Page 33 of Luna Trials

I wiped down the seat and pushed out my senses as I popped in my earbuds, moving to the treadmill. Most of the ‘Alphas in training’ were sticking to themselves. Normally, I would have done the same and waited for night to use the gym if I really wanted to get a workout in. Instead, I was watching them, getting a good look at the future of the packs.

I turned the treadmill up to a steady speed and pretended to breathe heavy as I sensed the strengths and weaknesses of the shifters running beside me.

Mattox had dug up dirt on most of these guys and emailed it to me on arrival. I wasn’t too concerned with the ones trying to peacock their feathers during the Alpha Games. There was only one reason I agreed to the invitation for the show, but I was taking advantage of this portion now until the time came when I could act.

Legally.

“You done?” a rough voice asked as I stepped off the treadmill.

My senses were stronger than most of these shifters and I could hear him over the rock music blasting in my ears.

But I didn’t want to let him know that.

In the world of wolves and territory disputes, you didn’t give your enemies anything they could use against you. And you didn’t let them know how powerful you were until it was time to strike.

I pretended to stretch, blocking the machine, and took my time before looking over my shoulder. The dude was still standing there, watching my ass.

“Can I help you?” I smirked.

He startled, glancing up as I stood to my full height. Trenton Nuva. A pretty boy with dirt still under his claws from the desert.

I was wondering when he’d show face.

“Are you done?” he asked again, motioning to the treadmill.

I pulled out my earbuds, stretching my arms over my head. “What?”

“I asked if you were done,” he spoke through clenched teeth.

“Sure, man.” I stepped to the side, smiling as I did. “Hey, aren’t you from Nuva Pack?”

He nodded. “And you’re Ranger. Alpha of McCaw. Nice to meet you.”

Well, the kid did his homework and had manners, I’d give him that.

“You brought two Lunas for the competition, right?” I asked casually, grabbing my ankle to stretch my quad.

Trenton tensed as he stepped onto the treadmill. “Yeah. They’re both good candidates, I guess. We’ll see how they do in the trials.”

I could respect him for thefuck offvibes if something about his tone didn’t rub me the wrong way. “Not good enough for your wolf to pick though.”

My beast started growling and I pushed my fist against my heart to quiet him down.

Trenton arched an eyebrow, tactfully ignoring the sound coming from my chest. He was smarter than I gave him credit for. “That’s why I’m here.”

I nodded. You didn’t hold the position that I was in and keep it without knowing how to let certain things go. And I had a feeling that if I stayed here any longer, we’d be doing more than talking. I’d have to save that for the Alpha Games. “Have a good run.”

Trenton looked back to the treadmill as if just noticing where his feet stood. “Thanks man, you too.”

I chuckled to myself when he realized what he’d said and turned around, needing to get out of this gym before the stink riled my beast further.

What’s gotten into you?I asked my wolf as I grabbed a towel from the rack and headed down the hall.

I don’t like that he knows her.

He’s her Alpha’s son.I rubbed the towel over my hair and pressed the button for the top floor in the elevator. That was one part of the wolf-shifter world I hated. I’d love to go back to the good old days where the strongest led instead of passing the Alpha title down through the family.

He won’t be for much longer.My wolf growled, pacing the confines of my human mind that kept him trapped in this form and coming up with his own damn mission in there.