Zahra's POV
The clearing is quiet except for the whisper of wind through the trees and the low hum of tension hanging in the air like static.
Edwardo stands beside me, arms folded, his eyes on the three warriors stepping into position at the centre of the ring.
“Right then, Zahra. After how well you did yesterday, fighting two-on-one, we’re going to see how you handle three. But we’re going to mix things up a little. I want to see how well you can flow between forms during a fight. Henry, Montague, and Anderson are going to demonstrate for us.” He gestures toward the two giants flanking Henry.
I recognize them immediately — the two Elites who approached me that first day inside the training centre. They looked massive then. somehow now they are outside they look even bigger.
Monta
Zahra's POVThe bout is an absolute whirlwind of fur and flailing limbs. I’m panting harder than I ever have in my life, body aching like it’s been trampled by a truck. Zanthe and I have worked our tits off, but even so, I’m bruised and battered, taking more hits than usual.I’m bent over, hands braced on my knees, dragging in air like it might run out. Across the ring, Montague is flat on his back, knocked out cold from the kick we delivered to his jaw a few moments ago.A huge T-shirt suddenly appears in front of my face. I snatch it without question and yank it over my naked body. At this point, I’m beyond caring. We’ve been sparring for nearly an hour, on and off, and I’ve been naked for most of it. These guys are professionals, and Edwardo’s old enough to be my dad. Combine that with my distinctlack of assets, and I know no one
Zahra's POVThe clearing is quiet except for the whisper of wind through the trees and the low hum of tension hanging in the air like static.Edwardo stands beside me, arms folded, his eyes on the three warriors stepping into position at the centre of the ring.“Right then, Zahra. After how well you did yesterday, fighting two-on-one, we’re going to see how you handle three. But we’re going to mix things up a little. I want to see how well you can flow between forms during a fight. Henry, Montague, and Anderson are going to demonstrate for us.” He gestures toward the two giants flanking Henry.I recognize them immediately — the two Elites who approached me that first day inside the training centre. They looked massive then. somehow now they areoutside they look even bigger.Monta
Max's POVI wake slowly, warmth wrapping around me like a cocoon. The mattress beneath me is unbelievably soft, a luxurious contrast to the stiff bunk back at camp. Xander's legs are still tangled with mine, his body relaxed, breathing steady in sleep. I let my eyes trace over his face, his dark lashes brushing against high cheekbones, the shadow of stubble along his jaw catching the faint morning light. Goddess, he’s fucking beautiful.Last night plays vividly in my mind. Each time we’re together, it feels less like a guilty secret and more like something real. Something that belongs only to us. Xander seems more at ease now, more certain about whatever this is. But what exactly it is remains undefined, hanging between us like smoke. We haven’t talked about it—not since we called things off in the spring—but camp has made it impossible to ignore. I just hope that when we go home, whateve
Tobias's POVWhen I wake in the morning, I lie still for a moment, letting my mind settle. The light in the room is soft, muted by the thick curtains drawn over the windows. The silence feels heavier after last night, but not unpleasant.I reach for my new connection to Zahra. The one I have yet to explain or fully understand.She feels content. Calm. I get the sense she is already awake, probably getting herself ready for the day. The quiet hum of her steady emotions grounds me. I allow myself a small exhale of relief before dragging myself out of bed.The shower helps. The hot water scalds away the lingering haze from last night's wine and whiskey. It takes a lot to get me drunk, but I had enough to leave me buzzed, just foggy enough that I appreciate the sharp clarity returning as the steam fills the space.Once I am
Tobias's POVI watch as Aiden leads Zahra out of the atrium, heading back toward the Beta residence.She looks fucking glorious in that dress.All night, I have struggled to keep my eyes off her. She is breath-taking. Completely, maddeningly breath-taking.Thor has not stopped drooling over her in my head, pacing and growling, making it impossible to focus on anything else while she sat beside me. I thought I was going to have to rip Isaac’s eyes out of his head with the way he was looking at her earlier, but thankfully, Zach made himself very clear. The message landed. Isaac backed off.The doors to the garden stand open, letting the warm evening air drift through the atrium. The scent of jasmine and lavender rolls in on the breeze, mixing with the faint smoke of the torches flickering outside. My glass of whiskey
Zahra's POVThe air shifts like he just dropped a live grenade into the middle of the room. Isaac and Jackson stare, both visibly blindsided. My own jaw slackens in disbelief. I am not sure my brain fully processes what he has just suggested. This is unheard of. Ranked positions passed outside the primary bloodlines? Without a direct challenge? It goes against everything we are taught about pack structure. My mind scrambles to catch up, but Tobias continues, unbothered by the shock surrounding him.“We’ve reviewed your files and genealogies.” His voice is smooth, steady, completely in control. “You both descend from some of the strongest and oldest lines in any of the packs. You are formidable and would make excellent ranked members. Moreover, you’re the same age as Lincoln and Sam. If you’re interested, we’d like to invite you to join us for the remainder of the summer camp, to see if you get along and determine whether you can envision yourselves working together.”The silence that