Chapter 3

One suspicious glance could unravel everything.

Dane sat in the back of advanced tactics class, trying to focus on the lecture about pack coordination. The professor droned on about moon phase strategies, but Dane's eyes kept drifting to the two officials watching from the side of the room. Head Administrator Crowe and Coach Lang stood near the door, whispering and scanning the students.

"Mr. Wilder," Crowe called out suddenly, his voice cutting through the room. "Your performance in the recent competition was impressive. Tell the class, how did shifting feel during that final sprint? Did the wolf give you extra edge?"

Dane straightened up fast. "It was all training, sir. Teamwork and focus. Didn't need a full shift to close the gap."

Lang leaned forward with a sharp smile. "Interesting. We've noticed some top athletes like you show unusual patterns lately. Any issues with your transformations? The academy is running voluntary checks for stronger shifters. You should sign up."

"No issues here," Dane replied quickly, forcing a confident tone. "I'm good. Really."

Crowe exchanged a look with Lang before nodding. "Keep it that way. We value strength at Shadowpeak. Weak links get removed."

The class continued but Dane's mind raced. Those two had never paid him extra attention before. Why now? He glanced around and spotted a couple other strong students getting similar questions later. Something felt off.

Across campus in the library during free period, Ezra hunched over dusty books in a quiet corner. He flipped pages fast, muttering to himself.

An older librarian walked by and paused. "Mr. Kane, researching rare shifts? That's advanced stuff. Most students don't bother with these old texts."

Ezra looked up with his usual cocky grin. "Just trying to stay ahead. Got any tips on forcing a stubborn wolf out? Hypothetically, of course."

The librarian chuckled. "Hypothetically? Push the body hard, combine movement with mental focus. But be careful. Some techniques backfire. Why the sudden interest? You shift fine in track events."

"Improving my game," Ezra said smoothly. "Thanks for the help."

He dug deeper into the records, scribbling notes on old methods involving resistance and pain triggers. Time flew as he read about failed shifters who eventually broke through with help. His thoughts kept jumping to Dane. This could actually work.

Later that evening, Dane slipped back to the hidden clearing right on time. Ezra waited with the gear ready, looking impatient.

"You showed again," Ezra said. "Good. After last night's disaster, I found better stuff in the library. Old techniques. We ramp it up tonight. No more easy warmups."

Dane dropped his bag. "Let's do it. Those officials in class today were weird. Asking about my shifts like they suspect something. Crowe and Lang kept pushing."

Ezra raised an eyebrow. "See? That's why we train. Can't let them sniff you out. Start with sprints across the clearing. Full speed. Then we add jumps and rolls. Focus on the change every step."

They launched into it. Dane pushed hard from the first sprint.

"Faster," Ezra called out. "Drive those legs. Imagine the wolf bursting free mid stride. Come on, Wilder, don't hold back this time."

"I'm not holding back," Dane shot back, breathing heavy after the third lap. "This better work. What did you find in those books anyway?"

"Stuff about stress triggers," Ezra replied, running alongside. "Body under pressure sometimes forces the shift. Like real combat. Try this next set with high knees. Really explode upward."

Dane attacked the drills. Sweat flew as he jumped and rolled, then sprinted again. "Feels like fire again. Same as always. Nothing new."

"Keep talking through it," Ezra said. "What exactly happens when it locks up? Details help me adjust."

"Muscles seize," Dane answered between bursts. "Bones ache but won't move. It's like my wolf is trapped deep and won't answer. Why do you care so much, Kane? This isn't your problem."

Ezra smirked but kept the pace. "Maybe I don't want to beat a fake in the next big meet. Or maybe this is entertaining. Push harder now. Ten more jumps. Land strong."

Dane went for it. On the seventh jump he twisted wrong on the landing. Pain shot through his ankle. "Shit!"

He stumbled and went down hard, grabbing his leg. "Damn it. Twisted it bad."

Ezra stopped immediately and crouched beside him. "Let me see. Don't move yet. Which part hurts?"

Dane winced as Ezra gently probed the ankle. "There. Right on the side. This is your fault with these crazy drills."

"Quit whining," Ezra said, but his touch stayed careful. "It's swelling already. I brought a wrap just in case. Hold still while I fix it."

Dane sat back against a tree, surprised at how quick Ezra moved. "You actually came prepared? Didn't think you'd play nurse."

Ezra wrapped the ankle tight but not too tight. "I push hard but I'm not stupid. We need you functional. There. How's that feel? Better?"

"A little," Dane admitted. "Thanks. Didn't expect you to help like this."

The clearing grew quiet for a moment as Ezra sat back on his heels. The usual smug look softened just a bit.

"Don't get used to it," Ezra said. "But seriously, why push so hard tonight? You nearly broke yourself."

Dane rubbed his face. "Those officials got in my head. Asking about shifts in front of everyone. What if they test me? I can't fake a full transformation forever."

Ezra nodded slowly. "I saw similar crap in the library logs. Some administrators track students who lag on shifts. Could be nothing, but it feels shady. You think they're watching you specifically?"

"Maybe," Dane replied. "They singled out a few top guys. Including me. Makes me wonder what's really going on at this academy."

Ezra leaned against the same tree, close enough their shoulders almost touched. "My family always drilled me to win at all costs. Second place was never an option. Sound familiar?"

Dane glanced over. "Yeah. My dad expected perfection. After my parents died, the pressure only got worse. Carry the name, be the strong Alpha. Failing to shift felt like betraying them."

Ezra stayed quiet for a beat. "Rough. My old man rides me nonstop too. Says speed defines us. But sometimes I wonder if there's more to it than just winning races. You ever feel like the academy hides stuff from us?"

"All the time lately," Dane said, voice lower. "Especially after seeing those two today. Thanks for wrapping this. And for not ratting me out yet."

Ezra gave a small shrug. "Don't thank me too soon. We still have work to do. But yeah, this rivalry thing feels different now. You're not just some cocky leader anymore."

Dane tested his ankle and winced slightly. "You're not as much of an asshole as I thought. Still arrogant though."

Ezra laughed once. "And you're still stubborn as hell. Rest that foot a minute. Then we try one light drill before calling it. Deal?"

"Deal," Dane agreed. "But go easy. No more hero stuff tonight."

They talked a bit more while Dane rested, words flowing easier than before. Hints of real respect mixed into the jabs. The night air felt heavier with unspoken layers between them as the training wound down. Something had shifted in their dynamic, even if just a little.