The heavy thud echoed as I hit the dirt again, my breath stolen, lungs desperate for air after yet another brutal throw.

"Get up," Sara commanded, her dark eyes locked onto mine with a sharpened edge that dared me to defy her.

My body protested, muscles burning, bruises blooming beneath sweat-slick skin. "No. I’m done," I spat, lying flat, chest heaving.

She wasn’t having it. A swift kick to my foot was her answer. "Don’t ask. Your enemies won’t give you breaks. They’ll snap your throat without a second thought."

What’s gotten into her today? Then again, it’s always Sara with that fire — no need for excuses.

"Jess," she warned with a low growl.

"I’ll rest when they’re dead," I retorted, smirking despite the pain. "Check your left ribs." I couldn’t help the triumph in my voice.

She glanced down, eyes darkening at the faint crimson stain where my training dagger had grazed her. With a disgruntled huff, Sara sank beside me, dust swirling around us.

"One lucky strike doesn’t make you skilled," she grumbled. "You may have landed a hit, but you took one too." My shoulder throbbed in agreement.

Settling my breath, I pushed myself up, shooting her a glare. Sara was the image of control—muscles taut beneath her dark workout gear, sweat gleaming on her skin as she exuded an unforgiving strength.

In contrast, I was messy—dirt smeared, bruised, breath ragged from relentless abuse. Chris had forbidden training, but Sara found loopholes, dragging me through the motions of basic defense. Mostly, I suspected she enjoyed pummeling me.

She rose, dusting off her toned legs, every inch radiating 'don’t mess with me'. Her vigilant eyes scanned the edges of the training ground, clearly uneasy away from pack territory.

With a reluctant sigh, she extended her hand. I accepted, wincing as she yanked me upright. "How bad?" she asked, eyebrow raised.

"Not terrible," I admitted, rubbing my shoulder and hip where bruises bloomed. "But it’s harder to hide teeth marks than you’d think."

"Then start ducking," she shot back coolly. "I’m holding back. If you want gentle, stick to shadow fights."

"Jude fights differently," I muttered. "He actually holds back."

Her victorious smirk was all the reply I got.

"I push you because you’re capable of more," Sara said, voice edged with frustration. "In training, you act one way; out there, another. It’s infuriating."

"Sorry," I snapped, bitterness creeping in. "I’m not like you guys. Didn’t grow up training for this. Maybe I should’ve been an omega."

"Have you met yourself?" she scoffed. "You’re way too stubborn and fiery for that. Plus, you attract trouble like a magnet."

"Says the grumpiest warrior I know," I jabbed back.

"Still not your cheerleader," she retorted.

"Right, head warrior and numero uno fan," I teased, smirking as she grumbled, but the corner of her mouth twitched upward.

Our history was rough—more than once we’d come to blows. I’d broken her nose, unintentionally landed her in jail, and she regularly kicked my ass. Yet, beneath the bruises and barbs was a deep trust forged in fire. I’d stake my life on her.

"You gonna be long?" Sara’s voice pulled me back.

"A few more things. Might stay another night, head back tomorrow," I answered, wiping sweat from my brow.

Just then, Nate appeared from the nearby cornfield, concern etched in his features. "Please don’t. He’s already cranky enough. I’ll help—you and Liam both." His voice begged, eyes pleading.

"He’s back? Thought Chris was still at New Moon," I said, confused.

"Got back late last night. Tried to surprise you, but you weren't here," Sara said, shaking her head.

"I was swamped," I admitted. "You could’ve just told me to shape up instead of beating me into the dirt."

"Where’s the fun in that?" she smirked. "Got training soon, but try to get back fast."

Hours later, the farm chores wrapped, and I was clean and ready to leave. Splitting time between my land and the pack house was challenging, to say the least.

I slid behind the wheel of my blue Ram pickup. Nate snagged shotgun, Liam grumbled before settling into the back seat.

The drive back to Still Waters was brief, about forty-five minutes, the landscape shifting from flat, open fields to rolling hills draped with dense forest, giving the journey more character and a quiet calm.

"Jess!" Claire greeted me from the porch, a bright smile lighting up her face. I returned it, handing her a basket brimming with fresh berries.

The pack house stood proudly in a clearing, a graceful construction melding with the forest—logs and stone woven together, echoing the earth itself.

"Thought you’d run off," Claire teased nervously.

"Run? Where?" I laughed softly. "Had a lot to catch up on. Four days isn’t that long." I caught the subtle hurt in her eyes as I said 'home.'

"I was heading to training. Want to come?" she asked, recovering quickly.

"Sure," I agreed, following her toward the field.

The training ground was nearly deserted except for the elite: Alpha, Beta, Gamma, Delta, the head warrior, and squad leaders sparring in pairs.

Chris stood out immediately—tall, broad, his presence undeniable. His hazel eyes snapped to mine, scent pulling his attention.

Distracted, Jude seized the moment—his uppercut connected, snapping Chris’s jaw back in a sharp strike.

Chris recoiled, eyes flashing brown with irritation. He retaliated with a rapid flurry, Jude struggling to defend as Claire and I approached.

"Chris," I called softly. His expression softened instantly, brown eyes melting back to hazel.

He faced me fully, a playful glint in his gaze. Bare-chested, basketball shorts clinging to his muscular frame, he closed the distance, wrapping me in a powerful embrace.

His face nestled into the crook of my neck, breath warm and steady. A shiver skittered down my spine as I melted into the comfort of his arms.

"Missed you," he whispered, lips brushing my ear before a slow, lingering kiss claimed my mouth. After a week apart, his touch was like water to a parched soul, and I ached for more.

Wrapped in him, the chaotic world faded, leaving only the steady beat of our hearts and the fragile peace we fought so hard to protect.