"There you all are. I was wondering where the hottest and best fighters were hiding."

The unmistakable, high-pitched voice of Stacey pierces the air, making my skin crawl. I cringe instinctively, catching the collective eye-rolls from the crowd. As always, people part like the Red Sea, giving her the spotlight she so desperately craves.

She’s wearing a neon pink sports bra that looks two sizes too small, pushing her cleavage so high it’s a miracle nothing spills out. Matching leggings cling to her frame like a second skin, making her look more like a human highlighter than a fighter.

“I thought you boys could help me with my techniques,” she simpers, twirling a strand of bleach-blonde hair. “I really need help with submissions.”

Her giggle makes my stomach turn. Everyone knows Stacey doesn’t actually train, let alone fight. So who exactly does she think she’s fooling? She’s clearly here to show off, and judging by her sexual innuendos, she’s aiming for an audience.

Delta Kyle coughs, his booming voice halting as Stacey struts through the middle of the training grounds like a peacock, oblivious to the stares and muttered comments. She either doesn’t notice or doesn’t care that she’s made herself a spectacle. Probably the latter.

“We actually have different instructions today, Stacey. You’ll need to find another group,” Leo says, stepping toward her like a brick wall. His tone is polite but firm, blocking her path before she can get any closer to Ryan or Aaron.

Stacey’s pout deepens. “Aww, come on, Lenny. You know I won’t get in the way.” She runs a manicured finger down Leo’s arm, using that childish swaying motion she seems to think works on everyone.

Leo’s jaw tightens. “It’s Leo. And no, Stacey. You can’t fight at our level. You’d just get hurt. We’re training with wolves today.” His words are clipped, but he manages to keep his cool.

Her pout morphs into a sneer as she glances at me and Kylie. “Why are they here if you don’t want girls in your group?”

I suppress a groan. Of course. It was only a matter of time before she turned on us.

Ethan answers for us, sounding thoroughly bored. “We didn’t say we didn’t want girls. We said you don’t fight at our level. These two are warriors. They train with us every day and know how to keep up. Go find another group so we can focus on Delta Kyle’s instructions.”

Aaron and Ryan point silently toward another group, not even sparing Stacey a glance. Furious, she huffs and stalks away, shoving another girl aside as she claims a spot nearby.

“It’s her, isn’t it?” Kylie whispers into my ear, her voice low and dangerous.

I clench my jaw, staring straight ahead. If I answer, she’ll charge Stacey and rip her hair out by the roots, right here and now. I don’t need that kind of attention.

“Your silence confirms it,” Kylie mutters.

“Let it go,” I whisper back. “We need to warm up.” I shoot a glance at the guys, hoping they aren’t listening.

Delta Kyle claps his hands, redirecting everyone’s attention to the center of the arena. One of the guest trainers steps forward—a tall, intimidating man with dark hair and the kind of presence that makes you stand straighter without even realizing it.

“Hello, everyone. I’m Nickolas, one of the Elite Warrior trainers. I work closely with the Alpha King’s personal guard. I’ve heard good things about this group.” His gaze sweeps over us, sharp and assessing.

Nickolas continues, “I want to see each of you spar in human form before we move on to wolf versus human combat. Delta Kyle says you all train together regularly—are you comfortable with random pairings?”

“Yes, sir,” we answer in unison. The trainer gives us a small smile, nodding approvingly.

“All right. You and you.” He points to Leo and Devin, signaling for them to step forward.

Leo and Devin grin at each other. They’ve sparred countless times before and know exactly how to test each other’s strengths. They don’t hold back, grappling and exchanging blows with speed and precision.

When Nickolas calls time, he looks impressed. “Well done. You both have a solid foundation. Who’s next?”

His sharp eyes land on Kylie and Ryan. “You two. Let’s see what you’ve got.”

Kylie shoots me a playful glance. “Thank the goddess he didn’t pair me with you. I don’t think I could handle you today.”

I roll my eyes, but a small smile tugs at my lips.

Ryan feigns offense. “What, I’m not scary enough for you?”

“You know what I mean,” Kylie teases. “She’s really pissed at you guys, and I want to stay far away from that wrath.”

The boys laugh, but Nickolas claps again, signaling the start of Kylie and Ryan’s match. They spar with ease, fluid and controlled, until Nickolas calls time.

Then, his gaze shifts to me.

“You and Ethan,” he announces.

I step forward, feeling the tension in the air as Ethan grins. “Ready to get your ass kicked, Selene?” he jokes.

“Bring it,” I mutter, already calculating my first move.

Ethan’s lean build gives him a slight advantage in speed, but I’ve fought him enough times to know how to counter his movements. We circle each other, both waiting for the other to strike first.

He lunges, aiming for my legs, but I twist midair, landing a kick to his side. The hit connects, but he recovers too fast, grabbing my arm and twisting it behind my back.

I grit my teeth, ignoring the pain as I wriggle free, using his momentum against him. The fight becomes a blur of punches, kicks, and grappling, neither of us gaining the upper hand for long.

Finally, I manage to trap him in a chokehold. Sweat slicks our skin, making it harder to maintain my grip, but I hold on until Nickolas calls it.

“Well done,” Nickolas says with a nod. “Now let’s see how you fare against a wolf.”

Before I can catch my breath, Nickolas signals Aaron to step forward. My heart sinks—Aaron is the toughest of the bunch. This match is going to hurt.

“FIGHT!” Nickolas shouts.

I don’t wait for Aaron to make the first move. I launch myself at him, wrapping my legs around his waist, but he counters effortlessly, throwing me to the ground with a thud.

We grapple, trading blows and holds, but Aaron’s strength is overwhelming. He pins me to the ground, a triumphant grin spreading across his face.

Just as I think I’m done, instinct kicks in. I twist beneath him, my elbow catching him square in the jaw. Blood gushes from his mouth, and gasps ripple through the crowd.

Aaron freezes, then grins through the blood. “Nice hit,” he mutters, wiping his mouth. There’s a strange glint in his eye—pride, respect, and something more primal.

Nickolas calls the match, and we collapse to the ground, panting.

“You’re in deep sh*t now, Selene,” Ryan teases, offering me a hand.

“I think I’ll survive,” I whisper, a small smile tugging at the corner of my lips.

From the sidelines, Stacey huffs in frustration, glaring daggers at me. I ignore her entirely, focusing instead on the sense of accomplishment spreading through my chest.

For the first time in a long time, I feel... good.

And no amount of petty jealousy or old wounds is going to take that away from me.