CHAPTER TWENTY-ONE
COMPLIMENTS
The clang of fists meeting pads echoes across the training field, sweat hanging thick in the morning air. A group of younger wolves push through drills under my watchful gaze, shoulder rolls, strikes, defense turns, precision and grit woven into every movement. My shirt’s stuck to my back with sweat, but I don’t stop. I lead by example, always. That’s what being Alpha means.
“Keep your core tight, Lyle. You drop your center again and you’ll be on your back before your opponent lands a second hit,” I bark, my voice slicing through the noise.
Lyle grunts, correcting his stance. The others shift slightly too, absorbing the warning.
The rhythm of the training is almost enough to drown out the thoughts buzzing at the edge of my mind, Amber’s face, her scent,
