Page 11 of Specter Bred

"Have you ever encountered direworgs before, soldier?"

"Of course, sir," she replied immediately. “I served in the Northern Territory for two years.”

"Then you already know they hunt the weakest target first."

Something flickered behind her eyes.

I leaned in closer.

"They don't care about fairness."

Rain hammered against our uniforms as I held her gaze.

"They identify the biggest threat to the pack and the easiest kill, then they act accordingly. Hell, they'll tear apart one of their own if it becomes sick, weak, or too old to keep up."

Her nostrils flared.

I nodded toward the recruits gathered along the sidelines.

"See these alphas? They're no different from direworgs. Same as our enemies. All predators."

She snorted. "Some predators. You took out most of them in a few minutes. Only five made it across the finish line."

"That's true," I admitted. "Not all of them are good enough to become Specters. Most won't make it through the next five months." My eyes locked onto hers. "But do you know who definitely won't become a Specter?"

The challenge in her expression hardened.

"You."

I pointed toward Hayes, who was still rubbing the spot where Alvarez had tagged him.

"And Hayes."

I smiled widely.

"You're both prey."

The words landed exactly how I intended them to.

"Rabbits are fast. Deer are nimble. Porcelain can be sharp when it breaks." I leaned in slightly. "But do you know what all those things have in common?"

Her eyes narrowed.

"They're fragile once a predator gets its hands on them."

I let the silence stretch between us.

"Just like you, Teacup. Easy to break."

Her teeth ground together. Her nostrils flared. A faint flush crept up her neck as her anger simmered with every word I spoke.

Behind me, several candidates had gathered close enough to eavesdrop. A few smirked openly, enjoying the exchange. Hayes stood off to the side, awkwardly shifting from foot to foot, looking like a puppy caught in the middle of a fight.

"So, yes," I continued. "From now on, every assessment, every exercise, every field operation, you and Hayes will be my first targets."

I held her gaze.

"Will that be a problem, Teacup?"