Stuck with the enemy

The conversation with Mary had been unsettling, to say the least, but I shook it off. There wasn't time to dwell on it now. I made my way back just in time for the start of the morning training session. To my relief, my team was already gathered, everyone accounted for-no stragglers, no drama.

The training grounds were buzzing with energy. Recruits milled about, some stretching, others sparring in pairs or chatting in small groups. As we walked toward the main area, curious eyes turned in our direction. The newer recruits seemed indifferent, but the veterans were clearly sizing us up, their gazes lingering on each member of my team. It was subtle, but the unspoken challenge in their eyes was impossible to miss.

"They're staring," Tommy muttered, standing a little too close to me for comfort. His usual bravado seemed to waver slightly.

"Let them," Aras said coolly, his tone sharp enough to cut. "They'll get used to us soon enough."

Jacob smirked, leaning closer to whisper. "Or they won't, and that'll be fun too."

I rolled my eyes but didn't respond. My focus shifted as Beta Paul arrived, cutting a commanding figure as he strode into the center of the grounds. His presence silenced the murmurs instantly.

He cleared his throat, his voice booming with authority as he addressed the crowd. "Good morning, everyone. As you've likely noticed, we have some new faces among us today." His gaze swept over our group, pausing briefly on me before continuing. "These recruits are joining us from the Crescent Moon Pack's extended territories. They've earned this opportunity, and starting today, they'll train alongside you as your equals."

A ripple of reaction spread through the crowd. Some nodded in quiet acceptance, while others exchanged skeptical glances. A few of the veterans didn't bother to hide their disdain, their smirks making their opinions clear.

Beta Paul didn't seem to care. "I expect you to treat them as you would any other member of this training center. Respect is earned through skill and discipline, not background or origin."

Jacob muttered under his breath, "Glad he said it. Not sure they care, though."

"Quiet," I hissed, elbowing him lightly.

Beta Paul's sharp gaze landed on me briefly, as though sensing the small exchange, before he continued. "To properly integrate our new recruits, we'll be starting with a small initiation competition." His tone was matter-of-fact, but the corners of his mouth quirked ever so slightly as if he enjoyed the prospect.

"Competition?" Kai asked, his eyebrows shooting up.

Beta Paul's next words answered him. "This will be a test of your abilities-strength, strategy, teamwork. You'll compete against the existing recruits in a series of challenges designed to evaluate your potential. It's not just about winning. It's about how you work as a unit."

A hushed murmur ran through my team, uncertainty mingling with anticipation. Jacob leaned toward me, muttering, "Did we sign up for a reality show? Because this feels like an elimination round."

I shot him a look but couldn't suppress the flicker of nerves in my chest. Paul's words hung heavy in the air, and I could feel the weight of every gaze on us. They weren't just curious; they were eager to see us fail.

"This is their way of seeing if we belong here," Aras said quietly, his tone calm but laced with determination. "We prove them wrong."

Jacob, on the other hand, looked like he might explode with excitement. "A competition? Finally! I've been waiting for this. What's the first challenge?"

Paul raised his hand to quiet the murmurs. "The first event will be a basic obstacle course. Nothing too extreme-just a warm-up. However," he added, his eyes narrowing slightly, "the time and teamwork you display will set the tone for how seriously we take you moving forward. Understood?"