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CHAPTER 44
~Valerie's POV~
Following Isla's yell, the cheers erupted a second later, but all I could hear was my heartbeat slamming against my ribs like it wanted out.
I bent over, hands on my knees, taking gulps of air. My throat burned. My lungs felt like someone had taken a match to them.
But damn it even though something was amiss, I won.
Xander stopped beside me, just behind the line, not even winded. He stood tall, hands on his hips, his dragon mark glowing faintly at the edge of his collarbone. "Impressive," he said smoothly. "For someone running from six mates."
I glanced up at him with a tired grin. "Try running with six of them."
His lips twitched, and he gave me a light nod, almost… respectful?
The others reached us moments later.
Kai arrived first, soaked in sweat but still wearing that smug little smirk. Axel followed, breathing heavier but not looking too bad.
