Chapter 166

Chapter 166
Freya's POV

I pushed through the office door at the training center, my decision already made. The morning sun streamed through the windows, casting long shadows across the administrative area.

Master Emmett looked up from his paperwork, coffee mug halfway to his lips. "Freya? You're here early. Training doesn't start for another hour."

"I'm not here for training," I said, approaching his desk with determined steps. "I want to apply for the warrior certification exam."

The coffee mug froze in mid-air. Emmett's eyes widened as he processed my words. "You... what? You want to take the exam? You've only been here a week."

"Yes, I need to obtain warrior status as quickly as possible."

He set down his mug with a sharp clink. "Freya, this isn't some basic fitness test. This is official pack warrior certification we're talking about. The trials are designed to push experienced werewolves to their limits."

'I've been pushed to my limits plenty. This is just another obstacle.'

"I understand the risks," I replied evenly. "But my decision is final."

Emmett leaned back in his chair, studying me with sharp eyes. "Look, I know you've got werewolf heritage and natural instincts, but there's a massive gap between having potential and having the combat skills and wolf control necessary to pass these trials."

"Thank you for your concern," I said, maintaining eye contact. "But once I make a decision, I don't back down."

He stared at me for a long moment, then reached into his desk drawer and pulled out a thick packet. "Fine. Since you're determined to apply for early certification."

Without hesitation, I grabbed a pen and signed my name at the bottom.

"There," I said, sliding the packet back to him. "When's the next exam?"

Emmett shook his head as he filed the paperwork. "One week from today. And Freya? Good luck. You're going to need it."

'I don't need luck. I need this certification to have any standing in pack politics.'

---

Walking out of the office, I found myself thinking about my time here. The mountain air was crisp, pine trees swaying gently in the breeze.

'If I could ignore all the pack drama and politics, staying here wouldn't be such a bad choice.'

The thought was interrupted by rustling from behind a nearby tree.

"BOO!"

Chris jumped out with his arms raised, eyes flashing that distinctive golden light. His face was split by a mischievous grin.

I glared at him, crossing my arms. "You're such a little wolf pup! What are you doing here anyway?"

Chris's expression immediately shifted to wounded puppy dog eyes. "Freya, I'm sorry! I just wanted to surprise you, not scare you."

"Well, maybe you should try not getting so close to me..."

His face fell slightly. "What do you mean?"

"My purpose here is simple," I explained. "I came to this training camp to earn my warrior certification. In one week, I'll have what I need and I'll be leaving."

Chris's eyes went wide. "You're leaving that soon?"

"Yes. I only planned to stay here for two weeks total. Once I get my certification, I'm returning to my pack."

The disappointment on his face was almost painful to watch.

"Chris," I said gently but firmly, "don't waste your feelings on me."

"Is it Nathan?" he asked suddenly. "Are you accepting his advances?"

I let out a short laugh. "Chris, I already have a mate. And I have pups."

The color drained from his face. "You're... you're not joking, are you? Even if you don't want to accept me, you don't need to make up stories like that."

"I'm not lying to you, and I have no reason to lie," I said. "Your brother Theodore knows I have three five-year-old pups."

I reached out and patted his shoulder. "Chris, thank you for taking care of me during my time here. I'll remember this kindness."

As I walked away, I couldn't help but think: 'These two young wolves are actually pretty decent. Way better than certain Alphas I know.'

The thought of Alexander made my chest tighten with frustration. 'A whole week without a single mind-link message. I could really use a good pack hunt to blow off some steam right about now.'

---

One Week Later

The certification grounds buzzed with nervous energy. Werewolves who'd been training for months clustered in small groups, reviewing combat techniques and psyching themselves up.

"What do you call that – having courage?" One veteran trainee scoffed, nodding in my direction. "That's called not knowing your own limits. Pack warrior certification isn't some game."

I ignored the commentary. The whispers followed me as Molly and I made our way toward the trial area.

"New members usually wait at least three months before attempting certification," another voice explained to his companion. "You need that time to build up your combat skills and wolf control."

"Freya," Molly whispered, falling into step beside me. "Are you really sure about this? The pack warrior exam isn't something to take lightly."

I gave her shoulder a reassuring squeeze. "Don't worry. I've got this handled."

---

The trial arena was an impressive sight – carved stone seating arranged in tiers around a circular combat space.

Heavy footsteps announced the arrival of the examination team. Emmett strode in first, followed by Tyler and Stella – siblings I recognized from around the camp. But it was the fourth figure that made my eyes narrow.

Angela.

'What the hell is she doing here?'

Angela took her seat at the judges' table, and when our eyes met across the arena, she raised one perfectly arched eyebrow. A slight smile played at her lips, but her eyes held nothing but challenge.

The crowd around me began buzzing with excitement.

"Is that Angela? I've heard stories about her combat record."

"Angela's incredible. They say her fighting ability rivals most Alphas."

"She's from the same training class as Tyler and Stella, right? Still holds records on the warrior leaderboard."

One trainee leaned over to his friend. "You know who else was in that class? Alexander Reid."

My heart stuttered at the name.

"The Alexander Reid? Current Alpha of Moon Shadow Pack?" Molly breathed beside me, stars in her eyes. "The one who dominated every category – pack politics, business, combat? He's absolutely gorgeous too."

More voices joined in: "Alexander and Angela were the power couple of their generation. Both top-tier warriors, both from elite bloodlines. They looked perfect together."

'Perfect together.' The words hit like a physical blow.

I was so caught up in the crowd's chatter that I almost missed the shift in the air – that familiar, overwhelming presence that made my wolf instincts stand at attention.

Alexander's scent hit me before I saw him.

My head snapped up, scanning the arena entrance. There he was, striding in with that confident Alpha bearing I knew so well.

"Oh wow," Molly whispered. "He's even more handsome in person. Look at those shoulders!"

'What is he doing here?'

Complex emotions crashed through me – anger at his week of silence, attraction I couldn't suppress, and something that felt dangerously close to panic at seeing him with Angela again.

Alexander's gaze swept the arena and found mine.

For a moment, time seemed suspended. His expression was unreadable, but I caught the slight tightening around his eyes.