Chapter 6: 6: Extra Effort

MAX

Dad’s got this wild idea to have Selene spar with Carter today. His laughter rings out across the training ground, catching me off guard with its lightness.

I can’t help but question the age difference between the two. He gives me a look that practically shouts, “Are you crazy?”

“Max, Selene’s fifteen, Carter’s seventeen. Nothing’s going to happen. He’s scared to death that either you or I would kill him if it did. I’m not worried. Watching your sister take him down is going to be hilarious.

Remember how your mom once knocked down a pack member who was crushing on her, before we got together? He was twice her size. It was something to see.”

Dad’s face lights up with pride as he remembers the strength of his luna. We’ve all heard the stories of her taking on rogues alone, even tearing out the heart of one during an attack.

She was a force to be reckoned with, and she’s been training my sisters to be just as strong.

“All right, let’s see how this goes,” I say, giving my father a doubtful look before heading over to the bench to watch. It’s our job to make sure everyone’s safe and prevent any unnecessary harm.

We also want the males to not hold back when sparring with the females, because in a real fight, no one would be holding back. Their survival depends on their ability to fight any opponent.

Carter walks up to Selene, extending his hand in a customary pre-sparring handshake. It’s a symbol of good sportsmanship and camaraderie.

They square off, and Connor, our Lead Warrior, blows his whistle to signal the continuation of the sparring matches.

We usually have ten pairs going at once, switching out after each round. This system makes it easier for us to observe and provide feedback.

Dad, Beta Jackson, Beck, Connor, and I are always on spotting duty. Connor is keeping an eye on Selene and Carter, so I try to focus on the two pairs I’m assigned to.

I move back and forth between my pairs, watching their moves and techniques. I can’t help but steal glances at Selene, eager to see her take Carter down.

He had confessed to me that he wanted her to teach him some moves. I wasn’t sure why, considering his size and speed.

A grunt followed by a thud catches my attention. Carter is sprawled on the ground, a look of utter surprise on his face.

Connor walks over, offering some critique before helping him up. Selene stands nearby, a smirk on her face, pretending to inspect her nails.

“Again,” I hear Connor command.

I turn my attention back to my pairs. Madeline, one of my sisters’ friends, stumbles after a kick to her side from Patrice.

She clutches her ribs, wincing in pain. Patrice is relentless, one of the stronger females in our pack.

We had gone to school together, and she had always preferred fighting to studying. Patrice catches my eye and waves, a smile on her face.

I roll my eyes and take a deep breath before calling time. I walk over to Madeline, asking, “You good?”

She grits her teeth and nods. I turn to Patrice, running my hands through my hair in frustration.

“Are we trying to break bones intentionally?” Patrice grins, “No, Alpha, just trying to make sure Madeline can defend herself.

Seems like she needs more instruction.” She pauses, then steps closer. “Or perhaps you would like to teach me to be gentler.”

I’m not sure how to respond. She has been aggressively pursuing me since high school, despite my clear disinterest.

She’s not my type—too loud, too rude, too aggressive. Definitely not luna material.

Dad had always said, “Don’t waste time with women who could never be your luna.”

“Patrice, slow down. I think Connor will decide if Madeline needs more training.

As for you, I’m not sure anyone could teach you to be gentle. You’re one tough she-wolf.”

I leave it at that, signaling for them to resume sparring. Madeline must have been riled up by Patrice’s comments, because I turn just in time to see her drop-kick Patrice to the ground.

I shrug and turn my attention back to Carter and Selene. They’ve stopped sparring, and Selene is showing Carter how to execute her signature flying kick.

It’s a move she uses to take down larger opponents, knocking them off balance and leaving them no time to recover. Most of the time, they end up flat on their backs, just like Carter had.

This must be what Carter had been asking her to teach him. Connor blows his whistle to signal the end of the sparring session.

I watch as the pairs disperse toward the locker rooms and the next set take their places. My gaze lingers on Carter and Selene.

They’re deep in conversation as they walk toward the locker room. I wonder if he’s asking her to the dance or asking her how she managed to take him down.

I feel a mix of pride and anxiety about my friend potentially dating my sister. I shake my head, trying to focus on the sparring teams and take my mind off the whole situation.

MELANIE

Madeline and I are sprawled on the couch, half-watching some mindless reality TV show. It’s more for background noise than anything else.

She’s telling me about her run-in with Patrice, claiming that she fights dirty and that Max had his back turned when Patrice intentionally broke her ribs.

We heal quickly, but the pain is still intense for a few hours. Madeline lifts her top to show me the bruises just as Selene walks in.

“Holy crap, what happened to you?”

“Patrice happened,” Madeline replies, rolling her eyes.

Selene settles into a chair, sipping a soda and flipping through a magazine. “She can be so nasty sometimes. I don’t know what her problem is.”

Madeline snorts. “I do. She was trying to impress Max. She’s pathetic. Didn’t your brother tell her to back off years ago?”

She asks me. “Yep, back in high school. She was always trying to get with him.

She even tried to get him drunk at a party once when his girlfriend was out of town. She was all over him, and he had to physically remove her hands from his neck as she tried to kiss him.”

“Wow, I didn’t know that,” Madeline says. “Yeah, he kept it quiet.

He didn’t want anyone to think he was cheating on his girlfriend. Patrice tried to spread rumors that he kissed her back, but he didn’t.

Everyone who was there saw the whole thing.” Selene clears her throat, drawing my attention. “What’s up?”

“So,” Selene begins, nervously fiddling with the tab on her soda can. “I need some advice about something.”

Madeline and I share a glance that speaks volumes. We’re both aware of the Carter situation, so it’s clear that’s what this is about.

“All right.”

“Dad decided to pair me with Carter for today’s sparring session, which is odd,” she says, rolling her eyes.

“Then Carter wanted me to show him my flying kick, which is okay, I guess.” A smile tugs at my lips.

I can see where this is headed. “Go on.”

“After training, he walked me back to the locker rooms.

I thought he was just going to ask more about our stunts. But that wasn’t his intention.” She pauses, looking at both of us.

I decide to play dumb, acting as if I have no idea what she’s talking about. “So, what did he want?” I ask.

“He asked me to the spring dance. He told me he’d already spoken to Max and the alpha.

He said he got their approval to ask me, and that I didn’t have to give him an answer right away. But he wants to know soon.”

“And what’s wrong with that?” I ask, my smile broad and supportive. “I don’t know, maybe nothing.

Do you think he’s too old for me? He’s a senior and I’m just a sophomore. I feel like he’d want someone his own age.

I can’t help but think he has some ulterior motive.” She looks like she’s trying to crack a difficult math equation.

“Listen, he made the effort to talk to Max and the alpha. That’s significant.

I think he just likes you. He’s always around, right? He’s one of the few guys who knows all of us and isn’t just trying to impress the alpha,” Madeline offers her perspective, a smile dancing on her lips.

She’s got a point. Carter has been a part of our lives since we were kids. His family moved here when he was in fifth grade and he quickly became best friends with Max.

Selene’s expression softens. “I suppose you’re right.” We both nod in agreement, but then she throws us a curveball.

“So why is it okay for me to date but not you?” I shrug, “Maybe because no one else has the courage to bring it up with Max or Dad.”

I’m trying to figure it out myself. Max is always more protective of me, probably because Selene has a twin brother to look out for her and they’re always together.

I’m not really sure. “Yeah, he was pretty brave. I would have loved to see how his conversation with Dad went,” Selene giggles.

“I bet it was easier than his talk with Max! Max probably wanted to strangle him,” I laugh, knowing how hot-headed Max can be.

“So… what’s the plan? Carter is quite a catch. A lot of girls would be jealous.”

“I don’t care about those other girls, I can handle myself.

But to answer your question, I think I’m going to say yes, right after I have a chat with Max.” Selene jumps up, waves goodbye, and practically skips out of the room.

I look at Madeline, who’s grinning from ear to ear. “That’s so cute.” We both burst into laughter, sounding like a pair of giddy schoolgirls.