Chapter 3: How Are You So Strong?

Briony's POV

The training center reeked of sweat and rubber mats as we lined up, waiting for instructions. Delta Griffin strode between the rows, then announced, "Today we're practicing block and counter techniques."

I rolled my shoulders, already knowing what would come next. Griffin started pairing students up, his choices seemingly random but always deliberate.

"Briony and Layla," he said when he reached us.

Standing face to face with Layla, our height difference was impossible to ignore. She towered over me by at least six inches, her olive skin gleaming with a light sheen of sweat from the warm-up.

Griffin paused beside us, eyeing our stances. "Watch your center, Briony. Layla, ease up on that front foot when you attack."

This move is practically second nature to me, but I've learned to execute everything at seventy percent during group sessions. No need to draw attention.

As we practiced, I kept my movements clean but unremarkable. Layla caught on quickly, her body adapting with each repetition.

After our third round, Griffin circled back. He glanced toward the triplets and Noah, then lowered his voice.

"You two have this down better than our future leadership over there."

He winked. "Keep that between us."

Layla laughed, and I couldn't stop the small smile that tugged at my lips.

Griffin's been more family to me than my actual relatives. He's covered for me countless times, hiding the evidence of Victoria's "discipline sessions." Only he and Luna Isabella know about my early awakening. Most wolves shift at 16 or 17 - Noah and his leader friends awakened at 15, which was considered impressive.

But me? My wolf came at 14. I was terrified - a Beta's unwanted daughter awakening before the pack's precious heirs. Griffin found me panicking in the woods and took me straight to Isabella. She's been teaching me control ever since, away from prying eyes.

"Everyone gather around," Griffin called out. "Time for a demonstration."

"Layla, Briony - show us that defensive counter."

Students formed a circle around us, expressions ranging from boredom to mild curiosity.

"Setting me up?" I sent through our mind link.

Griffin's response came immediately. "Someone should see what you can actually do. Besides, these spoiled princes could use a reality check. Just this once?"

"Three minutes, tops."

His lips barely twitched before he addressed the group. "Layla attacks, Briony defends and counters. Let's see if Briony can subdue her within twenty seconds."

"Twenty seconds?" A boy's voice cut through the murmurs. "No way. Especially not her."

My wolf bristled. These people haven't even awakened their wolves yet! How dare they mock you?

Should I show them? I asked her.

Make it eight seconds, she decided. Let's find out who's laughing then.

Warmth spread through my limbs as she enhanced my senses just enough to sharpen everything. Not obvious, but enough.

"Ready - begin!" Griffin's hand dropped.

I moved instantly. Layla came at me fast, trying to get under my guard. I shifted slightly, caught her shoulder with practiced precision, and used her momentum against her. As she tipped forward, I pivoted behind her, wrapped my arm around her throat, and drove my knee into her lower back.

She hit the mat with me in full control. I locked her arm high behind her back, completely immobilizing her.

Looking at her profile, I caught surprise in her eyes, maybe even respect.

The training center went dead silent.

Griffin approached, barely containing his satisfaction. "Under eight seconds!" He turned toward Ethan, his son and the future Delta of the pack. "That's more than twice as fast as your record, my boy!"

I released Layla and offered my hand. She took it, breathing hard.

"That was incredible," she said. "Your speed is unreal. You have to show me how you did that."

After training, I grabbed my stuff and headed for the locker room, eager to escape the stares and whispers that followed our demonstration.

Layla fell into step beside me. I shot her puzzled glances. Strange having someone willingly walk with me. Usually, I get a three-foot exclusion zone wherever I go.

"How are you so strong?" she asked. "Your moves were more precise than the guardians from my mother's pack."

I studied her face, searching for mockery or false sweetness. Finding none, I shrugged.

"Just practice," I said, refusing to tell her about my wolf.

"Bri!" Griffin jogged up behind us, holding a small medical box. "Your shirt rode up during training. I'm worried that wound might have reopened."

Heat crept up my neck. The last thing I wanted was for Layla to hear about this.

"Thanks," I said stiffly. "Anything else?"

Griffin crossed his arms, his jaw tight. "You know there is."

"Not here," I sent through our link. "I'll explain later."

"When I find out who did this, they're dead."

"That's exactly why I don't tell you things. You have actual responsibilities. Don't waste time on silver powder bullies."

A growl erupted from Griffin's chest, vibrating through the hallway. His Delta aura pulsed outward, making everyone freeze. Students instinctively lowered their heads in submission.

I kept my eyes level with his, refusing to bow. My wolf paced within me, alert but unafraid. I noticed Layla hadn't fully submitted either - chin still raised, though her eyes lowered respectfully.

My Beta blood lets me hold my ground, but what's her excuse? What rank did she hold in her old pack?

"Silver powder?" Griffin's voice thundered. "On a high school student? That's punishment for the worst pack violations! Tell me who, Briony. Now!"

His anger came off him in waves, but I didn't budge.

"No!" I said firmly. "I handle my own problems. Every time someone helps, they just make me a bigger target."

Before he could argue, I turned and walked quickly toward the locker room. Layla followed silently.

I have no idea what she thinks of all this, but I just need to shower and get through another day of school.

I rushed to my corner locker and grabbed my shower bag. Without looking around, I headed straight for the last stall - my usual spot with the most coverage. I slid the outer panel shut, hung my clothes and towel on the hook outside, and cranked the water almost hot enough to burn. Only then did I step in and yank the curtain closed.

Double barriers, double safety, my wolf murmured. This had become my ritual after years of torment - never showing skin in public areas, never letting anyone glimpse the evidence. The wounds on my back felt especially raw today.

Hot water hit my back and I clamped my teeth together to trap the hiss of pain trying to escape. Griffin was right - the wounds had reopened. I watched blood-red water circle the drain and wondered, not for the first time, when I'd finally catch a break.

After washing as quickly as possible, I carefully reached around the curtain for my towel, fingertips searching blindly. Making sure no one saw my scars mattered more than dignity. I wrapped the towel tight around me before pulling the curtain back.

"Holy shit!" I jumped backward, nearly wiping out on the wet floor. "What are you doing?"