Chapter 5 FIVE

Selene was an excellent fighter, and I wasn't far behind. She's quite a bit taller than me, probably around five foot seven while I'm only about five one, so the height difference is obvious. But our similar builds make it easier to pick up new techniques together.

Her black workout gear clings to her toned, sun-kissed muscles, making her look like she could be a fitness model.

I'm muscular too and pretty well-defined, but I prefer covering up most of my skin. It hides the scars and bruises, though it sometimes makes me seem heavier than I really am.

Today, I'm dressed in loose sweatpants and a t-shirt, with a tank top underneath. I've learned the hard way that without layers, bruises and scars show too clearly when I'm sparring.

I don't want anyone to see those marks and feel sorry for me or pretend to offer help. It might sound strange, but my wolf and I have argued about this-I simply don't want help from anyone.

Especially not from those who ignored me when I was getting hurt. It's easy for them now to act like they care, offering help or saying I just need to ask.

But these are the same people who turned their backs when I was suffering because looking out for themselves was more important than doing the right thing. So, I keep my pain to myself.

I try to blend into the background as much as I can, but sparring is my passion. I usually stay near the edge of the group and only train with the warriors assisting Delta Nolan.

He's noticed I keep my distance and probably understands why, so he makes sure I have a partner during sessions.

I'm not sure if it's my personality or my beta blood, but the adrenaline and excitement from a good fight always brighten my day.

I'm actually a pretty capable fighter, even though I let Raven and her gang rough me up sometimes. It's better that they pick on me instead of someone who can't take the hits.

I never fight back; I learned early that the beating ends faster if they get bored. Plus, if I don't throw any punches, I avoid trouble since fights with marks and videos cause the worst consequences.

Once, not long after I got my wolf, Raven sported a black eye for a week. People blamed it on my beta blood and a lucky strike, and I didn't dispute it. But the punishment I received was harsh.

I was suspended from school, locked in my room, and my dad forbade Lila from talking to me or feeding me. She ignored those orders, though, making sure I completed my schoolwork and that none of my assignments were late. I wasn't about to give anyone another reason to punish me.

Delta Nolan and some of the senior pack warriors went around, fixing stances and offering pointers.

"Good work, ladies. You two caught on to the

move faster than anyone today," Delta Nolan said, leaning in close.

"Even the younger alphas and betas are still struggling." He whispered this with a wink. "But don't let them hear me say that." We giggled and got ready to try the move again.

"You got it, Delta," I replied. He knew exactly how to make me smile-the jab aimed at my brother always worked.

He's seen how hard I push myself, even if he can't help me much outside these training sessions. I think that's my dad's doing-focusing on my brother and other future leaders-but I'm not certain.

Delta Nolan feels more like an older brother than my real one ever has. He's helped me cover up some of the worst injuries from bullying and never judges or asks too many questions. He and Luna Sage are the only ones who know I bonded with my wolf so young.

That's rare-sometimes powerful wolves come early if they're strong enough. I believe the Moon Goddess sent mine to help me deal with everything. Even though I love my wolf and am grateful for her support, I wish the Moon Goddess would just stop the bullying.

Luna Sage's been guiding me through shifting and strengthening our pack link. There's something empowering about being invisible. But just as I was settling into that thought, Nolan shattered it with his next words.

"I think a demonstration is necessary. Selene, Aria, why don't you show everyone what the new defensive move looks like?" he called out loud enough for the whole group to hear.

Then he grinned and winked at me, and all I wanted was to knock that smile right off his perfect teeth

"I can't stand you," I send through our mental link.

"I figured," she replies, "but someone has to witness what you're really capable of. Your brother and the others need a reality check. They've been coasting for too long. Just give me five minutes."

"Fine. Two minutes tops," I growl, turning to face Selene. She's grinning like I just promised her unlimited candy at a fair. Of course she's loving this.

"Everyone ready?" Delta Nolan's voice rings out, steady and commanding, as the crowd gathers tighter around us. We take our stances. "Selene, you're the aggressor. Aria, use the new defense technique and try to hold her down in under thirty seconds."

Murmurs break out-"No way!" "Thirty seconds? Impossible!"-followed by snickers. That's the moment my wolf stirs awake. No more hiding.

Those arrogant fools act like they own this place, yet they can't even pull off simple moves on each other. She snarls inside me.

"Ready?" I ask my wolf.

"Oh, finally," she purrs, sending a subtle surge of strength through my limbs. I don't want to hurt Selene, but if the boys need a lesson, they're going to get it.

The crowd's laughter fades into background noise. My eyes fix on Selene. My instincts take over. "No one's done that in under thirty seconds," a sharp, mocking voice yells out. Heads nod, amused.

Now my blood's boiling - and so is my wolf's.

"We'll finish this in less than ten, and if I find out who ran their mouth, they're next," she growls. I feel every muscle tense, ready to explode.

"Watch closely," Delta Nolan says flatly. "Set... go!"

I launch forward at once, not waiting for Selene's move. She feints left, then ducks low, aiming to catch me with a shoulder charge. I'm quicker.

As she lowers, I slam my knee upward into her chest and jaw, stealing her breath. As she recoils, I strike her back with an elbow. She grabs my waist, trying to pull me down.

Instead of resisting, I flow with her, twisting and flipping over her. I land on top, pinning her with a knee pressing her throat and locking one arm tight.

Our eyes meet. Surprise? Shock? I can't tell. The crowd falls silent. Then a hand pats my back. I look up to see Delta Nolan grinning, barely hiding his amusement.

"Under ten seconds. Sorry, Leo, she just smashed your best time," he announces, chuckling and shrugging at his son.

I help Selene to her feet.

"You're fast. Guess you'll have to show me how to keep up," she says with a teasing glint.

I just nod. When she figures out where I stand around here, she'll probably want nothing to do with me.

The crowd is quieter than usual when training wraps up, but I don't care. I pinned her in under ten seconds.

I fight back a smile. I'm not supposed to be good at anything. I gather my things and notice Selene walking beside me, wordless and following my lead.

It's strange, but I say nothing. We head to the locker room together. It's weird, but kind of nice having someone choose to walk beside me.