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.

Olivia bolted through the maze, the clock ticking down, one hour left. It felt like she was going in circles. She paused, letting out a laugh that was equal parts frustration and disbelief.

On the screen, Samantha, Marcus, Jasmine, Damon, Chloe, and Hunter watched intently. Olivia pushed herself up, catching a whiff of something. She moved along the wall, only for a bony hand to snatch at her. She threw a punch, breaking free but not without a scratch. Exhausted, she stumbled forward, opening a door to find Jayson, his gaze hazy. She reached out, her fingers brushing his arm.

"Olivia," he muttered weakly.

"Yeah, yeah, come on. We're running out of time," she snapped, pulling him along as they hurried back.

Meanwhile, Dana was still wandering. She reached a door, opened it, and was yanked inside by a pack of skeletal, ravenous vampires. Her screams echoed, relentless.

Chloe inhaled sharply, gripping Hunter's arm as Brian appeared on the screen, completely unhinged before he was dragged away too. Blood smeared the camera lens. Hunter tightened his hold on her.

Callum leaned back, breaking the tension with a dry, "Well, that was... something. You've got three hours left. Enjoy." He waved them off with a smirk.

Inside the room, she darted for the bathroom, catching a glimpse of herself in the mirror, her clothes splattered with blood like in a horror movie. She stripped them off and stepped under the shower's stream. He slipped in behind her, the door left slightly open with a soft creak. She let out a breath, shutting her eyes as his hands moved over her, breasts, stomach, then lower, between her legs. He turned her around, his mouth on her breast, she felt it hard in her hand, until they both fell apart. He pulled her close, her body trembling against his.

"God, I want you so much," he murmured. "But I get it. A deal's a deal."

"I just needed to blow off some steam, Hunter. Keep it together. I've never even touched a guy's..." Her face burned as she stepped out of the tub.

"Look at me, Chloe," Hunter said. "It's normal, okay?" Touching each other to please? Never done that before...

She grabbed her robe, tying it loosely. Shaking her head "I did like that, though," she admitted, smiling.

"Oh, yeah? We can go again?"

"Nope. Right now, I want food."

They laughed, and he leaned in, kissing her softly before flipping her onto the bed. His lips trailed down her inner thigh, teasing.

"Hunter, stop," she said, trying to sound firm but already breathless.

Too late, he didn't listen, his mouth moving further, and she gasped, her body tensing before she fell apart again. He climbed over her, kissing her deeply, his eyes locked on hers.

"You good now?" he asked, smiling.

"Yeah," she laughed, her head dropped on his chest.

She closed her eyes, drifting off for a moment. He watched her, realizing he was in way too deep. She didn't notice, of course. But there was no going back now. They still had to beat this damn game. Whatever Callum had planned next, they'd deal with it, together.

Hunter kissed her cheek as he laid her on the pillow, then stood up and paced the room. "I love her," he thought, running a hand through his hair. "How the hell did that happen? "She had chosen him. Her eyes had seen into his soul, past his defenses. He touched the raised edge of his scar, feeling his blood boil with the revenge still simmering beneath the surface. "They'll pay. I just need to win this damn game," he promised himself. But when he looked at her again, his expression softened. He lay back down, pulling her against him, wanting her, remembering how she tasted.

The clock read half an hour until the next round. "Chloe," he whispered. "Get up. The bell will ring soon. Go get dressed." He smiled. "Stop tempting me. "She turned, touching his face and kissing him softly with closed eyes. Hunter's doubt flickered. "This can't be an act. I feel something real here... or I want to believe it's real. "She dressed quickly. The bell rang and the door swung open.

"Welcome back," Callum said with a smirk. "Got some rest... or not?" He laughed knowingly. Four chairs stood in the middle of the room. "Ladies, please sit down. This round is a little different. Let's see how much you've learned about each other. "The men were led away, Hunter's eyes locked with Chloe's until the last moment.

"You're allowed to miss three answers," Callum explained. "Then it's... well, you know. Let the game begin." "First question: What attracted you first to him?"

"His body," Jasmine said with a smile.

"His smile," Samantha answered.

"His eyes," Chloe said confidently.

"His... looks overall," Olivia finally replied. Lights illuminated the men's answers. Olivia didn't match. "Your turn now," Callum continued. "Something you like to do together?"

"Sex," Samantha said boldly.

"Hug," offered Jasmine.

"Touch," Chloe said softly.

"Hold hands," Olivia answered. Hunter looked at the board and smiled at the match with Chloe. The questions continued relentlessly until Olivia missed her third answer.

The chairs were dragged away, scraping against the floor. Olivia stepped up to Chloe, her voice low but steady. "Tell my mom I did my best. Promise me."

"If I make it out alive, I promise," Chloe replied, gripping Olivia's hand until they yanked her into the center of the room.

Chloe turned away, her stomach twisting as Olivia's screams echoed, raw and gut-wrenching. Hunter pulled her close, feeling her tremble against him, and held her tighter.

"Okay, one hour," Callum said casually, like he hadn't just watched someone die. "Come back for the party."

Chloe strode up to him, stopping inches from his face. "You need to stop this. How many people have died? How many before us?"

"Oh, Chloe," Callum mocked, tilting his head. "Is it too cruel for you?"

"Don't touch me," she snapped, her voice sharp. "You'll pay for this. That's a promise."

"I can hardly wait," Callum drawled, smiling. "Do entertain me."

Chloe leaned in, her voice icy. "Together, we're an army. Alone?" She paused, her eyes drilling into his. "You're nothing, Callum. I see you, weak, begging for your eternal life to end."

Callum's hand shot out, wrapping around her throat. She didn't flinch, didn't struggle.

"Do it," she hissed, her gaze locked on his. "I dare you."

Hunter fought against the vampires holding him, shouting her name. "Take me! Please, don't hurt her!"

Isabella strode over, clapping slowly. "Love, Callum," she said with a smirk. "You can't fight it."

Callum let out a hollow laugh, releasing Chloe. But beneath the bravado, he felt it, a flicker of unease he couldn't shake. Why? He wasn't sure.