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He didn’t win all his fights, but he didn’t lose theuessed was close to a year and a half, with neither the long days nor the long nights to judge by—he found hie beta After that one punch froht by surprise, and he had developed a knack for parrying and blocking Offensive tactics didn’t co enough to tire out his opponent

It would neverthe tora

Alpha Brock, on the other hand, rehts than any of them, like he had to constantly remind himself and everyone else how much better he was Z tried to stay out of his way, but it was iht, there was no denying him Z had received more bruises and scars from those fists than he could count

The pack was standing around watching an iht the scent of Master Jael approaching, along with another scent Faue at the same time

Z tore his eyes froht at the sahters took another ether they all rushed to line up for Jael’s entrance Z recognized the cadence of Jael’s footsteps, beside soht anyone new to their barracks since Z himself had joined the pack

Master Jael stepped out of the cave and into the training cavern, a new conscript at his side

Z couldn’t keep back a gasp Beside him, Wynn flinched at the noise, and he was sure they’d all noticed his reaction He wasn’t the only one with advanced hearing

But the new conscript was his brother Taller now, but otherwise not ed

Ran took longer to notice hi half a step behind Master Jael, dressed in unifor the faces of his new family

Until his eyes landed on Z and his scrutiny froze

“Alpha Brock,” said Jael, “This is the final recruit for your pack, Beta Ran Kesley”

Together with the rest of the pack, Z clasped his fist to his chest

“Beta Kesley, you may join your pack”

Z gulped, waiting for the nition would flash across his face

And it came, and Ran’s eyes did widen, but then he bowed his head and put up no resistance as his body joined the others at the end of the line and his balled fist hit his chest

Z found that his heart was thundering He wondered if the others could hear it

He heard Ran’s breathing, three bodies away from him, as Jael released his control

“Welco will coht up on” Jael spun on his heels and left them without ceremony

No one moved until both the sound of his footsteps and the scent of his cologne had dissipated

Then Alpha Brock snorted The noise sent ice rushing through Z’s veins

The pack broke formation and within seconds had Ran surrounded

“Well,” said Alpha Brock “You did better on your induction than your arrogant brother, at least”

Ran’s gaze flickered to Z, a look of fear and uncertainty, before flying back to Alpha Brock

“I honestly didn’t think Master Jael could handle one“You must be pretty weak-minded for him to have taken you on”

Ran took half a step away Z could see he was still dazed froeries, his pupils dilated and a sheen of sweat on his brow

“Leave hi into the circle It was the only ti him directly

Brock turned and peered at Z from the corner of his eye “What’s that, Kesley?”

“Give him some time We all know you’re Alpha—you don’t have to bully every twelve-year-old kid who comes in here to prove it”

He thought he heard a snicker behind him, but it was stifled as Brock’s expression darkened He turned toward him fully and Z was surprised at the relief that rushed into hi Ran anymore

But then Brock spun so fast, his leg lifted for a roundhouse kick, that Z wasn’t sure he could have blocked it Brock’s foot s him into Beta Rafe

White spots flashed in Z’s vision and he didn’t realize what he was doing until a roar eed from his throat and his fist collided with Brock’s jaw

Brock stu, he flew back at Z and used the leverage of Z’s second punch to spin hi Z’s head in the crook of his elbow With one arrowled and tried to toss Brock over him, like he’d learned to throw others when they had hi Z’s free hand beat uselessly, pathetically against Brock’s ear