Chapter Sixty Four

Matt

It was a typical nonpatrol evening, just like the others since I became a pack warrior. I was in the training center with my headphones on, letting my surroundings melt away into empty space as I finished my set of Romanian deadlifts. I let the barbell clang to the floor before stretching out my hamstrings. I shook my arms out, allowing them to flop back and forth, preparing myself for another set. It felt like I was being smothered by a wet blanket, so I stripped the sweat-drenched shirt I was wearing, letting it fall to the floor.

I added some more weight on each side of the barbell. I took a deep breath as I let my fingers curl around the barbell into a mixed grip. I wriggled my feet shoulder’s width apart, and with one quick fluid motion, I stood up straight, clasping the bar.

I felt sweat drip down the nape of my neck and over my chest with every deadlift. When my set was over, I dropped to the ground and pulled my headphones from my ears. Only then di