Only Broken

One Step Behind

I glance back at Gamma Michael, who’s now deep in conversation with Liam, his expression unreadable.

Liam, on the other hand, looks visibly annoyed. I keep watching them, curiosity prickling under my skin.

“No eavesdropping,” Chris says as he steps into view and flicks my forehead. I almost pout.

James chuckles beside me, finally backing off and lifting his weight from my shoulder.

“You know she showered before training this morning?” he says with a teasing grin.

“Again?” Chris raises a brow at me, smiling.

“So you were the one smelling all nice and shampood,” Leo chimes in, laughing. I roll my eyes.

Still, my gaze pulls back behind them, right to where Liam is still arguing with his dad.

I’m just about to tune into their conversation using my werewolf senses when Chris clears his throat.

I grunt, dragging my eyes back to him.

“They’re probably talking about something personal. Don’t eavesdrop,” he warns through the mind link. I nod reluctantly.

But when I glance back, Gamma Michael is gone. In his place stands her—the blonde everyone admires.

My stomach twists.

“Hey look, Liam and Kayla,” Leo says, drawing the others’ attention to them. I swallow as the trio chuckles.

“Don’t worry,” James leans in, draping an arm around my shoulder. “They’re just work buddies prepping for their future roles.” he whispers with a tone so smooth it makes me slowly glare at him.

Honestly, it’s like I signed up for Christopher and got him as a bonus torture.

Still, I’m grateful these annoying baboons aren’t going around announcing to the whole pack—including Liam—that I’ve got a tiny crush on him.

Kayla leaves, and Liam starts walking over to us, smiling. That smile almost makes me frown.

“Sorry, guys. We can go now,” he says as he reaches us, unaware of the silent exchange that just took place.

The trio just looks at each other, then starts chuckling again.

“Did I miss something?” Liam asks, clueless and flashing that heart-melting grin.

“Yeah, let’s go. I need those ice cream calories,” Chris says, already moving. James nods, fully onboard with our usual post-training Saturday routine.

Then it hits me—and I slowly glance up at Leo, who’s already shaking his head.

I flash my best impression of those innocent puppy eyes. He chuckles.

“You tried last time, and it didn’t work. Give up,” he mind-links.

“Oh, come on!” I groan, then turn to the group.

“Sorry, guys. I can’t make it,” I say with a slight shrug, trying to sound casual.

Chris pauses mid-step. “Again?” he asks, clearly confused. “That’s the second time you’ve stayed behind…”

Liam, James and Leo all glance at one another, then at me.

I honestly didn't want them to know but I don't want it to look like I'm hiding something big.

“She’s training with me,” Leo finally says, his tone laid-back but firm as he steps forward slightly. “I'm helping her sharpen her reflexes, as well as catching up to training."

I can feel Liam’s eyes on me, and when I meet his gaze, there's a flicker of something—surprise first, then something else.... Maybe even disappointment.

“Oh,” he says, nodding slowly. “We didn’t know you two were training together or that you needed help catching up." He step forwards.

I shift uncomfortably under his stare, unsure of what to say. It wasn’t like I planned this, and yet I’m the one standing here with Leo while the rest of them head off to sugar heaven.

“Just something we started recently,” I mumble. “No big deal.”

Liam smiles, but it doesn’t quite reach his eyes. “Right. Cool. Well… don’t overdo it.”

His words are kind, but I still catch the edge in his tone. It makes my chest tighten.

Chris claps a hand on Liam’s shoulder. “Come on, ice cream’s on me today. Extra whipped cream.”

“Only if I get double scoops,” James practically grins, acting like a child when it comes to sweet.

"Don't worry sis. I'll have your favorite waiting for you at home." Chris winks before dragging the guys along.

I watch them walk away, especially Liam—who glances back once before turning the corner.

“Ready?” Leo asks, pulling my attention back.

"Let's just get this torture over with," I mutter, earning a low chuckle from him at my clear lack of enthusiasm.

*****

An hour of intense training with Leo finally comes to an end, and I silently sing praises as I collapse onto the ground, limbs aching and sweat soaking through my clothes.

"You'll get better. Just keep practicing," Leo says, glancing down at me before offering a hand.

"It's not as easy as you make it sound," I grumble, grabbing his hand and hauling myself up.

"Maybe it would be easier if you actually paid attention during training instead of zoning out and daydreaming," he replies, his voice suddenly serious.

I chuckle, but stop cold when I notice his expression hasn’t softened.

"I'm serious, Sam." He plants his hands firmly on his hips, his eyes narrowing slightly.

"I'm the best tracker in our age group. If you focus on the Gamma’s lessons and what I’m showing you, you’ll be more than fine."

I nod slowly, though part of me wants to point out that we're not exactly the same age

Leo is a year older than me, just like Liam and James. Christopher, on the other hand, is only a few months older but never misses a chance to lord it over me as the “big brother.”

Still, Leo's right—he is the best tracker at his age and likely the future head of the tracker unit, which puts him fourth in command after the Alpha, Beta, and Gamma.

Trackers are elite scouts, wolves with razor-sharp senses and instincts. They're sent ahead on missions, tracking of rogues, or even locating objects or scents no one else can.

Learning from someone like Leo is a huge opportunity. He's disciplined, precise—and very serious about what he does. I just wish I could stop overthinking every single time training starts.

Or, you know… lose all mental function whenever Liam’s within a ten-foot radius.

"Okay, I hear you. I promise to try harder next time," I say, offering him a tired smile.

He gives a single nod, then we start walking toward the main house together in silence. Leo lives there too, so we’re heading the same way.

I’m too drained to deal with the stairs, so I veer toward the elevator when Leo suddenly pulls me back. I crush into his solid, hard chest and turn to him, confused, only to realize I would have bumped into a maid holding a mountain of utensils.

"You're really clumsy when you're tired," he whispers in my ear with a chuckle, and I smile as he lets go of me.

"Thanks, but I'm sure a cup of ice cream will fix that." He chuckles at me before pressing the button to the first floor.

The doors open, and he waits for me to enter before he follows. I lean onto the wall, and he looks over his shoulder and chuckles again before turning to me.

"So, umm... how are you coming along with your half-turn?"

The tiredness quickly drains from my eyes, and I stand straight.

"Oh, that... I’m still working on it."

He nods slowly before looking away. I exhale, a mix of relief and guilt tightening in my chest as the elevator doors open.

"Well, if you need help with that too, you know where to find me." We step out of the elevator, and I nod at him before we make our way to the kitchen.

A half-turn.

It’s like stepping one foot into your wolf form without fully shifting. You don’t change completely, your body stays human, but your eyes glow, your canines sharpen, and your nails become claws. It's the first real sign that you're connected to your wolf.

It’s supposed to come naturally, like breathing. Every wolf my age can do it by now. It’s kind of a rite of passage, like your wolf saying, “Hey, I’m here. I’m real.”

But me? Nothing.

No claws, no eyes, no glowing anything. Just... me, stuck somewhere in between.

They say your eyes during a half-turn reflect your inner power. Some burn gold, others red, some icy blue. It shows how strong your wolf is, what kind of wolf you’ll be.

It’s embarrassing, honestly, that I haven't gone through that. It’s like being the only one at school who can’t read while everyone else is reciting full novels.

In pack society, being unable to half-turn can lead to isolation or doubt about one’s status as a true wolf.

If I don't half-turn soon, they’ll stop calling me a late bloomer and start calling me something worse. Already, some have made it crystal clear that I don't fit in.

We arrive at the kitchen, and it’s only Chris and James there. Leo moves across the island and joins the guys who are conversing.

"Where's Liam?"

"His dad mind-linked him, so he left," James replies, and I nod, trying not to show my disappointment. I also pull out a stool when two tubs of ice cream — strawberry and vanilla — slide my way.

I quickly look up at Christopher and smile.

"Thanks."

"Sweet. Where's mine?" Leo asks, and they turn to him with blank expressions.

"I thought you said you’re cutting down the calories for training," Chris raises a brow.

"Yeah, remember you called us fat for eating ice cream after every training." I chuckle at James' statement, especially the way he pretends to be hurt.

"Dude, for the last time, I did not say that." Leo sighs, frustrated, and the guys chuckle.

"It's okay, I'll share mine with you." I offer, and he narrows his eyes at me. Even the guys stare at me.

"What?" I ask when he stares a little too long, but he only chuckles.

I hand him a spoon, and he moves over to sit by me as I mix the two flavors together.