Page 28 of Brutal Reign (Shadowed Heirs #5)

28

T he door to the squad complex bangs shut loudly behind me as I stomp out onto the practice field, pushing my glasses up the bridge of my nose with a finger and glaring through the lenses at my fellow recruits. This is not how I wanted to start my week.

Someone lifted my fucking contact lenses from my cubby. Not just the pair in my case I took out last night, but my box of extras, too. And my money’s on a certain thirsty blonde bitch.

Locating her stupidly pretty face amongst the crowd, I stalk in her direction with mayhem on my mind, ready to risk my spot at training camp and tear her a new one so she’ll learn her lesson once and for all. It takes a lot to push me to the brink, but I’ve officially had enough of her mean girl bullshit.

“Told you she’s defective. How can she be Alpha to a pack if she can’t even see without help?” a male voice jeers, and I stop in my tracks, whipping around to meet Jake’s smug sneer.

“Why don’t you ask my mom how she can be Luna?” I snap, changing course and marching his way instead. Guess I shouldn’t have assumed Chandler was responsible for the prank when Jake’s enemy number one. “Or maybe you should ask my dad, I bet he’d love to have an excuse to put you in your damn place.”

At least he has the good sense to blanch at the mention of my father; his Alpha . Too bad it’s only momentary before his smug grin slides into place again and he’s back on his overly-cocky bullshit.

“Sure, run and tattle to daddy,” Jake mocks, rolling his eyes before narrowing them on me. “He won’t always be around to fight your battles, little girl.”

The friend he was talking shit to wisely skitters away as I push into Jake’s space threateningly, getting right up in his face. “I don’t need my daddy’s help to wipe the floor with you, I can do that all on my own,” I snarl, my inner wolf surging to the surface.

The metallic shimmers of Jake’s own wolf sparkle in his eyes as he shakes his head with a mirthless laugh, rocking back on a heel. “I’d like to see you try,” he scoffs. “Tell you what, I’ll let you concede to save yourself the embarrassment, and maybe I’ll consider making you my Luna. Call it a consolation prize.”

My wolf pushes forward with so much fury that she almost rips right through my skin. “I’ll never be your anything,” I grit out through clenched teeth as I fight to hold her back.

“Hey, what’s going on?” Ace’s growly voice demands, and I whip my head sideways to see my mates stomping toward us, both looking ready to rumble. Beau and Eli are hot on their heels, and Hayden, Gus, and Kendrick aren’t far behind. Not to mention more of Jake’s friends are now gravitating toward him from their various positions on the field, while the rest of our fellow recruits are watching the conflict unfolding between us with morbid curiosity. Looks like we’ve attracted quite the audience.

Though my inner wolf calms at their proximity alone, I cut Seb and Ace a hard look, warning them to back off and not get involved. Of course, Seb doesn’t heed it. He puffs out his chest, glaring daggers at Jake as he tries to shove his way in between us.

“You got a problem, Decker?” Seb spits.

“Stay out of this!” I growl, shouldering him aside. The last thing I need right now is his Alpha male bullshit– this is between me and Jake, and getting another man involved undermines the very perception I’ve been fighting against every day since my dad announced I’d be taking over for him. Being a woman does not make me weak or any less of an Alpha, and it’s about time all these dickheads around here realized it.

I stare Jake down, thrusting a palm toward him in demand. “Just give them back,” I huff.

He scrunches his nose as his gaze flickers down to my outstretched palm. “Give what back?”

“My fucking contacts!” I hiss.

“This prick stole your contacts?” Seb snarls.

Jake answers “no”, while I shout, “yes”, Seb’s glare swiveling between the two of us in search of the truth.

“I didn’t touch your shit,” Jake scoffs, rolling his eyes. “Why are women so damn emotional?”

I bare my teeth at him threateningly. “I’ll show you emotional .”

His smug grin widens. “C’mon then, River, I’ll let you get the first hit in for free,” Jake drawls, goading me. He waggles his brows as he adds, “You know you want to.”

“Riv,” Ace warns in a low, even tone.

“I said stay out of this!” I snap.

“Fight, fight, fight!” one of Jake’s lackeys starts chanting.

“What’s going on out here?” a deep voice barks out, and we all freeze on the spot in response to Madd’s authoritative tone. My cousin’s imposing presence sweeps onto the practice field like the grim reaper on his way to collect souls, the crowd that’s formed around Jake and me parting to let him through. When he sees I’m at the center of the drama, his brows raise almost imperceptibly before they furrow in frustration, his disapproving stare bouncing between me and Jake. “You two know the rules, no unsanctioned fighting amongst recruits.”

“She started it,” Jake sneers.

“I didn’t start shit, but I’ll gladly finish it,” I mutter, folding my arms across my chest.

Madd heaves a sigh, scrubbing a hand over his face. “I don’t give a shit who did what, the rules are in place for a reason. I won’t tolerate any infighting.”

“Sanction a matchup, then,” I blurt, the words leaving my lips before I even fully have a chance to think them through.

My cousin swings his gaze back on me, the corner of his mouth lifting in amusement. Madd does love a good brawl. “Is that really necessary?” he asks, staring into my eyes intently.

He’s giving me a chance to back out, and if I wasn’t so keyed up right now, I might take it. Instead, I jerk a nod, arching a brow in Jake’s direction that dares him to turn tail and run.

Then who’d look weak?

“Let’s do it,” Jake grunts, squaring his shoulders and lifting his chin.

My lips curve into a maniacal grin, and I swear I see a flicker of uncertainty cross his face at my expression. Good . He should be scared.

“Well, we weren’t going to do any sparring this morning, but if that’s how you two want to sort this out…” Madd trails off with a shrug. “Sure, go ahead. No cheap shots, though, and no serious injuries that’d put either of you in the infirmary and take you out of training.”

“Yeah, yeah,” I mutter, waving him off as I turn away to get into position, the crowd around us tittering with excitement as they fall back.

This probably isn’t the smartest idea, considering the challenge I’ll be facing against Jake in a couple of weeks. My dad warned me to engage with him as little as possible until then. He definitely wouldn’t approve of me sparring with Jake in front of our entire recruit class, because whoever loses this matchup will lose the upper hand in our challenge.

Guess that means I can’t lose.

I’m better at hand-to-hand combat than Jake is, but he’s known for employing dirty tricks that toe the line of fair play. With that in mind, I scoop my long hair up into a tight bun, securing it with the hair tie around my wrist before grabbing for the hem of my t-shirt and rucking it off over my head. Balling it up in my hands, I strut over to Seb and Ace in my sports bra, thrusting the shirt in their direction.

“Hold onto this for me, will ya boys?” I ask sweetly, batting my lashes.

Neither of them appears amused. Ace’s brows are creased with concern, and Seb is so damn tense that he looks like he could explode at any moment.

Ace reaches out to take the shirt from me, leaning in and dropping his voice low. “Riv, you don’t have to do this…”

“Tag me in, I’ll take care of that shit stain,” Seb grumbles under his breath.

“I’ve got this,” I say confidently, whipping back around before they can argue further and stomping toward Jake to take my position.

The other recruits have formed a wide circle on the field surrounding the two of us, all eager to watch this go down. I glance toward my cousin as I take my place, and Madd gives me a subtle nod, bolstering my confidence even more. I can do this. Securing my glasses on the bridge of my nose, I swing my gaze back over to Jake, bending my knees slightly and beckoning him with a lift of my chin.

He starts in my direction and we both put our fists up, bouncing on the balls of our feet as we begin circling one another. The moment I’m within reach, he tries to throw a left hook, which I easily block. His right fist quickly follows, clipping me in the ribs, but I let it land since it gives me an opening to get my own hit in. My knuckles crack sharply against Jake’s jaw, his head cranking sideways from the impact and causing him to stumble back a few steps.

Could’ve been harder, but still got the job done.

Jake hocks a glob of pink-tinged saliva onto the ground, bouncing right back into position and putting his fists up again. He’s quick to recover, I’ll give him that. We start circling each other once more, and this time, I’m the first to strike.

He blocks my right jab, but my left uppercut lands true, rattling his teeth as he rains two punches down on my ribs in quick succession. Pain jolts through me as I feel one of them crack beneath his fist, jumping back out of range before he can land a third hit. He tries to follow, but I sweep a foot out, tripping him up. He stumbles, but he doesn’t fall, and then we’re right back to circling one another again.

Distantly, I can hear the jeers of the crowd urging us on, but all of it fades to white noise in my head as I focus intently on my form. My muscles are loose, my elbows are tucked. Certain voices manage to cut through the static, though. Two of them, to be exact.

Seb and Ace are cheering me on, and I don’t know if they’re truly louder than all the rest or if it’s just in my head, but my wolf surges forward with pride, giving me the extra burst of strength I need. Jake lunges in my direction and I meet him head on, dodging his punches and raining down a half dozen of my own. He manages to knock my glasses off, but I can still see well enough to give him the beating he deserves, using muscle memory to carry my movements. Kicking one of his legs out from under him, I take him down to the dirt, the two of us rolling and grappling as we fight for the upper hand.

Hayden whistles loudly as I put Jake in a headlock, wrestling him underneath me and pinning him face-down in the dirt. He bucks and grunts as I wrench both arms behind his back and press a knee into his spine, using all my weight to pin him like a bug. My muscles strain under the exertion of keeping him there, but my hold is ironclad. He’ll have to tap.

The fucker doesn’t give up easily. Jake growls in frustration as he squirms beneath me, my fingernails digging deeper into his skin with every yank of his arms. I shove my knee into his spine harder until he finally relents, his body going limp and sagging against the ground.

“Calling it for River,” Madd announces gruffly, and I shove off of Jake with a grunt, popping back up on my feet and wiping my nose with a forearm. A bright streak of blood is left behind, so I suppose Jake was able to get a hit in there somewhere after all. My adrenaline’s pumping so hard that I don’t feel any pain, though– just the euphoric high of victory.

Jake grumbles under his breath as he pushes up to stand, turning an angry scowl on me as he wipes the blood dripping from his chin. “Let’s see if you’re as good in wolf form,” he huffs, grabbing for the hem of his t-shirt and whipping it off over his head, readying himself for a shift.

The air punches from my lungs, blood turning to ice in my veins.

I can’t.

“That’s enough,” Madd barks out, stepping in between us and shoving Jake back. He points a finger into his chest, narrowing his eyes menacingly. “I sanctioned a spar, not a wolf fight, and you’ve already taken up enough training time. Knock it off or you’re outta here, Decker. Put your shirt back on and line up so we can get started.”

Jake clenches his jaw, nodding stiffly, and Madd steps past him to join up with the other squad leaders on the periphery of the crowd. I hadn’t even realized all nine of them were out here– plus their mates– but I guess I was a little busy wiping the floor with Jake.

“Fun’s over, circle up so we can go over the plan for this week,” Madd booms, his harsh tone brokering no room for argument.

Everybody hustles up to fall in line as I step over to pick up my glasses. Brushing them off on my leggings, I settle them back on my face, Seb and Ace coming up on either side of me.

“Nice work, badass,” Seb murmurs, nudging me with an elbow.

I hiss in a breath through my teeth as it connects with my injured ribs, a shot of pain ricocheting through me.

“Are you hurt?” Ace snarls, grabbing me by the shoulder and spinning me so he can assess the damage. Before I can stop him, he leans in, inspecting the bruises forming on my side.

“I’m fine,” I grit out, swatting him away. “Just give me my shirt.”

Ace’s brows knit together in concern as he straightens to his full height, eyes locking with mine as he hands it over. Unfurling the fabric, I slip it back on over my head, careful not to wince at the pain in my ribs with the movement. Ace is still staring at me, though, and he looks a little too suspicious for my liking.

“Stop looking at me like that,” I huff, tugging down the hem. “If you wanna play doctor, then go tend to Jake. He got it way worse than I did.”

Ace’s lips curve in a smile, his eyes softening. “You were impressive out there, babygirl. Remind me not to piss you off.”

“As if that’s ever stopped you two before,” I scoff, smirking at him.

“Listen up, recruits!” Madd calls out, and we turn our attention his way. All the squad leaders have lined up across the field facing us, much like they were the first day of training camp. “You’ll get your new rankings and pairings this afternoon, but this morning, we’ll be splitting you off for special assignments,” Madd says. “From here on out, you’ll report to your assigned post on Monday and Wednesday mornings to get specialized training in the skillset we’ve identified for you. First up, we’ve got tracking, and that’ll be with Javi and Cam.” He gestures in their direction, and the two of them step forward, coming together.

“Walker, Hines, and Edgerton, you’re with us,” Javi announces, and Seb’s eyes light up like he’s actually excited about the prospect of training for once. He brushes the backs of his knuckles against mine, darting me a sly glance before starting through the crowd in their direction.

“Alright, next is Andie and Nash for sharpshooting,” Madd says, and the two of them step up to call off their list of names. Hayden is among the six selected, and she tosses me a wave as she prances by, her violet ponytail bouncing behind her.

“Sniper training will be with Ares,” Madd continues, and Ares looks way too damn eager as he moves forward, rubbing his palms together eagerly.

“Hall, Tipton, Stetson, and Conway,” Ares calls.

Ace brushes his shoulder against mine as he steps past me, tossing me a wink as he goes over to join Ares.

Guess I’m not with either of my guys for this exercise. Not that I need to be, but some part of me is a little disappointed that we’re all being split up. The bond, I’m sure.

“Avery will be handling special ops,” Madd announces, and his twin steps up, making eye contact with me and crooking a finger.

“Just you, Jacobsen,” Avery sing-songs, a smirk creasing her lips.

I grin back at her as I start in her direction, more than pleased with my assignment. Two mornings a week hiding out in the command center for the hunter taskforce with my favorite cousin? Yes, please.

The remaining recruits get fielded to their various placements with the other squad leaders, then we’re all dismissed, Avery slinging an arm around my shoulders as the two of us start toward the doors to the squad complex.

“Don’t know what you’ve got planned, but you’d better not expect me to work IT,” I grumble as we near the entrance.

Avery giggles, tightening her arm around my shoulders and pulling me in closer. “Aw, c’mon, we’re gonna have so much fun! Sloane and Lo are right across the hall, and we’re in serious need of some girl talk, dontcha think?”

“Ugh, that sounds amazing,” I sigh, leaving the craziness of the morning behind me on the field as I follow her inside the squad complex.

Thanks to my cousin, what started as my worst day at training camp turned into one of the best. A dose of girl talk was exactly what I needed, and when I return to the barracks before lunchtime, I’m feeling a whole lot lighter. The room is bustling with activity when I enter, the other recruits evidently having returned from their morning assignments, and as I make my way through the aisle toward my bunk, I can’t help but glance around for Seb and Ace.

Do I miss them?

It’s ridiculous to think I would, considering we’ve only been apart for a few hours, but this bond is seriously fucking with my emotions. And my sanity.

My heart soars when I pass between a row of bunks and catch sight of Seb, but when I see who he’s with, it stutters in my chest, crumbling to dust. Because he’s at Chandler’s bunk, standing over her, their faces mere inches apart…

I stop in my tracks as I do a double-take, sure I must be hallucinating. He wouldn’t still be hooking up with Chandler now that we’re mated, would he? My stomach twists, bile crawling up my throat at the thought of the two of them together, the icy claws of betrayal wrapping around my throat until I can’t breathe. My lungs cease to function as I stand there frozen, unable to look away.

Seb’s jaw is clenched tight as he stares Chandler down, crowding her in against her bunk. “Give them to me,” he growls, holding out a hand.

She tosses her hair back flirtatiously, batting her lashes up at him. “I don’t know what you’re talking about.”

“River’s fucking contact lenses,” Seb grits out, and my heart takes a flying leap.

“What makes you think I took them?” Chandler scoffs, reaching out to trail her fingertips up his bicep.

He bats her hand away, his frown deepening. “Don’t play dumb with me.”

“Why are you sticking up for her, anyways?” she huffs. “I thought you hated her?”

“Yeah? Well I fuckin’ lied,” Seb snarls, glaring down at her menacingly. “Now hand them over, I’m not fucking around here.”

Chandler’s posture deflates. She looks away, glancing down the row of bunks, and when her eyes meet mine, her entire demeanor shifts on a dime. Turning back to Seb, she reaches out to place a palm against his chest. “Seb, let’s just talk about this,” she purrs, smiling coyly as she slides her hand up to rest on his shoulder.

Rage boils like acid in my veins at the sight of her touching what’s mine .

Seb whacks her hand away like her touch burns him, shoving back with an angry scowl. “Did I say you could fucking touch me?”

She snorts a laugh. “C’mon, it’s never stopped me before. Me and you…”

“The fuck are you talking about?” Seb snaps, expression contorting in disgust. “There is no me and you. Never has been, never will be. I’d cut off my own dick before I ever let you touch it. How many ways do I have to tell you I’m not fucking interested before you’ll get it through your head?”

Chandler flinches back like his words have physically assaulted her, her lower lip wobbling and tears welling up in her eyes.

“Oh go ahead, fuckin’ cry about it,” Seb grumbles, waving a hand dismissively. “Just give me her contacts before you have your meltdown.”

A tear slips down her cheek as she shoulder-barges past him to go for the cubby at the end of her bunk, stooping down to grab something. She sniffles as she straightens, turning at the waist and shoving it at his chest, mumbling a few choice expletives under her breath as he yanks them from her hands.

Yep, it’s my contact case and boxes of extra lenses. That fucking bitch.

Seb doesn’t spare Chandler another glance, whipping around to leave her to her hysterics and starting in my direction. His steps falter when he lifts his gaze and our eyes lock, but he continues toward me, his brows pinching together and an expression coming over his face that I can’t quite read.

“Here,” he says gruffly as he approaches, thrusting the boxes and case toward me. “These are yours.”

I take them from his hands, suddenly at a loss for words. I know I said I didn’t want anyone fighting my battles for me, but the way he just took charge has my belly doing all kinds of weird flips. I can hardly think straight. I was so sure that he’d fucked Chandler, but if he hasn’t… does that change things?

Should it change things?

“Thanks,” I whisper feebly, peering up at him through my eyelashes.

Seb’s eyes darken and he gives me a single nod, stepping past me to return to his own bunk. I suck in a breath when his arm brushes as he passes, frozen in uncertainty and still horribly tongue-tied. His strong back muscles bunch and flex beneath his t-shirt with every step of retreat, my pulse picking up speed and my mouth going dry as I watch him walk away.

It was so much easier to hate him.