4

FALLON 

  

My legs are shaky as I climb into my bunk that night. After Gray’s punishment run, Theo put us through circuit training and Brock had us alternating planks and squats until some of the trainees actually collapsed. I’ve been training for years, but I now realize that nothing could have adequately prepared me for the squad’s summer training camp. And this was only day one. 

When they finally released us for the day, I caught a quick shower and went to the dining hall to grab a bite. Thank God for Davis and Boyd, because I guess none of the other recruits are speaking to me. The 20-lap punishment has made me enemy number one. 

I spotted Brooke across the dining hall, sitting with a group of people who I can only assume are the IT team. She looked like she was settling in comfortably, so I just tossed her a wave and didn’t interrupt. I’m still kicking myself over the ruckus I caused earlier, and she’s the only one I want to talk to right now. Being across the room from her felt like I was miles away. 

The dorms are set up like an orphanage; just a huge room with rows of bunk beds. I took a top bunk, above Davis. Boyd’s on the top bunk across from me, and it’s a comfort to be flanked by my two friends. They’re like a protective shield; even though everybody here seems to hate me, they’ll have to get through them to mess with me.   

I pull the sheets and scratchy blanket up to my chest, sighing as I stare at the ceiling. It’s dark, but as a shifter, I’ve got great night vision. My muscles are screaming and I’m completely exhausted, but I can’t stop my mind from racing. 

Beside me, I hear Boyd climb into his bunk. “You just had to pull a Fallon today, huh?” he whispers. 

Though I know he’s teasing, his words sting a little bit. I’ve already beat myself up enough over this. I don’t want to cry, so I work up a snarky response instead. 

“I just couldn’t help myself,” I breathe, snickering a little. “I’ve always hated rules.” 

I roll my body in Boyd’s direction, blinking to see his face in the dark. He’s already turned toward me, propped up on an elbow with his head resting on his hand. 

“I hate to break it to you, but I’m pretty sure that’s what this summer’s all about,” he smirks. 

I breathe out a sigh. “Let’s just hope me and my bad attitude can survive.” 

Boyd chuckles, and I prop myself up on an elbow to mirror his position. 

“Seriously, Boyd, what am I gonna do?” I whisper. “That guy hates me.” 

He shakes his head. “Ah, don’t worry about it. It was only the first day. He’ll forget. Besides, nobody could hate you, Fallon.” Boyd stares at me, a little too longingly. 

Is he flirting? My ‘yuck’ meter starts going off. 

“Maybe.” I roll back over, staring at the ceiling again. “Thanks for being such a good friend.” 

Boyd doesn’t respond, and I know he’s probably a little sore from being knocked back into the friend zone. 

I stare at the ceiling for a long time, replaying the day’s events in my head over and over again. I go from being regretful, to sad, to mad. 

Gray’s an asshole. How can someone so hot be such a dick? It’s probably because he knows he’s hot. I know I should just swallow my pride and fall in line, but something inside of me wants to fight his authority. Maybe it’s because we’re from different packs. He may be an alpha, but he’s not my alpha.