CHAPTER FIFTEEN

“I think the best way to test out her fighting skills is to do a mock fight,” Lavender says as the crowd disperses.

They watch me warily as they go back to their daily lives. But it’s like they’re not sure how to approach me, and I certainly don’t know how to approach them.

“It’s been a long day. I’m sure she’s tired,” Zach says. “How about a mock fight tomorrow?”

Yet I see my chance right now. I am beyond tired. It would be so much better to wait until tomorrow. It’s unfair to expect me to be able to fight after everything that happened today.

But the smug look on Lavender’s face is enough to convince me that I have to do it. I have to prove myself to her and everyone else in the pack.

“It’s okay,” I say. “I am exhausted, but I’m always up for a challenge. Let’s do this.”

Lavender’s smile falters a little. I don’t think she thought I’d agree.

“Okay,” she says. “Let’s do it.”

Zach looks hesitant, but he doesn’t try to stop us as we walk to a dirt circle in the middle of their