, he stood. “I have to go congratte the winner.” He nced at me. The coldness there eased somewhat. He was still annoyed with what I’d done, but his general fondness for me


    took off that edge. He offered me his arm. “I’m sure you’d like to go with me.”


    He was right, so I looped my arm through his. Together, we walked away from the balcony and back


    inside, and then down the stairs that led us out to the courtyard.


    The people parted for him, partially because of his Alpha aura, but also some of the staff that tapped on shoulders and cleared the way.


    When we were close enough, I pushed away from him.


    Julian was there. He was looking at me, and he outstretched his arms.


    That was all the permission I needed to rush to him. I threw my arms around his neck. His came around my waist, and he spun me around a few times before settling me on my feet again.


    He dipped his head into mine, resting his cheek against the top of my head.


    “I didn’t know if you’de,” he said. “And I was even less sure I’d have your support.”


    With as loud as it was, I wouldn’t have been able to hear him if his mouth was not so very near my ear. As


    it was, I could hear the words all the way down to my soul, like we were standing alone in a quiet room.


    “I always wanted you to win,” I told him, hoping he could hear and feel my words in the same way I heard


    and felt his. “I don’t want to lose you.”


    I must have said the words louder than I meant to, or perhaps Roman had attuned himself to me, focusing on me as intently as he did, that he could hear them.


    Because in the next moment, I heard his voice, though his was somewhat muffled by the crowd.


    It was still striking. And filled with pain.


    “Why is it okay for you to lose me instead?” he asked.


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