#Chapter 124 – Military Might

I sigh a little, my arms crossed, as I watch the Betas load the boys’ little overnight bags onto the now-familiar party bus. The boys, of course, are thrilled at the prospect of the third trial, but I’m a little sick at the idea.

It’s not that I don’t think Victor will win – of course, especially in a trial of military prowess, I have faith in him – but what tricks does Rafe have up his sleeve this time?

And also, do we have to go so far away? I shake my head, thinking that this is yet another three-day disruption to the boys’ education and daily schedule. When were we going to get them to the point where they’d just be normal kids, going to school and sports, hanging out with their friends? Not traveling to a ritualistic trial to see whether their dad or their uncle would take control of their pack.

“Are you all right?” Victor asks, coming over to me and studying my face. I look up at him, trying not to look so worried.

“Am I all right?” I say, purposefully keeping my voice light. “You’re the one who is about to be put to the test. I’m just going to sit back with your mom and drink a bunch of wine.” I put on a smile for him, hoping he buys it.

Of course, he doesn’t. But he gives me a smile in return, grateful that I’m putting on a good show for the boys.

You’re going to be amazing, I think to him, hoping my utter faith in him shows on my face and bolsters him.

Thank you, he warmly responds, smiling down at me. We’ll be done in no time.

My eyes shine up at him and I bite my lip. Subtly, he draws a finger down the side of my hand, letting me know he loves me, wants to be with me, wishes we could run away to the woods just ourselves, not without the whole family in tow –

“Are you guys done.” Ian asks, rolling his eyes at us.

I jump a little, surprised by his interruption, but then I laugh at my son. “What, are you regretting your little trick with the heat?” I say, grabbing him and pulling him close so that his back is against me, my arms wrapped around his front.

“No,” he murmurs, still pretending to be mad, but I can see him struggle to keep the smile from his face. “You just don’t have to be all googly eyed all the time.”

baby,” I say to him, pretending to be giving bad news. “Unfortunately, we do

mama,” Alvin says, coming over to us and reaching his arms up to his father,

a hundred girlfriends while this one,” I nudge Ian with my leg, “is off learning how

sounds awesome,” Ian

Victor nods at us all and I feel the temporary happy mood drain from me as we climb onto the bus. I know that Victor’s going to come out ahead, and I’m glad he knows it too, but

I think is weird. If Victor and Rafe are being pitted against each other in this trial, why are they sitting next to each other like they’re buddies? Why is their father, his new wide-wheeled chair strapped securely to the bottom of the van, smiling at us as if we’re all

looking out this

to be part of this family now, I know.

the campground, the same one we went to after I was attacked by my stalker so many months ago. I’m glad to see it again, though it’s less pleasant now in the winter air. I eye the uninsulated

things – to clear out

long tongues of flame licking around the campground, melting the

Victor says, frowning and looking

a bit much?” I say, gesturing towards the flames. “Couldn’t you just have

his hands in his pockets. “Besides,” he says, giving me a boyish

help but laugh. “Alvin, Ian!” I call to them – they’re getting a little too close to

disappointed. “God,” I murmur. “I can’t

one of the cabin’s porches. I cross my arms and shake my head, but follow everyone else

the details of the trial,” Henry says, his voice lofty. “However, for the sake of transparency and for the

Victor, of course, told me everything about it last night when he came over for

concentrate

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