Page 94 of Alpha Gray

Fallon

“Girl, you’re on fire!” Shay laughs, elbowing me. “About time you got that damn flag, for real this time!”

We’re sitting at our usual table in the dining hall on Wednesday evening, still pumped about our war games win this afternoon. The alphas let us choose our own teams this time around, so naturally my friends and I fielded ourselves together. I got the flag fair and square and I even made it across the boundary without one of my own teammates taking me down. And the best part? Since we were all teamed together, we all get to share the victory.

“What’s this about a flag?” Brooke asks, walking up behind me with a plate in hand. “I keep hearing something around the complex about how my sister’s a total badass.” She waggles her eyebrows, setting her plate on the table and kicking a leg over the bench, sliding in to take a seat beside me.

I’ve totally turned it around since Monday. After sorting things out with Gray, I was able to get out of my head, focus again, and actually kick butt during training. After today’s drill, I’m more confident than ever that I’ve got this. I’m so close to making the squad that I can practically taste it.

“Something like that.” I flash Brooke a grin, scooching over to give her more room. “Ditching the geek squad tonight?” I ask, nudging her arm.

She rolls her eyes, pushing her glasses up the bridge of her nose. If only she knew that only adds more emphasis to my geek comment.

“Hey, I’m not complaining!” I laugh. “You just hardly ever sit with us for dinner.”

Brooke just smiles, picking her burger up off of her plate and taking a big bite.

“How’s the tech tracking stuff going?” Connor asks from his place across the table.

My sister holds up a finger, chewing and swallowing before responding.

“It’s good!” she chirps, beaming.

I’ll never understand how someone can get so amped up to stare at a computer screen all day.

“I know it sounds boring to you guys but it’s actually super exciting work.”

Boyd leans in from his place beside Connor, his interest piqued. “What’s the latest on the shadow pack?”

Brooke gets a funny look on her face, then gives a little shake of her head. “I can’t really discuss the details. But there’s no evidence that they know our location as of now, so no imminent threat.”

I peer over at her, squinting. Her response is so vague, and for some reason that makes me nervous despite her assurance that there’s no threat on the horizon. Maybe I can pick her brain later, try to get more out of her.

“Damn. I’m ready for a fight,” Shay says, grinning mischievously.

I shake my head. “Not with them. None of us are.” I’m still haunted by Gray’s story about the shadow pack, what they did to his parents and pack. He was my age when it happened, and I can’t imagine losing my family right now- I’d lose my damn mind.

My somber tone gives me away and all of my friends look to me questioningly while I push my pasta salad around my plate with my fork.

“She’s right,” Brooke pipes up, always there for the save. “You guys shouldn’t be so cavalier. If you make the squad, you’re our first line of defense.”

“Whenwe make the squad,” Boyd corrects. “Three days, guys!” He holds up three fingers, flashing a smile.

Casey sidles up to our table, tapping Davis on the shoulder before draping her arms around him from behind. Her auburn hair falls over the front of his shoulder like ribbons. “You ready babe?”

Davis’ face splits into a goofy grin. “See ya, guys,” he breathes as he rises from his seat, grabbing his plate in one hand and slipping his other around Casey’s shoulders.

“Ugh, those two,” Boyd grimaces, rolling his eyes.

“What?” I laugh. “I think they’re cute.”

“You’re not going soft on me now, are you Fallon?” Boyd scoffs, arching a brow. “What happened to all that ‘no mate, no fate’ talk from high school?”

I just shrug. “People change.”

Brooke darts me a knowing glance, and I kick her shin under the table.

“Ah!” Connor exclaims, wincing.

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