The training

Vicky

It wasn't hard to like Toby's family, maybe I could even help the brothers get along better. Now I had a busy schedule the next day and it was better to sleep.

My cell phone rang. It was Fred. I didn't want to answer it. It was better to take a break. I fell asleep.

For me it was the middle of the night, when Toby burst into my room, his voice cutting through the haze of sleep like a knife.

“Vicky, get up! Put on your gym clothes—now!”

I blinked at him, my brain sluggish and tangled in the remnants of a dream.

Gym clothes? At this hour?

Was this some kind of twisted torture session?

My mind raced back to yesterday—the family had seemed to approve of me, their smiles warm and their laughter genuine.

Or had I misread it?

“What the hell, Toby?” I mumbled, rubbing my eyes. He was already pacing, his energy buzzing like a live wire. “Fábio’s waiting for us,” he said, tossing me a pair of sneakers from the floor. “It’s the first time we’ll all arrive at training together.”

“Ugh! You go!” I groaned, flopping back onto the pillow. “I don’t even know what ‘training’ means. I’ll make breakfast instead.”

He stopped mid-step, fixing me with that exasperated look he’d perfected over the years. “You don’t get it, do you? Fábio wants to take you. It’s a pack thing—after training, breakfast is with everyone. Don’t be late. The schedule rules here are strict, Vicky. Strict.”

“Oh, fuck!” I shot upright, adrenaline kicking in as I stumbled out of bed and bolted for the bathroom.

The shower was a frantic blur—icy water jolting me awake as I scrubbed off the night’s grogginess. I twisted my damp hair into a messy bun, strands sticking out like a bird’s nest, and rummaged through my bag for something remotely athletic. Leggings hugged my legs, a snug top went on next, and I threw a loose T-shirt over it. Sneakers laced, I thundered downstairs, my heart pounding like I’d already run a mile.

Outside, two impatient wolves waited in the pre-dawn chill, Toby tapped his foot, but Fábio’s dark eyes softened when I flashed him a smile.

“Sorry, not a morning person,” I said, and his tense shoulders eased. Then his gaze flicked downward—lingering on my butt for a split second before he quickly looked away, a faint flush creeping up his neck.

I bit back a grin. Cute.

“Come on, full moon!” Toby called, already jogging toward the gym, his voice carrying a teasing lilt.

I rolled my eyes—full moon? Really?—but followed, Fábio falling into step beside me, his silent presence steady and grounding.

The gym was a cavernous space, all polished wood and steel, humming with the energy of a pack in motion.

As we stepped inside, every head turned, a collective inhale rippling through the room as dozens of eyes locked onto me.

I froze, heat creeping up my face.

It felt like stumbling into an exclusive women’s club—except this one was for werewolves, and the guys were jaw-droppingly gorgeous, all chiseled jaws and rippling muscles that made my old high school crushes look like scrawny kids.

The women? Also, perfect.

Long legs, flawless skin, and an effortless grace that made me acutely aware of my own shortcomings. I tugged at my T-shirt, suddenly wishing I’d picked something less revealing.

Who’d want a short, chubby girl like me here?

I’d ditched the glasses after myopia surgery, sure, but I still felt like the odd one out, a plain sparrow in a flock of eagles.

A deep, rumbling roar snapped everyone back to their routines—lifting weights, sparring, stretching with a fluidity I’d never master.

The sound came from a man striding toward us, maybe thirty, with short golden-brown hair and eyes like twin emeralds, sharp and piercing. He moved with the confidence of someone who owned the room.

He clapped Fábio on the shoulder, nodded at Toby, then fixed those green eyes on me, one brow arching in silent question.

Toby stepped forward, his voice steady. “Victoria, this is our beta, James. Second in command. Beta, this is my foster sister, Victoria.”

A shiver raced down my spine under the weight of his gaze, those emerald eyes boring into me like they could peel back my skin and see straight through to my bones.

What was up with this guy?

He radiated something—power, maybe, or suspicion—that made my stomach twist. I tried to lower my eyes, a reflex from years of dodging trouble, and stuck out my hand, hoping it didn’t tremble. His grip was brief, firm, and gone in a flash, but the chill lingered, prickling the back of my neck like a draft I couldn’t shake.

“Hello, Victoria.”

“Hello, Ja—Beta James,” I corrected myself. “Could you call me Vicky? If it’s not a bother.”

He mirrored it, a quick flash of teeth that softened his sharp edges, and then he turned to Fábio and Toby.

“Go train,” he barked, his tone leaving no room for argument. They jogged off, leaving me alone with him. His hand brushed my back—light but deliberate—guiding me toward a row of benches along the gym wall. I sat, the wood cold against my leggings, and glanced at him as he settled beside me.

“Are we just going to watch?” I asked, keeping my voice light, though my pulse was hammering.

He didn’t answer right away. Instead, he studied me, his head tilting slightly, that curious expression deepening. It was unnerving, like being a bug under a magnifying glass, and I squirmed under the scrutiny.

“Oh, that’s it…” I said, forcing a laugh to break the silence. “Do you want me to take a little walk so you can better enjoy the view?”

His face flushed, and he ducked his head. “No… sorry.” He sounded slightly flustered. “I wanted to understand why my trained warriors were interrupting the fights without permission,” he added, tried to regain control of the moment.

I held up my hands, palms out. “Look! I don’t want any trouble. These are your men, your training. If you want me to leave, I’ll just spend a few days with my brother and—”

“Are you human or what?” he cut in, his voice sharpening, eyes narrowing as if he could smell the truth on me.

I hesitated, my mouth dry. “Half witch,” I admitted, the words tumbling out. “I have no powers… yet. I need an initiation. That’s it, I think. I lost contact with my family.”

Then I felt it—a presence, heavy and electric, pressing against me like a storm cloud rolling in. My skin prickled, my breath hitched, and I shrank back, intimidated by the sheer force of it.

“Girl,” he said, his voice dropping to a low growl that vibrated through my chest, “I’m a beta. I’m not a gamma wolf, if you know what I mean. You can’t lie to me.”

I was fucked. Did he growl at me? Was he going to bite me? This man was a beta and he was in charge. I felt weird around him, that was all, I should have felt intimidated, but no... I had to face the situation and try to reconcile.

“Sorry, I feel bad when men look at me like that.” I strick back.

“Well, I owe you an apology too,” James said, his voice softening, though it still carried that gravelly edge. “I don’t want you to give it too much importance.”

“Sure,” I said, forcing a casual tone. “Let’s watch the training from here?” My mind spiraled anyway. Of course he didn’t think I was pretty—not with those werewolf women around, all lean muscle and perfect curves. Why would he bother with me, the chubby human stumbling into his world?

“Have you ever trained?” he asked, his tone neutral but his eyes flicking over me.

I bristled, crossing my arms. “Look, I know I’m fat and all, but I—”

“That’s not what I meant,” he cut in, quick and firm. “You have a great body.” His gaze lingered, steady and unapologetic, and I blinked, thrown off by the compliment.

“Uh… let’s watch for a bit,” I said, redirecting us. “See the moves. Get used to it. I’ll fight you later.” The words slipped out before I could stop them, a reckless challenge I half-regretted.

He laughed—a deep, rolling sound that vibrated through the air. “Seriously? You’re going to crush me? Finish me off?"

I teased, poking at his ego.

“I can be gentle, doll,” he shot back, a smirk tugging at his lips. “You’re human. I’ll keep that in mind.”

Oh, the things I wanted to do to him—if he only knew. I dragged up memories of my old jiu-jitsu classes. I’d better watch the guys’ moves, because something told me I was in for a beating.

Shit. What a stellar start.

Twenty minutes of silence stretched between us, his presence beside me a maddening mix of stoic and smug. I fidgeted, the tension gnawing at me, until he finally barked an order for everyone to run laps around the field. Then he grabbed my arm and yanked me into the arena.

No mercy, no pity—I acted on instinct. My leg hooked behind his, a swift tug, and down he went, hitting the mat with a satisfying thud.

I laughed, triumphant.

I’d taken down a beta! The others were already filing out toward the track, backs turned, missing my moment of glory.

Three seconds later, he flipped the script—suddenly on top of me, pinning me to the ground. His emerald eyes blazed with anger, his breath hot against my face.

“Calm down, coach,” I said, grinning despite the ache in my ribs. “It’s my first day.”

“You’re audacious,” he growled, low and deep, the sound rumbling through me. “A little box of surprises. Did you learn that in twenty minutes of observation? You caught me off guard. It won’t happen again.”

“What?” I shot back, pushing my luck. “Me knocking you down, coach, or you liking being on top of me?”

His eyes darkened, a storm brewing behind them. I blinked, backpedaling fast. “Joke! It was a joke,” I said, laughing nervously. He frowned, unimpressed.

“Sorry,” I added, softer now. “I feel strangely comfortable with you. It’s my way of playing. I’m impulsive, cheeky, and—”

“Used to messing with men,” he finished, his voice cutting like a blade. “Playing with my charm. Turns out, girl, I’m not a puppy. I’m a werewolf. A werewolf’s appearance doesn’t match his age. I’ve been in this world for seventy years. I know this game, and I don’t want to play with you.”

“Why?” I challenged, my pulse racing. “Because I’m human?”

“No!” he snapped, almost too fast. “That would never… be a problem.”

“Because I’m half-witch, then? I’m not even sure about that—”

“Go play with your boys!” he barked, shutting me down, his tone final.

“Go fuck yourself and merge with nature!” I flung back, spinning on my heel.

I stormed off, hips swaying with extra sass, and couldn’t resist turning to blow him a taunting kiss. His jaw clenched, and I caught the hunger in his eyes—even if he wouldn’t admit it.

He might not want me, but his body was telling a different story.

I nearly raised my middle finger for good measure, but Toby’s scolding shout stopped me cold.

Damn it. This beta was bringing out the worst in me.

...

Breakfast was a chaotic symphony of clinking plates and overlapping voices as we filed into the pack’s dining hall, a sprawling room with long wooden tables and the rich aroma of bacon and fresh-baked biscuits hanging in the air.

Several boys swaggered over, all broad shoulders and eager grins, introducing themselves with a mix of curiosity and charm that made my head spin.

Toby and Fábio trailed behind, towing a gaggle of girls who eyed me with suspicion, their gazes sharp and appraising.

I couldn’t blame them—I was the outsider here, the human crashing their supernatural party. But one of them caught my eye: Lizandra, a striking blonde with green eyes that sparkled like cut jade.

She had a warmth to her, a quiet confidence that drew me in despite the tension swirling around us.

She slid onto the bench beside me, her voice dropping to a conspiratorial whisper as she leaned close.

“You’re new meat! The boys are drooling. Some females are jealous,” she confessed, a sly smile tugging at her lips as she glanced at the crowd.

“Liz, can I call you that?” I asked, testing the waters. She nodded, her smile widening. “You’re all goddesses compared to us humans,” I said, gesturing vaguely at myself. “There’s no risk of me getting over anyone here.”

I meant it—next to their sculpted frames and effortless grace, I felt like a clumsy mortal stumbling through a myth.

“Oh, but many girls aren’t the least bit interested,” she countered. “They wait for their mates—whether it’s the predestined one or if the goddess blesses them with a second chance mate.” Her tone held a reverence that made me pause.

I snorted before I could stop myself. “That goddess and I don’t get along very well.” The words slipped out, sharp and irreverent, and I saw her face fall, a flicker of disappointment dimming her brightness.

Shit. I’d stepped in it. Everyone here treated the goddess like a saint, and I’d just spat on her altar.

“Are your parents soul mates?” I asked quickly, hoping to pivot away from my blunder.

“They were,” she said softly, her gaze drifting to the table. “My mother was killed when I was about five. I still pray he’ll get another chance. I think he only survived because she asked him to take care of me.”

“I’m so sorry, Liz,” I said, reaching out to squeeze her hand. “I didn’t mean to bring up bad memories. How old are you?”

“Seventeen,” she replied, her smile returning.

“You’re so beautiful! And smart,” I said, meaning every word. “I hope you find your mate soon.”

We were giggling, trading silly grins, when a shadow fell over us. I looked up to see the grumpy guy—Beta James—striding in, his presence sucking the air out of the room.

“I like you,” Lizandra said, oblivious to his approach. “You remind me of my mother. She was human too.”

Her words hit me like a warm wave, touching something deep and tender—until James’s voice cut through.

“Lizandra,” he called, sharp and commanding. She perked up instantly.

“I’m coming, Dad!” she chirped, flashing me a grin before darting over to him. She threw her arms around his neck, and he hugged her back, his broad frame softening for a moment. Then his emerald eyes snapped to me, narrowing into a glare that could’ve curdled milk.

It was true, I had insulted the goddess, now I was going to have to redeem myself.

I couldn't be more screwed.