Chapter 4 Training and Growth

****

With the rogue defeated beneath her, the entire camp stared at Selina. Some looked shocked, others intrigued-but most wore something she had never seen directed at her before.

Respect.

She wasn't just some omega anymore. She had proven herself.

But one fight wasn't enough to secure her place.

****

Roman stepped into the pit, his boots crunching against the bloodstained dirt. The casual smirk never left his face, but his eyes studied her-measured her.

"You survived the pit," he said. "But survival isn't enough."

Selina's body still ached from the fight, but she refused to let it show. "Then what is?"

Roman tilted his head slightly. "Strength." His gaze darkened. "Loyalty." He took a step closer, and the air between them crackled with tension. "And knowing who you are willing to fight for."

A low murmur ran through the crowd.

Selina's fingers curled into fists. "And what if I don't fight for anyone but myself?"

Roman's lips twitched. "Then you'll die alone."

Something about his words sent a shiver through her-but not from fear.

From understanding.

Because that was exactly what had almost happened to her back in the Bloodfang Pack.

Roman turned to the gathered rogues, raising his voice. "She stays. But she fights alongside us, not just for herself." His sharp gaze flicked back to Selina. "You want to train? Fine. We start at dawn."

He didn't give her a choice.

Not that she needed one.

She nodded.

"I'll be ready."

Silas' Warning

As the crowd dispersed, muttering about the unexpected fight, a presence lingered behind her.

Silas.

The scarred rogue leaned against a tree, arms crossed, watching her with narrowed eyes. Unlike the others, his expression wasn't impressed.

"You should leave while you can," he muttered.

Selina tensed. "Why? Because you think I don't belong?"

Silas shook his head slowly. "No. Because Roman doesn't do anything without a reason." His gaze flickered toward where the alpha had disappeared into the darkness. "He saw something in you tonight. And that means you're either his next weapon... or his next enemy."

Selina swallowed hard, but she kept her voice steady. "I'll take my chances."

Silas let out a humorless chuckle. "Then I hope you survive training." He pushed off the tree and strode away.

Selina exhaled, her body still buzzing with adrenaline.

She had won her first fight.

But something told her the real battle was just beginning.

****

The sun barely kissed the horizon when Roman's voice shattered the morning silence.

"Get up."

Selina groaned, every muscle in her body screaming in protest. The fight from the night before had left her sore, bruised, and exhausted. But she refused to show weakness.

She pushed herself up, blinking away the remnants of sleep. The rogue camp was already awake, wolves moving about, preparing for the day. The scent of damp earth and firewood lingered in the crisp morning air.

Roman stood at the edge of the training grounds, arms crossed. He looked completely unaffected by the early hour, dressed in a loose black shirt and combat pants, his presence commanding as ever.

"Move faster," he ordered. "We're already behind."

Selina clenched her jaw but obeyed.

She had fought to be here.

Now, she had to prove she could stay.

****

The first lesson wasn't about fighting.

It was about endurance.

Roman led her deep into the forest, where the trees grew thick and the ground was uneven with tangled roots and jagged rocks. He didn't explain what they were doing. He just started running.

Selina hesitated for half a second before chasing after him.

It wasn't a normal run. It was a test of survival.

The terrain was merciless-steep slopes, slick mud, fallen logs that forced her to jump or climb. Her lungs burned, her legs ached, but Roman never slowed.

"Keep up," he called over his shoulder. "Or don't bother coming back."

Selina pushed harder, refusing to let the distance between them grow.

Pain is temporary. Weakness is a choice.

That thought kept her moving.

By the time they reached a small clearing, her body was drenched in sweat, her heart pounding violently. She bent over, hands on her knees, gasping for breath.

Roman, on the other hand, barely looked winded.

He tilted his head. "Disappointed?"

Selina lifted her gaze. "That you didn't drop dead? A little."

A sharp laugh escaped him. The sound was unexpected, rough and genuine, but it disappeared as quickly as it came.

"Good," he said. "You'll need that attitude."

Because the real training was just beginning.

****

After the run, Roman led her back to the training grounds, where a circle of wolves had already gathered.

Two rogues were sparring in the center, their bodies moving with deadly precision. One misstep, and bones would break.

Selina swallowed hard.

Roman turned to her. "You want to fight?"

She met his gaze. "Yes."

He nodded toward the pit. "Then get in."

She barely had time to process what was happening before a massive rogue stepped forward-easily twice her size, his muscled arms scarred from past battles.

Her opponent.

Selina's stomach twisted, but she refused to back down.

Roman's voice was low, firm. "No rules. No mercy. Win, or get broken."

Selina exhaled slowly.

She had survived rejection. She had survived exile.

She would survive this, too.

The rogue charged.

And the fight began.

The rogue lunged.

Selina barely had time to react before a massive fist swung toward her face. She ducked at the last second, feeling the wind of the strike brush against her cheek. The crowd around them jeered and laughed, already betting on her failure.

Her opponent was huge-at least a foot taller than her, all brute strength and muscle. His movements weren't refined, but they were powerful. If one of those punches landed, she knew it would hurt.

A lot.

Roman stood at the edge of the pit, arms crossed, watching silently.

No help was coming. This was a test. She had to figure it out on her own.

The rogue smirked. "You don't belong here, Omega."

Selina's muscles tensed.

She wasn't an omega anymore.

And she was about to prove it.