Little Warrior.

Envy

Blood splatters across my cheek as another rogue wolf’s head drops onto the damp grass. The warmth of it settles against my skin like a strange kind of blessing in the cool night air. I pull my sword back and spin sharply on my heel before the next pouncing wolf’s teeth can snap shut over my shoulder. My blade slices clean from one side of its jaw down the length of its dark grey, matted fur. It whimpers once before I swing again and take its head too. Seven rogue bodies lie dead around me, their blood soaking into the ground. I hear the soft patter of movement and shift into another stance, ready to strike, but the wolf ahead shifts mid-stride.

"Easy there, little warrior, it's just me."

Juls, one of the patrolling guards, approaches with his hands raised. "You really did a number on them this time." He whistles low as he surveys the mess.

"Yeah, thanks for the help and all," I grumble. He only laughs and ruffles my hair.

"You didn’t need my help. Besides, I reckon this will be your year."

My year to turn eighteen and finally get my wolf is what he means. Since I was left on the pack’s border when I was a baby, no one knows when my birthday is, so no one knows when my wolf will show. Being an orphan also means I'm disposable. The warriors raised me, and when I was little, they used to take me along on patrol so they could feed me and keep an eye on me. Sometimes they took me home to their mates, but most of my life has been spent on the front lines of the pack borders. When they decided I was about twelve and I got my first kill, Alpha Marcus started giving me a wage and put me on my own patrol shifts that fit around my school schedule. I’ve never had much to spend money on since I live at the packhouse with the others who don’t own a home yet. Food is free, and all that’s expected is that we clean up after ourselves and take the occasional kitchen shift. I take almost every dinner shift there is because it fits my routine. Patrol at dawn, school, patrol again, dinner shift, sleep. Repeat.

Thanks to the rogues, I’m now late for that dinner shift, but I’m sure Jenny will cover me.

"I can only pray this is my year, Juls."

"Don’t worry, kiddo. Even without your wolf, you’ve always held your own better than most who have one."

I sigh and drag one of the rogue bodies toward the bonfire pit, where we burn them on this side of the border.

"Yeah, I know, but…" I shrug. "It would just be great to feel connected to someone."

Juls drops the body he’s hauling and folds his arms across his chest.

"You're connected to us. All of us. We will always be your family, kiddo."

His eyes glaze over in a mind link, and I wait for him to finish.

"Alpha wants to talk to you. Said not to worry about the dinner shift, Jenny has it covered."

"You good with these?" I nod to the bodies.

"You know I am. Go." He flicks his hand at me.

Ten minutes later, I’m outside the Alpha’s office, trying to wipe the blood off my face, but all I succeed in doing is smearing it more.

"Come in, Envy." Alpha Marcus’s voice carries through the thick wooden door.

"Alpha Marcus," I greet with a bow.

"Julian said you encountered another rogue attack." He gestures to the chair across from his desk. I unsheathe my twin swords and place them on the desk before I sit, careful to only perch on the edge so I don’t ruin Luna's beloved furniture.

"Seven of them," I say flatly.

"You did well."

"Thank you, Alpha."

He leans back. "Alpha Charles from the Red Moon pack has heard about your skills. He asked me to extend an offer to you. A well-paid offer."

"Oh?"

"It’s quite an honour. His daughter, Aleisha, is around the same age as you. She’s mated to their future Beta, so she’ll be the Beta female one day, and he wants her properly trained."

"She hasn’t been trained?"

"She has, but not to a standard he’s satisfied with. He wants you to train with her. I’ll be taking you off afternoon patrols. After school, you’ll travel to Red Moon and train for two hours each day. Would that suit you?"

"Yes, Alpha. It would be an honour."

"Perfect. I’ll inform Alpha Charles that you'll start tomorrow. Now, go meet with Beta Felix in the garage. He has a surprise for you."

I leave with a strange fluttering feeling in my stomach. I know I’m good. I’ve trained since before I could walk. But being recognised for it? That hits differently. Maybe this is what it feels like when a parent praises you.

I find Beta Felix outside the garage, practically vibrating with excitement. He’s the closest thing I’ve ever had to a parent. He was the one who found me at the border and convinced Alpha Marcus to let the warriors keep me.

"Hello, little warrior!"

"Beta Felix. To what do I owe the pleasure?"

"You know that bike we’ve been working on?" His grin widens as he opens the garage. "Well, it’s finished."

There it sits, gleaming under the lights. The pet project we’ve pieced together for over a year. Part by part, bolt by bolt. Our own custom CBR1000. Black as night. Sleek as sin. Fast enough to blow the skin off your face.

"Wow. She’s beautiful…" I run my hand along the smooth bodywork. This is the third one we’ve built together. Felix has been teaching me to tinker since I was small. The first was a CBR600 he used to teach me how to ride. The second was a lime green 1000, sexy as hell, which he immediately claimed as his own.

"You’ve earned this one." He tosses me the keys.

"No fucking way. Really?"

"Really, really. Go wipe your face and grab your gear. We’re taking this baby out for a ride."