Chapter 0370

Victor's muscular frame gives him an immediate advantage as he surges ahead using sheer upper body strength. While I'm strong, I lack his specialized training. But what I lack in raw power, I make up for in agility. The swinging logs meant to knock competitors off balance become my allies as I gain ground on him.

My competitive fire burns hotter facing Victor. I can see the same primal drive in his eyes. Each stride pushes us harder as the finish line approaches.

A massive log swings down without warning. I duck just in time, but Victor's bulk works against him. The impact sends him tumbling into the water below. Laughing, I leap to the platform and slam the stop button. He emerges shaking water from his hair like a wet dog, grinning up at me as he climbs out.

"Let's go again," he challenges, eyes sparkling with adrenaline.

Adrian and Sebastian take their positions. The starting gun triggers chaos. These two are relentless competitors, evenly matched in different ways - Adrian's brute strength versus Sebastian's feline grace. They cross the finish line simultaneously in a dead heat.

We spend the afternoon alternating between human and wolf forms on various courses. In human form, I only best the guys when they make mistakes - and even then, Sebastian matches my time effortlessly.

But in wolf form? Aurora dominates completely. She's not exactly sportsmanlike about it either, prancing around smacking the males with her tail while howling her victory. Seraphina and Evelyn cheer her on with enthusiastic praise. By sunset, I'm completely spent.

Luna Seraphina mercifully prepares dinner so we can eat outside. I blame the grueling workout for how easily I doze off against Victor's chest after the meal. He's clearly adopted this as his new favorite position - not that I'm complaining. One moment I'm nuzzling into his neck, the next I'm waking up in bed. He must have carried me miles back to the packhouse from the Sinclair-Grey residence.

The morning brings sore muscles, but we'd agreed on another session before returning to our pack. With Victor planning to leave after lunch, we train indoors this time. The different obstacle configuration proves no less brutal on my aching body. Evelyn gifts me muscle soak salts after confirming we have a working bathtub, instructing me to use water as hot as I can tolerate.

Sebastian and Seraphina accompany us to the canyon before branching off toward Nightshade Pack while Adrian bids us farewell. Despite the physical toll, it's been an incredible weekend. I've committed to continuing training, returning in two weeks when Oberon visits. After that, we'll coordinate schedules around Evelyn and Seraphina's pregnancies. One thing's certain - the bonds we've formed this weekend will only grow stronger with time.