Page 88 of An Empress of Air & Chaos

“What’s that stupid Hunter saying again? ‘You’re all the man you will ever be as you enter the Selection.’” She laughed. “I bet you a gold coin a stupid man came up with that stupid saying.”

“It’s not stupid,” Gideon defended. “It’s an honour to be considered a man at the age of fifteen.” He paused. “Plus, I always let you win.”

She scoffed, “Let me win, my ass.”

Gideon threw her a look.

“You’re just defensive because we went from fighting to fuc—”

“Shut up and keep your eyes straight ahead,” Gideon cut her off. She pushed her tongue along her teeth and a smile formed. “You wolves can’t keep your mind out of the gutter and stay focused on the mission,” he finished.

“Sure thing, Giddy,” she mocked.

“Don’t call me that!” he hissed.

A snigger broke from her lips and he knew she so desperately wanted to say that ridiculous nickname again—but she refrained.

As they walked through the woods, Breighly didn’t say another word as she kept her attention on the surrounding forest. With her wolf-sight, she would be able to see through the darkness clearer than anyone else here. And that was why it was crucial to fight with the wolves tonight.

As they reached the clearing, they tightened their form, just like they had been shown in the briefing room. As the space was wide open, this reduced the risk of anyone being intercepted. Murk had advised they would be waiting, and they were.

Viktir picked up his pace until he was beside Torin at the front. Marcus kept the distance between them, knowing his rank within the Clan.

“Commander Blacksteel” Murk nodded. “We should let you know we have already killed two on our journey to the clearing. They took the form of—”

And then Murk Baxgroll paused. He stiffened and his eyes darted to the back of the formation.

“Breighly...” His dark eyes changed from shock to anger, causing his features to form into a scowl. “What in the underworld are you doing here?”

She puffed out her shoulders. “If you won’t let me fight with you, I will fight with the Hunters.”

Gideon had to admit, he had always admired how brave Breighly was, even as a child. No one challenged the Alpha and lived.

Except her.

“That’s not how it works. We have been over this,” Murk growled. “It is not your place to fight—”

“Because I am a woman?” she interrupted, raising her chin. Fury started to steam off Murk’s face, causing the other pack members to shift uncomfortably. “Is it because I am a woman, Father? Is that what you mean to imply?”

Murk’s broad shoulders lifted up in anger as he blew out a puff of air, causing it to wander into the night air.

“Answer me,” she demanded. “I am capable of fighting, Father, and you Gods-damned know it. You taught me, so…”

Gideon knew that if it weren’t his only daughter confronting him like this, her head would have been ripped from her body and left for the pack to snack on by now. But, being his little princess, she could always wrap him around her little paw.

“This is not up for discussion; get yourself home,” he snarled.

“What is up for discussion is the fact that you still treat me like I am a little girl and not a woman who could kick any one of these Hunters asses.”

A snuff came from the crowd, but no one said anything. A pack member even let out a chuckle at her boldness.

“Let me fight. I know these woods better than most, it is an advantage in this hunt.”

“No.” Murk ground his teeth together.

Her nose wrinkled, letting a little part of rage slip through her cool exterior. “I am a wolf. A wolf, regardless of my gender.” She lifted her gaze. “I am the same as my brothers. The same as you.”

A flicker of acknowledgement flamed in the Alpha’s eyes, revealing respect, but it was gone before he spoke. “For once in your life, Breighly, do as you are told.” His hands started forming into claws at his side. Gideon watched as the Shifter tried to control his anger to stop the transformation. The shift from human to wolf. “Do not push me.”

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