The outer clearing buzzed with life as dawn spilled golden light over the treetops . Rows of tents stood in perfect lines , canvas fluttering with the morning breeze . A long banquet table stretched beside a massive fire pit , laden with steaming platters of roasted game , fresh fruit , and pitchers of juice and wine . The air was thick with the scent of meat and pine . They called it a Victory Breakfast . Alpha Gideon stepped forward and raised his wine glass . " This meal marks your triumph . Let it remind you that every victory is hard - earned - and every bite , a testament to your worth as Alphas . " Around the clearing , packs of freshly washed Alphas howled in triumph and clinked their tankards together . Private shower stalls hidden behind the trees had been a blessing , especially for me . I had cleaned up too , at least enough to not smell like swamp water and smoke . The Academy had provided a spare uniform a simple black set , snug , sterile , and far too clean to feel like mine . The Alpha Instructors mingled among themselves , leaving us to our celebration . The atmosphere was lively , loud with Jaughter and adrenaline - but my mind was stuck on Ronan's whispered words . " I saw a white she - wolf in the woods . Did you see it too ? " My breath caught Why would he bring that up ! He hadn't reacted at all when I was in my wolf form , didn't so much as flinch . But now , when I was standing here as Seth , he was asking about her ? My fingers clenched around the coffee mug . And those eyes of his … " Careful . " Finn's voice cut through my spiraling thoughts as he moved my hand away from the scalding machine . " Hm ? " I blinked up at him , still dazed . " You were about to burn yourself , " he said with a teasing grin . " Where's your head at, champion ? " I rolled my eyes . " Don't call me that Finn chuckled . " But you are the champion . Look around - you'll see what I mean ." I did , and he was right . Eyes were on me . Some stared with open surprise . Others whispered behind tankards , their glances sharp and speculative . A few those who hated what they couldn't predict , glared with something darker . Because I had returned . And I had won . " No one expected you to storm in just before sunrise , " Finn said , grinning . " Not with a hundred bison thundering behind you , while the rest of us dragged in the last of our catches . You were bloodied but victorious . Every jaw dropped . " I smirked , reaching for a plate of sizzling steaks the cook had just set out . " I wasn't trying to prove anything to them . I was just focused on finishing the trial . They judged me for my size - but I don't give a damn what they think . Anyone who gets in my way " My eyes flicked toward a cluster of Alphas watching me coldly . " I'll tear them down . " Finn's smile faded slightly , sensing the tension . " Careful , " he murmured . " the Alpha Instructors are still watching / " I need water , Without another word , I walked away . I grabbed a bottle , then headed toward the opposite beneath a tree and sat down alone with my food . The wind rustled gently through the leaves . Peaceful , just what I needed. But the peace didn't last . A presence . I felt it . I turned my head , and nearly choked on my own spit . Ronan Leaning against another tree just across from me , smoking casually . His gaze locked on mine , unflinching . Had he been watching me this whole time ? And then , he said the most absurd thing I'd ever heard . " Are you following me ? " " What ?! " I choked ..