The heavy, metallic scent of sweat, leather, and crushed dirt filled the air of the fortress training grounds.
After the incident in the gardens, Julian had guided me to a high stone balcony that overlooked the outdoor combat pits. I stood against the railing, my fingers gripping the cool black stone as I watched him work. My left shoulder was stiff, but the pain had dulled to a low throb, allowing me to focus entirely on the display below.
Julian was in his element. He had stripped down to a sleeveless black gym shirt that clung to the damp, shifting muscles of his torso. His dark hair was wet with sweat, clinging to his forehead as he faced off against three of his largest pack betas at the same time.
He didn't use his wolf form. He didn't even use his supernatural speed. He was fight
