As I walked into the training arena, the familiar sounds of laughter and clashing bodies filled the air. The energy was contagious, and for a moment, I stood still, watching everyone in their element. Devin, Ryan, Leo, Aaron, Ethan, and Kylie had split into groups, each of them demonstrating close-combat release techniques. Everyone was engrossed, their faces red and sweaty, yet they seemed more alive than ever.

“Selene! Selene! Look! I did it!” Brandon, an excitable eight-year-old who reminded me a little of Devin as a kid, came charging toward me. He crashed into my side with all the energy he could muster, tugging on my hand as he grinned up at me.

“What did you do, little man?” I asked, letting him drag me along, swept up by his enthusiasm.

We made it about halfway across the field when I collided with a wall of muscle. I looked up, surprised to see Aaron’s face and the smirk that danced across his lips as he kept me from falling.

I took a steadying breath, inhaling the familiar citrusy scent that clung to him. There was something so grounding about it that I had to stop myself from letting out a relaxed sigh. His chuckle rumbled through his chest, and I felt my cheeks heat.

“It’s good to see you, Selene,” he said softly, eyes dancing. 

I cleared my throat, steadying my nerves. “Uh, yeah… Brandon here said he had something to show me.” I nodded toward the little boy, who was still hanging on to my hand.

Brandon grinned up at Aaron with the same puppy-like enthusiasm. “I totally took down Alpha Aaron! It was the best thing ever!” His whole body practically vibrated with excitement.

“Really?” I raised an eyebrow at Aaron, my lips quirking up. “That’s not something you get to see every day.”

Aaron’s gaze softened as he ruffled Brandon’s hair. “Alright, little man. But now that you’ve had your practice round, it’s time to see if you can impress her.” He gestured toward me. “Can’t let anyone else hold Selene’s attention too long, can we?”

Brandon’s eyes widened, and he quickly dropped my hand, looking nervously between us. “I didn’t mean to steal her! I just… I wanted to show her, you know?”

“Relax, Brandon.” I smiled, amused as he stammered. Then Aaron’s voice drifted through my mind, carrying a teasing edge.

I wasn’t kidding. If I can’t hold your attention, no one else will either.

I blinked, thrown off by the unexpected possessiveness, but he only winked before turning back to Brandon. “Come on, little man. Let’s give Selene a show.”

As they set up, I felt another arm drape over my shoulder. This time it was Ryan, pulling me close as he watched his brother.

If he’s getting time close to you, then so am I, Ryan linked me, trying to sound casual but with a hint of jealousy creeping into his tone.

He kept his arm loosely around me as Aaron and Brandon faced off. I leaned into the warmth of Ryan’s side, letting myself settle for a brief moment as we both watched the tiny “alpha-in-training” prepare to take on Aaron.

“Alright, show me what you’ve got, Brandon,” Aaron taunted with a grin. He held Brandon in a loose grip, making it easy enough for him to try his moves but applying just enough resistance to make him struggle. After a few failed attempts, Brandon finally managed to break free, beaming triumphantly.

“Did you just let me win before?” Brandon asked, a hint of betrayal in his wide eyes.

Aaron knelt to his level, shaking his head. “No way, buddy. The first round was to show you the ropes. But if you’re going to get better, you need to be challenged every time. Eventually, you’ll be strong enough that even your Alpha here won’t be able to keep you in place.”

Brandon’s smile was infectious, and as I looked at him, I could feel my heart swell with pride.

A low, rumbling huff caught my attention. I turned and saw Ethan watching us, his expression dark as he glared at Ryan’s arm around me. Without another word, he rolled his eyes and stalked away.

Before I could follow him, though, Stacey’s high-pitched voice rang out from across the field, breaking the quiet peace that had settled.

“Oh, thank goodness I found you! I’ve been searching everywhere,” she said, sweeping into the clearing like she owned it. “The Luna wasn’t sure where all of you had gone. But of course, you’re here with the pups. It’s adorable how you spend your time with them.” Her gaze slid over me before landing on the guys. “I wanted to remind you all to leave on time so we’re not late for the Mating Ball grand entrance. We need to make a good impression, especially with Prince Andrew coming.”

Devin, who had just walked over, crossed his arms. “Stacey, we’ve already told you that we’re going as a group. That doesn’t include you, Marnie, or Jeanie. So drop it.”

Stacey’s face went a deep shade of red, and for a second, she looked ready to throw a tantrum.

“My father already made arrangements,” she insisted, her chin raised in defiance. “Aaron and Ryan will escort me, Leo will be with Jeanie, and Ethan will escort Marnie. As future leaders, it’s our responsibility to make the right impression, and I expect you all to pick us up as planned.”

Ethan let out a low growl, the intensity of his glare focused entirely on Stacey. “Stacey, your father holds no sway over us. We’re going as a group, as we’ve said multiple times. This isn’t up for debate.” He gestured toward the rest of us. “We’re the future Alphas, Betas, Gammas, and Delta—and last I checked, that doesn’t include you.”

The words hung in the air, and I felt a rush of warmth in my chest as Ethan’s gaze momentarily softened when it landed on me. For the first time, I saw myself included as part of the team. But Ethan’s glare returned as he looked back at Stacey, his tone cold.

“If you want to come to the ball, you’re welcome to attend on your own. But don’t expect any of us to show up as your escorts.” He turned and headed for the arena entrance, not sparing her—or me—a backward glance.

I watched him go, my heart aching at the distance he’d placed between us. I knew why he was hurt, why they all were. My plans for training outside the pack didn’t fit with their ideas of staying close. But my life couldn’t be defined by staying here. I needed more, needed to prove myself on my terms.

Before Stacey could fire back with more drama, Delta Kyle stepped into the circle, clapping his hands to gather everyone’s attention.

“Well done today, everyone. The Luna wants a word with you all before you leave,” he said, giving Stacey a pointed look as if daring her to challenge him. She stayed silent, her lips pursed.

Brandon tugged on Aaron’s shirt, looking disappointed. “I was totally gonna take you down this time.”

Aaron grinned, patting him on the shoulder. “There’s always next time, little man.”

I slipped out of Ryan’s grip, my heart beating a little faster as I tried to steady myself. “I’m just going to grab my stuff,” I told him, not looking back as I made my way to the lockers.

Once inside, I took a steadying breath, leaning against the cool metal as I tried to clear my head. Every interaction with the guys left me feeling more confused. They wanted me close, but their protectiveness felt like a cage, and I needed more freedom than that. I knew I’d be facing this same conflict later at the ball, where we’d all be under the watchful eyes of the entire pack.

Lost in my thoughts, I barely noticed when the door creaked open. I turned, surprised to see Devin.

“You alright?” he asked, his usual teasing demeanor softened.

“Yeah… just trying to make sense of everything.” I attempted a smile, but it felt half-hearted.

He nodded, stepping closer. “You know, Selene, whatever happens, you’re one of us. I know you feel trapped, but we don’t want to hold you back. We just don’t want to lose you.”

His words hit me harder than I expected, and for the first time, I let myself imagine what it would mean to leave them behind. But I pushed the thought away, not ready to make that decision yet.

“Thanks, Devin. I appreciate it.” I gave his hand a quick squeeze before pulling away and watching him leave the locker room.