Page 24 of Specter Bred

And then I noticed the interest, recognition, and realization among my fellow alphas that Hayes wasn't just good. He was exceptional.

Hayes handed the rifle back and flashed that same dimpled grin.

"Like I said, I'm good at this, sir."

Graves' eyes narrowed, "How good exactly?"

He shrugged.

"Pretty good."

A few recruits groaned.

Graves stared at him.

"Hayes."

"Oh," he scratched the back of his neck. "I was a designated marksman with the 14th Arca Border Recon Battalion before I transferred."

The range quieted.

Hayes continued as if he were discussing the weather.

"During the Rebellion Raid operation, my team got pinned down by deserter alphas. I took a kill shot from about sixteen hundred yards.

Even Alvarez stopped smiling.

"You made a confirmed sixteen-hundred-yard kill?" Alvarez asked.

"Yes, sir."

Cutter let out a low whistle.

"That's not a shot. That's witchcraft."

Graves folded his arms.

"What else?"

Hayes shrugged.

"I represented the Southeast District at the Arca National Marksman Trials."

A few recruits exchanged looks.

"Placed first twice. Second once."

He delivered the information without a shred of arrogance, chest-puffing, or bragging. Just facts.

"What else?" Graves asked.

"I mean..." He scratched the back of his neck. "Didn't y'all wonder why Command picked me for Specter selection?"

The intructors exchanged glances.

Hayes shrugged.

"I'm the only beta in Arca's history who's ever made it this far. Figured that would've been a clue. I had to be pretty good at something to get noticed."