Page 37 of Villainous Fate

Kayla Saches and Brent Barlow

Anthony Lucci and Mason French

Megan Clark and Brock Wilson

Braxton Hicks and Sage Perkins

Franklin Tomlinson and Pete Smith

Johnny Durkmen and Steve Kline

Jeffrey Miller and Lance Montgomery

Brad Sullivan and Parker Alvarez

Well… Just Brad.

Each team seemed to have a silent peace agreement as we all stood waiting around the center flag. The space sat directly in front of the barracks and across from what I assumed would be the chow hall. A headquarters tent towered in front of us, and the staff quarters lay behind. Two eight-foot tables adorned with tablecloths showcasing the LLC emblem stared back at us from in front of the headquarters area. Guards filtered through the space, not giving us much attention.

Several pairs can be seen casually chatting, while others seem to be less than enthusiastic about their matches. Their body language reveals more than I’m sure they intend. When all failing teams are accounted for and returned to their vehicles for the drive of shame, we are finally called to attention.

“Cadets. Fall in.” The order came from one of the Betas, and my wolf bristled at the insinuation that a lower wolf was giving orders. The low growling from other cadets confirmed that I wasn’t alone in this hesitation.

“Many of you may have noticed that access to your wolf has been muted today. While some of you may be moving through the tail end of that now, it doesn’t change the fact that while you are here, you are lowest on the totem pole. Now line up before I throw any more of you out,” Stickman shouts, irritation laced in his tone as he strides across the front platform and plants himself into a chair at the table.

Shuffling from both sides of me lets me know everyone is indeed lining up in rows, as indicated by colored dots on the floor. I quickly assess how many dots of each color there are and glance at the red one at Stone’s feet.

He has more than proven his ability to be an ally, so I move two lines over and grab the last red spot, nearly knocking Kline out of the way with a disgruntled huff.

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