Chloe leaned back against the pillows, the room thick with tension. Hunter settled beside her, his fingers brushing hers. "Chloe," he started, hesitating. "I can't focus. I'm starving."

She stayed quiet.

The air felt heavy, like everyone was holding their breath. Hunger wasn't something they talked about, not until now. The crowd watched the screen.

She turned to him, her voice steady. "One of us has to keep it together, right?" Her hand grazed the faint scar on his face. "Hunter, no matter what happens, I hope you get what you're after."

Her eyes closed as his lips barely touched hers. Then he bit down, just enough to draw blood, before pulling back, confusion clouding his expression.

"Hunter?" she murmured, opening her eyes.

"What are you?" he mumbled, fighting the urge to go further. Instead, he kissed her again, deeper this time. She leaned into it, her hand resting lightly on his chest.

When they finally broke apart, he held her close, inhaling the faint scent of her skin.

"Feel better?" she asked, her tone soft.

"Yeah," he replied with a shaky laugh, his fingers tracing her pale cheek. "Aren't you hungry?"

"Oh, I am," she admitted. "But I'm trying to keep it in check."

He kissed her again, slowly, her touch lingering on him.

The doorbell rang, sharp and sudden. They exchanged a look. He took her hand, and together they walked down the long hallway, the sound of their footsteps echoing in the silence.

Hunter gripped her hand tightly, feeling the faint tremble in her fingers. Vampires moved in swiftly, dragging the girls away. Chloe's fingers brushed him for a moment before she was yanked out of reach. He clenched his jaw, stifling the urge to shout at Callum, who stood there with that infuriating smirk.

"Alright, listen up," Callum announced, pacing like a ringmaster. "Six cemeteries. One night. Find your mate. Escape, get help, or, hell, I don't know, do nothing and die. Your choice. You'll be escorted to your starting point. Pick a cemetery, any cemetery. Your mate is in a mausoleum, buried alive. Well, technically dead. But you get the point. Find her, because of the horrors she's facing? Yeah, they're her worst nightmares that come to life. Literally." He chuckled, the sound dripping with malice. Hunter felt a cold knot twist in his gut.

"Place your bets!" Callum called out, and the crowd erupted into cheers.

Hunter glanced at the map. He pointed to the farthest cemetery, his decision quick and deliberate. A vampire grabbed him roughly, shoving him into the back of a darkened car. The door slammed shut, leaving him in silence.

The screens flickered to life, casting an eerie blue light on the crowd gathered, their faces illuminated with anticipation and excitement. The six screens showed different views of the cemeteries: each one bathed in moonlight and shadows. The crowd, with their eager expressions and betting on their phones, watched as the contestants were shoved into the darkened cars.

In her coffin, Chloe's eyes flew open, walls closing around her. She squeezed her eyes shut, forcing shallow breaths through constricted lungs.

Jasmine lay still, thinking she might survive this, claustrophobia wasn't her demon. Then something cold slid across her stomach. A black snake writhed beside her in a narrow space, and her scream echoed inside the sealed box.

Dana shifted sideways, whispering, "Just temporary, just temporary," like a mantra. When darkness suddenly enveloped her, her composure shattered into a piercing shriek.

Hunter concentrated, knowing scent was his only guide. "Focus," "Find her before it's too late." The memory of her lips against his lingered as the car jerked to a stop.

A vampire hauled him out, shoving him through the cemetery gates. Hunter sprinted forward, nostrils flaring for any trace of her. The grounds stretched endlessly, but he remembered Callum's words and veered toward the cluster of mausoleums in the distance.

Elsewhere, Olivia had already fainted mid-scream. Ebony trembled violently against the wall of the coffin. And Samantha, composed until now, thrashed wildly as earthworms rained down upon her face.

Hunter was certain she wasn't there. He bolted back to the car, barking at the driver to head to the next cemetery. An hour passed, his mind stuck on Chloe. What kind of nightmare was she trapped in? His chest tightened as he scanned the cemetery grounds, zeroing in on the mausoleums. He took off running.

Meanwhile, Chloe forced herself to breathe steadily, eyes shut tight. She focused on the memory of Hunter's kiss, real, deliberate, nothing like the clumsy pecks she'd known before. She clung to that, replaying it in her mind. His face flashed behind her closed lids, and then the light in the coffin flickered out. Panic surged. "This isn't real," her voice trembling. "You're already dead. Nothing can hurt you." She raised her voice, defiant. "You won't break me, Callum!" Then, almost instinctively, she began to sing, an old tune, something her grandmother used to hum. The crowd, watching the screens, started cheering for her. Someone tossed in cash, and just like that, the light flickered back on.

Her beautiful face was back onto the screen, wide-eyed but determined. Arran smiled.

"Brother," Callum said, raising an eyebrow, "didn't expect that."

"I like her," Arran replied, leaning back. "I'm rooting for her."

Callum chuckled. "You do realize this is about love, right? If she falls for him..."

"Love?" Arran cut in, waving a hand. "I've got eternity for that. This? This is just fun."

Callum laughed, clearly loving his twisted games.

Meanwhile, Jasmine's breathing slowed as the snake coiled around her neck. The casket lid creaked open, and Damon hauled her out, wrapping her in a tight hug. Her body shook like a leaf. The crowd erupted in cheers.

Hunter caught her scent, subtle but unmistakable. He followed it straight to the mausoleum, wrenching open a casket to find Chloe inside, her terrified eyes locking onto his. He pulled her out, hands moving quickly to check her over. His lips met her briefly before he buried his face in her hair, inhaling deeply.

Arran watched a smirk playing on his lips. "Amour..."

The others were still searching. Hunter and Chloe were brought back, sitting together as they watched the screens. His arm stayed tight around her, her head resting on his shoulder.

"What did you face?" Hunter asked quietly.

"Claustrophobia. Darkness,"

He cursed under his breath. "Glad I got a taste of you. Your scent led me straight there."

Marcus stumbled upon Samantha first, then Kaden managed to dig up Dana. The clock was ticking, and Brian was tearing through the last cemetery, frantic. Ebony whispered prayers under her breath, her voice trembling. Callum let out a booming laugh.

"No gods are going to save you, sweetheart," almost pitying. Time was up. They were hauled back.

Chloe buried her face into Hunter's chest as the vampires descended on the couple in a frenzy. "Stay strong, Chloe," he murmured into her ear, his arms locking around her tight.

Nwa territory

Muscles rippled beneath midnight fur as the cat transformed into a massive wolf, then bounded into the bayou's murky depths. After pacing frantically, he shifted back to human form and dressed quickly. He waited by the fire barrel as his pack returned. "They've taken her," he roared, fists clenched. "My fated mate, gone before I could save her."

An elder stepped forward. "Liam, I understand your rage, but our hands are tied. They won't turn her until after the games... if she survives."

Liam collapsed to his knees. "She doesn't even know I exist. All these years watching over her...""I killed her father," he confessed suddenly. "He deserved it." "Justice!" the pack howled with approval.

The elder shook his head. "You can't challenge them. What would you even say? 'She's mine, return her'? She's a stranger to you. Be patient, son. We can't risk war with Callum's clan, they'd destroy us. "A primal scream tore from Liam's throat. The thought of his beautiful mate becoming a vampire was unbearable.

Callum's estate

Hunter led her back to the room, her hand in his. The table was set with food, and her stomach growled loudly.

"How can we even think about eating right now?" she asked, popping a grape into her mouth like a squirrel hoarding nut.

He chuckled. "We're not vampires yet, remember? limbo got its perks."

"Fine," she said, mouth still full. "Then eat."

The old man entered again, and she froze mid-bite.

"Get dressed," he ordered.

She glanced at the dress, long, black, with a back that plunged dangerously low. She and Hunter exchanged a look. Without a word, she slipped into the bathroom to change.

When she stepped out, Hunter felt like the air had been knocked out of him. "Fuck," he muttered under his breath. She looked beautiful, her hair swept up, her neck exposed.

"What? I feel naked," tugging at the dress.

He let out a nervous laugh. "No, Chloe. You look... incredible." He kissed her hand, his eyes locked on hers. Despite her pale skin, her cheeks flushed.

Isabella clapped her hands. "What a moment!"

Callum smirked. "Isabella, you're such a romantic."

"His eyes told me everything," she replied. "She's still holding back a little, though. She's a lady."

Callum glanced at Isabella, who was wearing a striking red dress. He took her hand. "Let's party."

Most of the contestant couples were already there. Hunter and Chloe joined the group.

"Follow us," the leaders instructed.

They led the way, the contestants trailing behind, followed by the rest of the vampire clan. The doors opened to a sprawling outdoor balcony, romantically decorated with dim lighting, red roses, couches, and tables. Drinks flowed, and music played softly.

"Alright," Callum announced, raising his glass. "Contestants, mingle. Swap partners, dance, talk, do whatever you want." He finished his drink with a laugh.

Hunter kept his grip on her hand. "Let's pair up with someone," scanning the room.

Jasmine and Damon approached, Damon's smile was already in place. "Hey," he greeted, his eyes sliding to Chloe.

"Hey," Hunter replied flatly.

"Can I dance with her?" Damon asked, his tone casual but his gaze lingering too long.

Hunter stepped closer, his voice low. "You touch her wrong, and I'll end you." He reluctantly let go of Chloe's hand.

Taking Jasmine's hand instead, Hunter couldn't help but glance back at Chloe. Jasmine's short dress left little to the imagination, her blonde hair cascading down her back. But Hunter's focus stayed on Chloe.

Damon froze mid-step as a pack of enormous wolves emerged, their growls rumbling through the air. Chloe turned, her eyes locking onto the lead wolf, black fur, piercing gaze, stalking toward her. She blinked, confused.

Hunter leapt in front of her, positioning himself as a shield. The wolf growled, low and menacing. The crowd scattered, creating a wide berth.

Callum strolled over, glass in hand. "Oh, Liam. Who let the dogs out?"

The crowd chuckled nervously. The black wolf shifted, his human form stark naked, glaring at Callum. "You've got my fated mate. Hand her over. Now." His eyes snapped at Chloe, who looked utterly bewildered, glancing behind her as if someone else might be the subject of this madness.

Isabella eyed him up and down. "Hello, Liam."

He smirked. "Like what you see, Isabella?" Someone tossed him a pair of pants, which he pulled on quickly.

Chloe stared at him, wide-eyed. He looked like he'd just walked out of the wilderness, long black hair, muscles, tattoos. He stepped toward her, and she instinctively backed up.

"Hi, Chloe. Come with me. You can choose..."

"She can't, Liam," Callum interrupted. "If she leaves, she dies. To win, she must fall in love."

Liam turned on him, fury blazing. "You'll pay for this. She wasn't yours to take. She's, my mate!" His shout echoed, and vampires began closing in.

Chloe stepped in front of Liam, surprising even him. "Wait, what are you talking about?" she asked, confusion etched on her face.

"I'm your black cat, Nwa. I've watched over you because you're, my fated mate."

"Nwa?" Her legs buckled, and he caught her before she hit the floor.

Hunter stepped closer, "Get your hands off her."

Liam smirked, his grip firm on Chloe. "You're her partner in this little game, huh?"

"Yeah, and she's mine," Hunter shot back, his voice low. "So back the hell off."

Liam's hand snapped to Hunter's neck, pulling him close while keeping Chloe pressed to his chest. His lips brushed her cheek, and he inhaled deeply, eyes closing for a fleeting moment.

"Liam," Callum's voice cut in, calm but edged with warning. "Let go, or you're starting a war. You've already crossed the line."

Liam released Hunter with a shove, then gently guided Chloe to a nearby couch. He kissed her forehead, his touch lingering, before shifting into his wolf form. Her hand reached out, brushing his fur as her eyes fluttered open. He nuzzled her hand briefly, then turned and stalked away, disappearing into the shadows, as the pack followed him.

Hunter sat down beside her. "You know him?" he asked, his tone cautious.

"As a cat, yeah," she replied, still dazed. "But as a human? No clue. I didn't even know wolves could turn into humans. Hell, I'm still trying to wrap my head around vampires."

Hunter exhaled sharply. "Okay, let's take a breath. We'll figure this out."

Callum appeared, cutting through the tension like a knife. "Mind if I steal Chloe for a moment?"

Hunter hesitated, then stood, leaving her side reluctantly.

Callum took her hand, his grip cool and firm. "What do you want, Chloe?"

She met his gaze head-on. "I want Hunter."

"Good," Callum said, nodding as if he'd expected nothing less. "Let's dance."

She felt his icy hand settle on her back, sending a shiver racing down her spine.

They headed back to the room. Chloe spun abruptly toward him, his arms instinctively wrapping around her. He pressed his lips to hers gently, and she reciprocated, his hands drifting down her spine. She broke the kiss, her cheeks flushed. "Hunter, I'm going to change," she said, slipping into the bathroom. The door didn't quite latch shut. He perched on the bed, catching a glimpse of her in the mirror, her dress falling away, leaving her in nothing but black lace panties. He stiffened, unable to tear his eyes away. Did she do that on purpose?

She slipped into fresh clothes, and he quickly looked away.

"How much time do we have left?"

"Half an hour," he replied. "Come here."

She leaped onto the bed, and he kissed her neck, then lower. His hand brushed her thigh, their kisses growing more urgent. He pulled her closer, and she felt him pressing against her.

She gently pushed him back.

"You've never done this before?" Hunter asked. She shook her head. He stared at her for a moment. "It's fine. I won't push you."

Isabella grinned, clutching her chest. He was hooked.

"But is Chloe going to fall for him?" Isabella wondered aloud. "After the mess with Liam?"

"Doubt it's even on her mind," someone replied.

The bell rang, signaling the end of the break.

"We'll figure this out," Chloe said, and he kissed her again.

They entered the throne room, or whatever she insisted on calling it, stiff and uneasy.

"Welcome back," a voice drawled. "Hope you enjoyed your little break. Next game's all-nighter. This time, ladies, you're saving the guys. They'll get a taste of what you went through, until you find them, that is." He chuckled as the vampires dragged the guys away. Chloe reached for Hunter's hand, holding on until she couldn't anymore.

"Here's the deal," the guy continued, pacing like he owned the place. "A maze. Survive it. Get to your man before someone else does. Simple, right?"

"Good luck, ladies," he said, spinning on the marble floor like a lunatic. "Let the game begin. Tik-tok, tik-tok."

Before Chloe could process it, someone grabbed her arm and shoved her into a dark car. They drove forever, or at least it felt like it, before dragging her into some creepy building. They dumped her at a door with a red light glowing above it. "Stay put," it seemed to say.

Her mind raced back to the shapeshifter guy. His mate. Claiming her like she was some damn trophy. She wasn't anyone special, just a girl with a father who'd left her with scars.

The light turned green. She opened the door. Pitch black. Great. Her fear of darkness kicked in hard. Tiny lights flickered in the distance, barely making a difference. A maze. Think. Use your senses, she told herself. Her stomach growled as the smell of blood hit her. What if it was a trap?

She moved forward, the hallway narrowing. A bony hand grabbed her arm, and she screamed, jerking away. Footsteps behind her. It was Jasmine.

"Stop screaming," Jasmine hissed. "These are vampires sentenced to die, slowly. They've done some messed-up shit."

Chloe nodded, still shaky. "What are you, Chloe?"

"What? Human?"

Jasmine laughed. "Doubt it. That wolf pack came for you. That means you're one of them."

"No way," Chloe scoffed. "I'd know if I were a wolf."

"Not always. Sometimes it takes a while for your form to show."

"How do you know so much?" Chloe asked, just as a bony hand yanked Jasmine into a room.

Chloe tried the door. Locked. She spotted a fire extinguisher, smashed the door open, and found a vampire sucking on Jasmine's wrist. She slammed the extinguisher into his face and dragged Jasmine out.

The crowd watching the game went wild. A glowing sign appeared, directing Chloe to turn. She glanced at the camera and flashed a smile.

Jasmine open her eyes, and Chloe helped her up. "Let's move," Chloe said. But around the corner, the floor was slick with blood. They slipped. Chloe kicked off her shoes.

Meanwhile, Hunter was hallucinating. He saw Chloe smiling at him, her neck calling to him. Then his vision cleared, and he saw a man chained up, covered in blisters.

He gagged. "Motherfucker," he muttered. His mind was still playing tricks, a vampire in lace was coming at him. "No," he shoved her away. "Hell no."

Dana's stomach growled, her hunger gnawing at her like a dog on a bone. She trudged forward, her eyes landing on an IV bag dripping with blood. Too good to be true. "Screw you, Callum," she muttered, grabbing the bag and smashing it against the wall.

Meanwhile, Samantha was sandwiched between two skeletal vampires, their teeth sunk into her wrists. Chloe yanked her free, but Jasmine bolted ahead without a second glance, laughing like it was some twisted joke. "Get up, Samantha," Chloe urged, dragging her to her feet. "Come on, we've got to move."

Samantha finally stirred, groggy but alert. Chloe, sniffing the air. "Hunter's scent," she said, pointing down the dark hallway. But before Chloe could react, an arm snaked out of a doorway, yanking her inside and slamming her against the wall.

"Chloe," Liam's voice was soft, almost pleading. "Listen to me. Give me something to hold onto."

Her hand instinctively reached for his face. "Liam?" she whispered, her fingers brushing his cheek. He kissed her palm, sending a shiver down her spine.

"You feel it, don't you?" he murmured, his lips brushing hers. Her body leaned into his, the pull between them undeniably. "Tell me you do," he breathed, his voice barely audible.

"I do, Liam," she admitted, her head resting against his chest. "But I have to finish this damn game."

He held her tighter, like he was afraid to let go. "You're playing with fire, Chloe."

She pulled back, determination flashing in her eyes. "I made a deal. Wait for me." Her hand lingered on his face. "Now push me out. Make it look real."

"Chloe..."

"Do it," she insisted, shoving him. He didn't budge.

Finally, he relented, giving her a hard push. She stumbled back, hitting the wall just as a bony hand reached out from the doorway, searching for her.

She dodged it, following Hunter's scent down the hall. When she found him, he looked like he'd lost his mind, his hand reaching out blindly. "I'm here, Hunter," pressing her lips to his. Did they believe it? She was not sure she did.