Chapter 50

JUSTIN POV

I’m in a small, musty gym. Surrounded by rusty barbells, old sandbags, and gym equipment covered in a film of dust. It isn’t much, but it is what I have available to me here, at my current home. Or, at least where I am staying until I win my title as Alpha of the Running River Pack. I slam a heavy medicine ball onto the ground, imagining that it is Darius’ body. A sadistic grin spreads across my face as my brow is dripping with sweat.

“You don’t want to wear yourself out for tomorrow. Take it easy,” says the familiar voice of wisdom, who has become more of a father figure to me over the years. I look up at him as I scoop up the medicine ball. My chest is now covered in a layer of sweat, mixed with dirt and dust from the old equipment.

“Just getting in a short session to help settle my nerves,” I reply to him as I slam the ball down to the floor again. He walks over to me and clicks his tongue. That’s his way of signaling disapproval. I tense knowing I’ve said the w