The boys collapse onto the floor in a heap of sweat, panting like dogs in a heat wave. I laugh out loud and lean back against the shed. Granted, I'm a tad sweaty myself but Greyson and Leo are drenched. It looks like they just took a shower, in their own sweat that is. Greyson is once again shirtless, but this time the sweat is reflecting the sun off of his skin. It's tough to look away.

"Jesus Lucia... are you.... trying... to kill us?" Leo manages to pant out.

I smirk, "Trying to kill you? That was only the easy part of the day." This of course is a lie. I have to admit that the stamina training is probably the hardest thing we do.

Leo's jaw drops open and I see Greyson's eyes go wide. I laugh again and push myself off of the shed. These guys are just too easy to fool.

"I'm kidding, but you should really see your faces." I smile at them, "Priceless."

Leo grunts and sits up a bit on the ground, "You're a jerk. Let's get the rest of this day done and over with."

I raise an eyebrow at him, "This is only your first day training and you are already fed up with the process?" I shake my head disappointedly, "I expected more from you Leo."

He quickly tries to defend himself, "It's not that I'm fed up with it, I'm just tired!"

"Mhm," I sigh, "Well you are going to have to get used to being 'tired' because this is just the beginning of your training."

He runs his fingers through his brown hair, clearly annoyed, "Whatever. I can handle it. But can we please move onto the next bit?" He asks in a calm tone.

I smirk, "Well since you asked so nicely, yes, we can move on."

I spin around, my pony tail flipping behind me as I start to walk toward the woods to a small wooded trail.

I hear the guys following behind me.

The small trail is crowded with greenery. The area is clearly unkept and overgrown. Enough so that the sun is barley peaking through the leaves above us, sending us into a temporary darkness. There are several vines growing up the trunks of the trees and most of the bushes are overgrown and cutting into the already skinny path. There is barely enough room for one person to squeeze through without touching the forestry.

When we pop out the other end of the path, I see the familiar hidden training grounds. There is little to no grass, but plenty of dirt, fallen leaves, and wood chips lining the floor. On the ground are four boxes that are completely chained up. Connecting the chains on each box are several different styles of locks. Each box has around thirty to forty locks.

I walk in between two chained up boxes and motion toward the locked up chests.

"These are used for your next round of training. I like to call it "Lock and Key" even though you aren't technically given a key..."

"If we aren't give a key, how are we going to open the locks?" Leo asks.

"Great question." I state and start to rummage through my pocket for something, "You get to use these."

I pull out two pocket tools that look just like my own. These are mostly used for the people in the Squad, but some of the rogues in the group like to go around stealing things, so people take them from our shed every so often.

I toss each boy a pocket tool that has a pick, knife, and a bunch of other extensions that help in several different cases.

"Use those to pick the locks." I reach down and tap on the boxes, "Inside each of these boxes is an item, and I want you to give it to me once you have picked off all the locks."

"What happens if we don't finish tonight?" Leo asks.

"Well I know you guys are beginners, so if you can't finish by sun down, you may come back into the pack house and try again tomorrow morning."

I see Leo's and Greyson's eyes darken in annoyance. Honestly it's like they think I am bullying them or something. I went through this same thing, except I never got a chance to take a break.

I remember the first time I was sent out here. I was only twelve and they handed me the tool, telling me to pick off the locks. Obviously I had never picked a lock before. I was out there for two days before I finally unlocked every lock and opened the box. My father was disappointed in the amount of time it took me to complete it. I worked every day after that. Tirelessly, I kept pursuing and pursuing until I was able to unlock every one in less than ten minutes. My father was finally proud at that point since I had made a record breaking time, beating Damien's by a solid minute.

I remember the face he gave me. A happy smile plastered on his lips followed by his proud eyes looking at me. I felt on top of the world. Everything I did to be on this squad, I did for my father. Ha. It was all useless in the long run. In the end my father found his true mate and left my mom and myself without a second thought. He treats his mate's son as his own, and he treats me like a nobody.

I leave Leo and Greyson to the locks. I know it will take them a while, and there is no way I want to sit around and watch them fail miserably. If they suck enough, then I will help them out tomorrow, but I just want to see what they can do.

The pack house is crowded with guys like usual. All of them talking among themselves quietly. I start to head toward my suite. As I do, a group of screaming little boys run past me, almost tripping me up. I laugh as they play and yell at one another.

It's almost nostalgic. It brings me back to the days when I would run around with the boys. Derek was always the gamer, sitting in the corner with a hand held game as Raymond and myself would tease Ruben to no end. We would play until dusk. Our parents having to drag us back to our rooms to shower and go to bed. Oh man. Those sure were the days.

"Lucia is that you?" I hear from behind me.

I whip myself around to find the Alpha looking right at me. His mood appears to be calm, but that could change at any moment. I bow my head slightly, showing my acknowledgement of his rank over my own.

"Yes Alpha." I stand up straight again, but don't dare look him directly in the eye, "How can I help you?"

"I've been searching for Damien, but I can't find him. Do you know where he is?"

Probably fucking a bunch of whores in a the boiler room. 

"No sir, I haven't seen him around."

He sighs and shakes his head disappointingly, his black hair falling messily around his face. He's a good looking older man when he isn't angry or acting stern... Which isn't often.

"That boy sure knows how to hide. Well. Since he doesn't appear to be in the pack house at the moment, would you mind doing me the favor I was going to ask him?" His pit black eyes pierce into me, there is no way I can decline.

Not like I would want to decline anyway. It's not everyday that the Alpha comes to a girl and asks her to do something for him. It's weird, the Alpha has been treating me better than my own father has. I wonder what's up with that?

"Of course, anything for you Alpha."

He laughs a bit, "Thank you Lucia." He takes a step closer, I'm assuming to get out of ear shot of the rest of the pack members on this floor. "I need you to find Rina. We have someone in the lower level dungeon that I need her to help us with."

Wow, I haven't seen Rina in a long time. I wonder what she has been up to? She is one of the only girls in this pack besides myself who doesn't have a need to be a maid or work as a service girl.

"Of course, I will get right on that Alpha." I say and bow my head.

"Thank you Lucia. Bring her down to the Right Wing Dungeon once you have found her."

"Yes sir."

He turns and walks away, most likely going back down to the Dungeon. As he walks, I see the other pack members quickly hobble out of his way and bow to him as he goes by. His scary demeanor and huge stature are enough to intimidate anyone, but even with that, he has a lot of respect from his pack members. I would say it is well deserved too, he is not only strong but a great leader. He somehow managed to collect all of these rogues and give them a purpose to want to live and fight again. He really knows how to bring people together. I admire that side of him, you know, the leader side.

The place to find Rina is probably the library. She is very intelligent but at the same time, she likes to be alone. The Alpha offered her a spot on the Rogue Squad a while ago, but she turned it down. Why? I'm not sure, but I think it is because she would rather be by herself. She never really talked much.

I open the double doors to the library. Old book shelves line the walls and ride all the way up to the ceiling. Books fill every shelf, giving an antique feel to the room. It sure as hell smells antique in here. Something about the old worn down pages gives off a subtle yet overpower scent that just screams library. I head to the back of the library, searching every seat and corner for Rina.

In the far back corner of the room holding an old worn out encyclopedia is Rina. She sits in one of two chairs that have a small side table between them. A perfect area for someone relaxing and reading all day. Her black hair fashioned in a short yet cute bob falls in straightened strands around her narrow face. I approach her quietly, not wanting to disturb her peace, but knowing I have to in order to follow the Alpha's orders.

"Rina." I say, almost questioningly to make sure it is her.

She peers up from her book and looks into my eyes, "Yes."

"Alpha Serg has requested your presence."

She sighs and closes her book. Standing from her chair, you can tell she has been here a while since the seat is indented where she was sitting. Placing the large encyclopedia onto the side table, she turns to me.

"Very well. I'm assuming he wants me in the Dungeon?"

I nod my head, "Yes, the Right Wing. He asked me to take you there."

"Alright." Her eyes seem dull. I guess she isn't as excited as I was to help out the Alpha.

A couple of minutes pass as we awkwardly and silently make our way to the Dungeon. I suddenly get the urge to make conversation. It's just so awkward with the silence. I can't deal with it any longer.

"So Rina, what have you been up too?"

She looks at me strangely. Shit, I don't have friends that are girls, is that a normal thing to say? 

"Reading." Well, at least she responded.

"I noticed how much time you spend in the library. I wish I liked to read that much. I tend to get bored..."

She looks at me for a moment, then looks forward as we continue our way. An awkward tinge stings in my heart, offended by her lack of words.

So, what? She isn't going to answer? Is she trying to be rude?

"How many books have you read?" I ask.

Her eyes flick up to me. They don't appear to be annoyed. They just seem to be withdrawn, as if she doesn't understand something.

"Why are you talking to me?" She asks.

I stare at her dumbfounded, "Well we are walking together and I figure it will be awkward if we didn't talk." I answer honestly.

"You aren't scared of me?" She asks as we get to the Right Wing of the Dungeon.

"Scared of you?" I look at her tiny stature and fragile arms, "No, not at all... Why would I be scared of you?"

"You mean you don't know?" She asks quietly. Her eyes seem disappointed.

"Don't know what?"

"Ah, Lucia and Rina. Glad you could join us." The Alpha's voice booms through the concrete and steel corridor. He appears in the hallway before us.

Both of us jump a bit, not expecting the Alpha to pop out of no where. Our startle quickly wears off and we find ourselves slowly bowing our heads to him in respect. He motions for us to follow him, and we do so.

"Now Lucia, I know this is your first time down here when we have questioned someone, but I think this will be a good experience for you. Please watch, but stay silent and let us do our job." The Alpha says as we approach a cell.

"Yes sir," I answer politely.

Wow! I can't believe he is letting me stay. To be here is a big deal. The Alpha only allows the highest ranking wolves and his most trusted pack members into the questioning cells. Now that I think about it, why is Rina here? She is the daughter of one of the higher ranking members, but she is a female and I have no clue why she would have any purpose here.

As we enter the cell, I see a man tied to a chair. He's completely roughed up. His long hair is partially tossed in front of his bloodied face and his clothes are torn where it appears he has been cut. Blood seeps through his clothes and partially down his lip. Well shit. Is this guy a rogue werewolf?

The Alpha motions for me and Rina to stand along the wall of the cell. We do so.

Another person is in the room; my father. He is standing, behind the man being held prisoner, with a serious face. He notices me as I lean against the wall and I can tell he is a bit surprised.

Ha. I bet he thought I would never rise up enough, without his help may I add, to be able to come to the Dungeons for questioning. Well he can go blow. I got here on my own, without his sorry ass giving me any form of boosts. 

"Sorry for leaving Brendan. I'm back now. Are you ready to talk?" The Alpha asks the man in the chair as he strides toward him.

The guy in the chair lets out a gruesome noise , almost like a snarl, and responds, "I will never tell anything. Especially not to a filthy dog . If you think I'm going to let you know anything, you're sorely mistaken. Torture me all you want, but just know you're nothing but a mutated mutt that's a disgrace to the human race."

The Alpha lets out an annoyed sigh, "Brendan, Brendan, Brendan. You shouting names is not going to help your case." He leans down. Sticking his face close to Brendan's and lifts his chin up. "Now we can do this the easy way, or the hard way."

Brendan grunts and spits into the Alpha's face. My eyes grow wide as my father quickly grabs hold of Brendan by the throat and begins to strangle him from behind. The Alpha furiously wipes his face with his arm and glares at Brendan who's currently struggling to retain oxygen.

The Alpha's eyes are pitch black and I can sense a strong aura seeping off of him. I know he is on the verge of shifting, but he is doing a good job of controlling and holding his wolf back.

"The hard way it is."

Brendan's face is turning purple as my father's grip around his neck grows tighter. Brendan's oxygen supply getting smaller and smaller. Grotesque noises seeping from his mouth as he gasps for air that just can't be sucked into his lungs.

My heart beats rapidly in my chest. Oh my god, he is going to die. My father is going to kill him.

My hand twitches, and I'm about to push myself from the wall and stop him when, "Release him now." The Alpha calmly tells the Beta. 

My father releases obediently, leaving Brendan gasping for air. He coughs violently as he tries to suck oxygen back into his lungs. The Alpha steps close to Brendan, holding a knife up to his throat while holding his head back by grasping his hair with the other hand.

"Now I know you want to play hard ball. If you chose the easy way, than I would have released you from here with no problems. But since you chose the hard way, someone has to die today."

Brendan grunts and struggles beneath the Alpha. The Alpha holds the knife closer to his neck, constricting his movement.

"Go ahead and kill me. I will never talk." Brendan shouts.

The Alpha clicks his tongue and shakes his head in a disappointed manner, "See I knew you were going to say that, but you know, I always get the information I want and you are indeed going to tell me what I want to know. Do you know how I know that, you stupid hunter?"

Hunter? Brendan is a hunter? Holy crap, we managed to catch one. This is my first time seeing one up close. I know he looks like an ordinary human, but hunters have a different kind of blood running through them. Hunters are strong, similar to us wolves but we have a bit more strength. We don't know much about them except that they have this strength and they are also very intelligent. Hunters are one of the main reasons why it isn't safe to be a rogue werewolf.

Brendan growls at him, "Nothing could make me talk."

The Alpha smiles evilly, "Oh yeah? Nothing?"

"Do whatever kind of torturous things you want to me. Nothing will ever make me talk."

"Bring in the other prisoners." The Alpha demands.

A couple of werewolves guarding the cell door walk off. I turn to Rina with worried eyes.

Her face is calm and unaffected by the scene. 

Holy Crap.

She's used to this. How often is she sent down here to watch these things?

My heart is racing. Granted, the Squad handles a lot of thievery and stealing but I have never really experienced us brutally beating on someone who can't defend themselves. Yet, Rina, the library book worm, is unaffected.

After a moment, the two guards return with a woman and a young girl. The woman is struggling violently screaming, "Don't touch her! Let her go now!"

After hearing the voice, Brendan's eyes widen in fear. I see a twinkle spark in the Alpha's eye. He hit Brendan's sweet spot.

"Rosemary?" Brendan asks quietly, pleading that his judgement is wrong.

The Alpha release the knife from Brendan's neck and steps aside, allowing him to look at our new guests.

Rosemary, a women with crazy blonde hair and wild eyes, looks at Brendan. At the sight of him, her eyes calm and begin to water.

"Brendan, you're okay." She seems relieved and my heart aches for the love showing in her eyes, "They caught us after you-"

Her mouth is cover by the guard and Brendan starts to struggle.

"Let her go! Don't touch her!"

I look at the little girl, whose blonde hair is pulled back into a tight pony tail like my own. Her eyes are full of fear. I wonder if she has any clue on what is going on right now?

Brendan looks at Alpha Serg. He lets out a sigh, "I will tell you what you need to know, just don't touch them."

The Alpha smirks, "That's a good boy."