Chapter 5

When we stepped into the barracks, I took in my surroundings, and wow…this place is huge.

The building is clearly maintained with care, almost obsessively so. It feels nothing like the worn-down, neglected barracks back at Nightshade. The floors are polished hardwood, recently cleaned to the point that they reflect the overhead lighting in soft, warm streaks. A faint scent of wood polish lingers in the air like fresh pine. The walls are painted a soft sandy tone, making the space feel open and calm rather than cold or intimidating. Large windows line the upper sections of the building, allowing natural light to pour in and stretch across the floor in golden patches. Outside, I catch glimpses of greenery swaying gently, adding to the sense of quiet order. Even the decor gives a warm, homey feeling. Framed paintings hang neatly along the walls, while tall floor vases filled with healthy indoor plants are placed at measured intervals, making the whole space feel thoughtfully put together. 

After everyone gathers in the common area, the instructors begin handing out rooms and keys to members of the other packs. Alpha Draegan and Alpha Colt also start calling out the trainees’ names from our pack, going down the list.

Alpha Colt comes over with another tall Alpha male following closely beside him. The man gives off a warm and safe feeling just like both Alpha Draegan and Alpha Colt. His muscular bronze skin has a slight sheen of sweat, and his sharp green eyes carry a slight authoritative edge. The tight army green shirt and slightly baggy camo pants emphasize his robust build. His short brown hair is cut into a fresh crisp buzz cut. 

Alpha Colt’s baritone voice draws everyone’s attention. “Listen up! After you get your room number and keys, make your way to your rooms to clean up and come back downstairs if you want dinner in the mess hall. It is not required, so if you’d rather stay in your rooms and get some rest, that is fine by us. If you do wish to come down for dinner, Alpha Matthew here will bring you over.”

Alpha Matthew looks over the group, his gaze steady, before briefly introducing himself in a deep, resonant voice that carries effortlessly through the room. “Good evening, everyone! I am Alpha Matthew Wagner. I am one of the instructors at the base. I will be training some of you. We will meet tomorrow morning after breakfast to assign your groups and instructors. We have quite a few trainees this year and plenty of instructors to take care of you all. You will not all be in the same group as each other, but we still expect you to treat your fellow trainees and pack members with integrity and respect.

“If anyone wants to come down after getting your things situated and walk over to the canteen for dinner, meet me here in half an hour and we will head over.” He finishes his speech, giving everyone a small nod before turning to Alpha Colt and Alpha Draegan to excuse himself.

Everyone who received their keys made their way out of the common area and up the stairs to find their rooms. I was once again the last one left, waiting for my turn so I could finally head up to my room and rest.

I saw Roth head up not long ago after I shot him a smile and a small wave as he left. A heavy wave of fatigue settles over me, and I can feel my limits starting to close in. Just then, I hear footsteps approaching. Looking up, I see both Alpha Draegan and Alpha Colt standing in front of me with slight smiles.

“You’re the last one, and as luck would have it, you’ll be assigned to the room across from ours. We typically stay in the barracks during runs since sometimes things can get hectic, and it helps us maintain order. It also means if anyone needs us, we’re only steps away,” Alpha Colt says with a bit of teasing laced in his words.

 “Let us lead you to your room since we’re heading up there anyway. It’s been a long, tiring day, and we both need a shower to wash off the sweat and relax our muscles. Plus, we still need to make sure you add our numbers into your phone.” Alpha Draegan flashes me a sly grin. 

Now I have the image of them showering playing through my mind. How I would love to join them in the shower and help them clean the sweat off their bodies. Fuck, I wouldn’t mind using my tongue to lap it all up. Call me a pervert if you want, I don’t care. The insane craving I have for both of them is wild in itself. 

“Alright, that’s no problem with me, Alpha Colt. Just to let you both know, I don’t have a phone, but I’ll try to get one when I have the opportunity.” 

Once again, I’m reminded of how embarrassing my life truly is. I’m twenty years old and have never had a phone. My father won’t allow me to have anything that could possibly be outside his control. The shame burns through me, making my face heat up and my palms go clammy. I don’t even want to look at them. I feel so pathetic, and I can’t bare the thought of them seeing me like this. Wallowing in my own self-misery, Alpha Draegan’s voice cuts through. 

“That’s no problem at all. I have an extra phone you can have. It’s my old one; I don’t use it anymore since I got a newer model. It still works perfectly fine and has no damage, so don’t worry about it not functioning properly. I usually just upgrade my devices when a newer version is released.” He gives me a reassuring glance, and I look at him, slightly dumbfounded. 

“Are you sure that’s okay? Something so valuable feels like a bit much, especially since you don’t know me that well.” My voice comes out weak and unsteady. Damnit, I sound like a pansy. 

“Nah. Don’t sweat it at all. We brothers might seem like stern assholes, but we both look out for others and have a hella protective streak for those who seem like they need a little help.” Alpha Colt steps closer to me and wraps an arm around my shoulder.

My neck instinctively tightens at the contact, but I don’t pull away—even as a sharp ache shoots down my back. I really am smitten with both of them. It feels safe and warm being around them.

“Well, okay then. Thank you both so much for everything, really.” I smile at both of them, feeling genuinely grateful. I’ve never felt anything like this before; never in all of my twenty years have I felt this happy and carefree. I could get used to this.

Both Alphas and I make our way to the last room down the hall on the second floor. Alpha Draegan walks into the room across the hall and unlocks the door, stepping inside. I assume that’s their room—and damn, they’re really close by.

Alpha Colt looks at me and hands me a key, gesturing toward the door in front of us.

“This will be your room, and as you can see from my brother, the room across the hall is ours. We’re literally a few steps away, so if you need anything, don’t hesitate to let us know. Change can take a bit to get used to, but we want you to feel safe and comfortable in our pack.

“The training is intense, and our instructors can seem intimidating when you first meet them, but outside of that, we’re all one big family. We’re here not only to train you, but also to help you in any way we can to set you up for success. We don’t want to see anyone fail.

“And even if someone has a harder time physically, as long as their heart is in the right place, and they’re genuinely trying their best, their chances of passing are still high. You can be physically strong and skilled in hand-to-hand combat and weaponry, but if your attitude and morals are trash, you can forget it.

“On the other hand, you could have a good heart and the right attitude but fall behind physically, and we’ll still do our best to bring you up to standard with extra training and help you pass if we can see the effort.

“Now don’t tell anyone else I said this—I’m only telling you.” He winks at me and lightly taps my nose with his finger.

Holy shit!

Heat shoots up my neck and floods my face so fast I swear I can feel it. I must be as red as a ripe tomato right now. It honestly feels like steam is practically coming out of my ears. My throat feels dry, and it takes a little more effort than usual just to swallow. 

I’m doomed. 

That sudden, completely unhelpful urge to just throw myself at him flashes through my mind, and I immediately regret even thinking about it. At least I haven’t completely lost my sanity…yet. I managed to nod stiffly, and I hear him chuckle softly before turning and unlocking the door to my room. I made my way inside, and Alpha Colt followed behind me a beat later. The moment I step in, I freeze. The room is absolutely breathtaking.

It’s spacious—far more than anything I’ve ever had to myself before.

The lighting is warm and natural, spilling in through a large window that stretches across the far wall and washing everything in a calm glow. In the center sits a large king-sized bed, neatly made with a thick blue comforter that looks impossibly soft, surrounded by an abundance of pillows arranged in perfect symmetry. It looks less like a simple bed and more like something designed for royalty.

On either side are matching nightstands with polished surfaces and elegant lamps. A plush gray carpet covers the floor, thick enough to slightly muffle every step, with subtle intricate patterns woven along the edges that catch the light as you move.

Against the right wall sits a large mahogany wardrobe. Its polished wood is rich and dark, clearly built to hold more than enough clothing and gear. It looks sturdy, expensive, and carefully maintained.

Across from the bed, beneath the wide window, stands a solid wooden desk with side drawers. On top rests a brand-new-looking computer, already set up as if waiting for use, alongside a neatly arranged stack of books and training manuals. A small lamp sits in the corner, ready to cast focused light for late work or study.

Next to the bed is a door leading into the bathroom. Inside, everything is just as impressive. A walk-in shower with sleek glass panels stands beside a deep soaking tub that looks to have come straight out of a luxury resort catalog. A double marble vanity stretches along one wall, topped with a wide mirror that reflects the clean, polished space. The bathroom is fully stocked—shampoo, conditioner, body wash, toothbrushes, toothpaste, a blow-dryer, fresh towels, toilet paper—everything arranged neatly, as if they expect someone to actually live here comfortably without needing anything at all.

I feel my jaw go slack. I don’t even try to stop it this time.

“My god!” I couldn’t help but exclaim at the sight in front of me. Two deep, distinctive chuckles sound behind me, making me flinch slightly.

 “How do you like it? This room wasn’t originally meant to be used, but plans changed last minute. Oh, by the way, here’s your phone. I already put our numbers in it, and I also added our eldest brother, Alpha Draven Eldritch. He’s the pack leader, and he handles a lot of the bigger responsibilities in the pack. He’s busier than the rest of us, but if you reach out to him, he wouldn’t mind stepping away to help if needed.” Alpha Draegan walks up and hands me the phone, giving me a small, knowing smile. I’m not entirely sure what he means, but I still appreciate it.

“Thank you, Alpha Draegan! You as well, Alpha Colt!” I flash the brightest, most genuine smile.

“No need for thanks. And you don’t have to add ‘Alpha’ before our names every time either. The only one you need to call Alpha is our eldest brother, and even he might prefer you drop the formalities.” Draegan says this, his gaze lingering on me again, and I could feel Colt’s attention doing the same from behind him.

My breathing hitches as I become aware of my body’s abnormalities. I had better take a shower and get some rest so I can calm my dick that is pulsing. I really don’t want them to think I’m a pervert who can’t control themselves.

 “I think I should hit the shower and then head to bed. The fatigue from the bus ride is getting to me a bit. Plus, it was so hot today; my body feels sticky, and my shirt is clinging to me a bit.” I try to prove my point by tugging slightly at the collar of my hoodie, and—fuck—they’re doing it again. Those intense, burning gazes. I know my body isn’t anything special to look at, so it must just be my own overthinking getting in my head. There’s no way these two attractive Alphas are actually interested in my scrawny frame.

Draegan clears his throat and looks between me and Colt. “You’re right. It is getting late. Colt and I will be in the room across the hall if you need anything. We’ll both be taking a shower as well and then heading to bed. Once again, our phones are always on, and if you need anything, you can text, call, or even knock on our door, no matter what time it is.

“Goodnight, Raymond. We’ll see you in the morning.” He smiles at me, and Colt nods, flashing a bright grin of his own before also saying goodnight. They both turn and leave, closing the door behind them.

Taking a shallow breath, I sigh and open my bag, pulling out a clean pair of boxers, shorts, and a T-shirt. My body is fucking killing me. Every movement is being met with resistance. I really just want to collapse into bed and sleep through the pain, but I know better. I smell like sweat, and there’s dried blood that needs to be cleaned off from where my injuries had reopened. I walk into the bathroom and set my clothes neatly on the counter. The space is too clean for how I feel.