61. Arena (Clay POV)

The day of the pack meeting descended upon us faster than the winter storm bearing down on us as we left for the school. Before I knew it, we walked into the local werewolf high school arena where Luke and I had once been students.

We played football together on this very field.

There was a strange sense of déjà vu, like revisiting a dream but with the edges blurred by reality. Typically, these gatherings occurred in the auditorium, but today was different. Challenges were in the air, and this space would save the trouble of transitioning from talk to combat.

I led Lexi toward the Luna section, my footsteps hesitant. For a moment, the idea of leaving her there crossed my mind, but I quickly dismissed it. There wasn't another human Luna at the moment, and the werewolf Lunas would bombard her with questions the second Luke and I stepped away. I could feel their curiosity already, almost prickling my skin.

In stark contrast to my guarded demeanor, Luke radiated a sense of effortless, a