Shifter Legends by Kaylee Song Page B

though.” He was trying to keep her from getting upset, but it wasn’t working.
    “But the Club has the real power.” It was too sexist for words. Why hadn’t they moved past this kind of hierarchy?
    “In a sense. Our decisions are final.” His eyes softened, “It’s been like this since there were motorcycles, and before that it was gentlemens’ clubs. It is not going to change, sweetling. This is the reality of all shifters, everywhere.”
    She didn’t like it, but she couldn’t do anything about it, so she focused on something she could influence.
    “I think a little one-on-one training is in order first, before we increase the recruits’ regimen. Don’t you?” The way she purred got his complete and total attention.
    “I agree. Maybe we should start right now, with you.” His eyes were filled with want, “I could start that training right this moment. Here. Now.”
    She knew that he had cast all the concerns away as he looked her up and down, his eyes filling with want for her.
    “I think any time I can get… personal attention, I should take you up on that offer. No one else can give me the edge that you do.”
    War or not, she could never deny Grant and his want. She was finally starting to understand what it truly meant to be mated.
    “Damn, you are so beautiful. We got thirty minutes before we meet with the recruits. You want a little one-on-one before then?” He asked, grinning.
    It was obvious by the look on her face that she wanted exactly what he was offering.
    “They can wait.”
    ***
    s
    “By now I am sure you have all heard that we have been slated to go to war with a fellow tribe. In order for our Pride to be the best that it can, we will have to move up the trials for your Pride initiation. Your assigned group will remain your test group, since we cannot take the time to re-situate you now.” Briana smiled as Eliza barked out her orders to the recruits. At least Eliza had the sense to understand how important groups were. She was smarter than Briana had given her credit for. More battle ready. She was glad to have such a tough trainer.
    Briana didn’t want to be reassigned. Lauren and Luke were her family. They protected her from the onslaught of questions when she got back to the barracks, they supported her through everything. Luke was like her own personal body guard.
    She couldn’t help but feel lucky to be attached to them.
    “Increased weight training, more drills, and tougher challenge courses. All these things are going to prepare you for the threat that we face, and for your final test. If you don’t pass, you will be asked to leave the club premises.” Eliza was always intimidating the recruits. Briana doubted anyone was actually giving what she said credence at this point, but they should. Grant said that she was always honest and never pulled any punches.
    “As long as you work hard, do your best, and remain loyal to this Pride, you should not have anything to worry about.” Grant entered, as he always did, just a little too late. Briana could tell by the stress on his face that he had some kind of serious news. He couldn’t hide that look. The one that said he had been told more than he could handle.
    It nagged at her. She wanted to be part of that group, the Pride and the club. To know what he knew. After all, they were mated.
    Eliza paired them up with opponents. They spent time practicing knock down moves and trying to wrestle one another to the ground. She was paired, as usual, with one of the only cougars who could really take her outside of her group. Alice. Since training had begun, Briana went from a clumsy curvy body to a very agile, very strong Alpha. Her physical power and her body finally matched her goals. Curvy and strong, the perfect combination.
    “I’m kind of looking forward to this test, aren’t you, Super Alpha?” Alice hissed in her ear. The woman never got tired of trying to tip her off balance. She lunged at Briana, who stepped aside