I wanted to disappear. My cheeks were burning, and I kept my gaze glued to my untouched plate, hoping no one noticed how awkward I felt. Why did Kylie have to say all that? I never intended to stand out today, and now everyone was looking at me like I was something special. I hated it. What if others had noticed too? My thoughts raced as I scrambled to shift the conversation.

Clearing my throat, I blurted out, "So… uh, I heard there are trials for elite warrior training this year—because of all the applicants. And high schoolers can join, right? Is that true?" I practically threw the words at Nickolas, desperate to steer the conversation somewhere else.

He blinked, taken off guard. "Yeah... that’s right." He seemed to gather his thoughts quickly. "There’s been a surge in applications. Many packs want their warriors trained through the Elite program, but not everyone understands what it’s about. It’s not just combat—we focus on peacekeeping, rescue operations, and strategic missions. Unfortunately, some packs think it’s just about brute force, and we end up failing a lot of recruits within the first two days of training."

"Two days?!" Leo frowned. "Isn’t that a little harsh? How do you know someone’s worth in two days?"

Nickolas smiled, though there was no humor in it. "That’s the point. We evaluate based on potential, not personality. Elite warriors need instincts and skills that can’t always be taught. It’s not personal—it’s just part of the job. Some people are better suited as pack warriors, and that’s perfectly fine. Both roles are essential to a pack’s success. But Elite Warriors... they need to be ready for dangerous missions. They often operate undercover, or off-grid for months—sometimes years. It takes a specific kind of person to do that."

Devin shook his head, grinning. "Man, that sounds insane. But now I’ve got serious FOMO." His words made everyone laugh, breaking the tension.

I hated to admit it, but I agreed with Devin. The idea of intense training, dangerous missions, and getting away from this pack—especially away from Stacey and all the drama—was exactly what I needed. The thought of escaping Blue Crescent felt like a lifeline.

As dinner wrapped up, the guys started clearing plates, making their usual trips back and forth to the kitchen. Luna Ava hovered, making sure everyone had enough food and drink. I used the commotion as an opportunity to shovel food into my mouth. Maybe if I filled my stomach, I wouldn’t feel so restless.

"Warrior Nickolas," I called after him, "how exactly will these trials work? Are you scouting now for future recruits? Will it be the same two-day elimination process as at your compound?"

Before Nickolas could answer, a voice I’d been dreading cut through the air.

"Why are you so interested in warrior training?" My father’s voice was cold and condescending. "It has nothing to do with you. Once you graduate, you’ll find your mate and start a family. That’s where your energy should go—not wasting time pretending to be a warrior."

His words hit me like a slap, but I kept my expression neutral, even though my insides twisted with anger. "I was just curious," I said calmly. "Learning how other packs operate helps us understand their customs and strengthen alliances. Training is no different—especially if my mate happens to be in another pack."

CRASH!

The sound of shattering glass drew everyone’s attention toward the kitchen, where Ethan and Leo were frantically picking up broken plates.

"Bite Size, you really need to stop talking about leaving," Ethan grumbled loud enough for the whole backyard to hear.

I narrowed my eyes, annoyed. How did they even hear me from that far away? Between the running water, clanging dishes, and all the people talking, they were at least forty feet away. But still—there they were, glaring at me like I’d committed some unforgivable sin.

"What’s wrong with them?" Gamma Brett asked, raising an eyebrow.

Kylie chimed in with a smirk. "They don’t like the idea that Selene might be mated to someone outside the pack. A high-ranking wolf, no less. They’re not taking it well."

The adults laughed, but I noticed the subtle glance exchanged between the Alpha, Luna, Gamma Brett, and Delta Kyle. There was something they weren’t telling us—something about mates.

Nickolas turned back to me, his expression serious. "To answer your question, Selene, yes, the trials will allow high schoolers to participate. We won’t reveal everything beforehand since part of the challenge is handling the unexpected. But yes, there are plans to evaluate younger recruits for future roles. That said, we prefer our warriors to be mateless—it complicates missions when attachments are involved."

The implication hit me harder than I expected. No mate meant fewer distractions, fewer weaknesses. It also meant freedom.

Nickolas smiled. "You should join the trials. I think you’d surprise some of my team. Might even give them a run for their money."

I couldn’t help but grin, even though I knew he was just trying to boost my confidence. After my father’s dismissive words, it felt good to have someone acknowledge my hard work.

"Well, as much fun as all this training talk is..." Devin suddenly appeared beside me, sliding my chair back. Before I could react, he threw me over his shoulder like a sack of potatoes.

"You do realize I have legs, right?" I laughed, kicking my feet. "I can walk!"

"No sass, Smalls,” Ryan called out, grinning. "We both know you wouldn’t leave willingly if there was still talk of fighting."

I couldn’t help but laugh as Devin carried me away from the table, his grip firm but playful. I craned my neck just in time to see Kylie squealing as Leo scooped her up the same way. The sight made me laugh harder.

We headed toward the house, and I could hear the adults chuckling behind us. Even Luna Ava’s laughter floated on the breeze. "Kids these days," she said fondly, her voice warm with amusement.

As Devin carried me toward the patio doors, I peeked around his shoulder—and immediately regretted it.

Stacey was standing just outside the kitchen, her arms crossed and her expression twisted in rage. "What the hell?" she hissed, her eyes narrowing at the sight of me.

"Put me down, Devin," I whispered urgently, but he just chuckled and adjusted his grip.

"Not a chance. You’re coming with us."

"Seriously, guys," Stacey’s voice cut through the air, loud and grating. "Why the hell is she here? And why are you all acting like she belongs?"

Ryan and Aaron stepped forward instantly, positioning themselves between Stacey and me. Their shoulders were tense, and their postures screamed protectiveness.

"Go home, Stacey," Aaron said coldly, not even sparing her a glance.

"You weren’t invited," Ryan added, his voice low with warning.

Before Stacey could say another word, Luna Ava appeared in the doorway, her presence effortlessly commanding. "Stacey," she said smoothly, "thank you for stopping by. But tonight’s dinner was only for our guests—and you were not one of them."

The sweetness in her tone made Stacey’s face flush with fury, but she was smart enough to keep her mouth shut. With one last glare, she stormed off, muttering under her breath.

I let out a breath I hadn’t realized I was holding. "That was... intense."

Aaron grinned, ruffling my hair like I was a little kid. "Get used to it, Smalls. You’re stuck with us now."

Ryan nudged me gently with his shoulder. "And you’re not going anywhere."

For the first time in a long while, I let myself believe that maybe, just maybe, they meant it.