Cyrus beckons us closer, and I wish I were anywhere but here.
“Today, we’re going to train in our human forms.” Cyrus claps his hands together. “Both need to be at an exceptionally high level to reach new achievements. We’re going to focus on stamina and maintaining energy today. We’ll warm up, then I’ll create a path, and you all will follow.”
A shiver runs through my body as I glance around once more. It’s obvious I’m physically the weakest here—probably mentally, too.
My confidence starts to crumble, but I try to channel Kayden’s words from our private training sessions.This is a slow process, not a race. All progress is still progress.
“What’s wrong, Evan?” a voice echoes from beside me.
I glance up to find none other than Sam. My eyes resist the urge to roll. He thinks he’s better than everyone else, always has his head up his own ass—or Jaxon’s—and he sure loves to torment others who don’t rise to the same standards.
“You look a little terrified.” He grins, but it’s not a welcoming smile.
No, I know that look. He’s trying his hardest to intimidate me.
“I’m not,” I respond lamely.
He releases a chuckle. “I’ll see you when I’ve lapped you, yeah?”
My nose turns up at his patronising tone. I shake him off, telling myself to focus on everything I’ve been working on over the last few years.
Cyrus takes us through a thorough workout, one that has me sweating from every crevice before we’ve even started the main event. I sigh and try not to let the struggle show on my face, but it’s nearly impossible.
Then he takes us through our trail run. I don’t want Sam to be right, but I am at the back. Immediately, my legs feel like they’re about to cramp up. Everyone else seems to be good at long-distance sprinting; I’m more of a slow short-distance jogger.
Most wolves would take one look at me and know I’m not in the same realm as them. But when you spend a few years fighting for your life and being severely malnourished most of the time, it takes its toll on you.
Let’s go, Evan.Cyrus’s voice floats through our mindlink.Keep up.
I release a groan, bile burning the insides of my chest. My speed quickens, but my lungs are ready to burst.
It would be easy to give up, but that won’t impress Jaxon, and I know I’m already on my last legs with him. Not because I’m not trying, but because I could easily bring the pack down if something were to happen to us.
When I realise how far behind I am, I start to panic internally. The second I finally reach the finishing point, I’m exhaling like I smoke fifty a day.
The rest of the group glance over as I press my hands to my knees and try not to dry heave. All I can hear is my erratic breathing, and shame swarms me.
Cyrus steps forward, and I glance up to find an unamusing expression on his face. “I’m going to have to report back to Jaxon,” he says before folding his arms over his chest. “You’re just not at an acceptable standard. We have goals to hit, and you’re dragging us down.”
“Please,” I rasp. “I need more time.”
“How much more time?” Cyrus waves a hand. “You already do extra lessons with Kayden, and you’re not improving. I have to be honest with Jaxon.”
The sound of Sam’s laughter behind Cyrus makes my skin crawl.
My entire body begins to shake. “I’m trying. I really am.”
“It’s not good enough, Evan.”
The gaping hole in my chest begins to spread, and my eyes sting.
“I’ll do better. I promise.”
Cyrus sighs heavily. “It’s my job to make you better, and I get you’re trying, but I still need to report back to the Alpha.”
“Okay.” I hang my head.
He turns back to the group and claps his hands, the sound echoing around the trees. “Now it’s time to step into the circle, and we’re going to spar one-on-one.”
