He struggled for a second, blue eyes flashing brightly. Max was more alpha than me. Or I’d thought he was more alpha than me—we both had—but maybe Donovan was right?

Of course I’m right. Donovan sounded mildly insulted.

I almost laughed.

Better to learn this now. I could almost feel his wink through the bond.

I did laugh then. Max thought that meant that I was giving up, and struggled against me, nearly getting away. I pushed harder, and a gurgle slipped from his throat. I was choking him, cutting off his airway. “Come on. Don’t be an idiot. Submit.” It was just my own power—my wolf—backing those words, but maybe it would be enough.

He tried to say something, but I couldn’t make it out. I let my arm up just enough.

“Fine,” Max’s voice rasped. “But I want the remote.”

And there it was. The sweet feel of victory.

Holy shit. You were right. I am more alpha than my brother. This was epic. It was like the dawn had just come, and I felt amazing. He couldn’t order me to do shit anymore. No more training at ungodly hours. I could sleep in every day if I wanted.

This was beyond epic.

I rolled off Max and lay panting on my back. It wasn’t the easiest win of my life, but it was a win. In the end, that was all that mattered. “No. Remote goes to the winner. Loser makes the popcorn.” I gave him a good kick in the ribs. “In case you were wondering, that’s you.”

The lights flicked on. “Okay. You can leave the house.” Dad’s voice startled me. I’d been so caught up in the fight that I’d lost track of my surroundings. Rookie mistake.

I rubbed my eyes as they adjusted. “What? You were in on this, too?”

Don’t be too hard on your da. Proper battle training is a big part of becoming a leader among Weres… And it’ll come in handy with my pack.

Right. Because your pack is filled with assholes. I figured my family was proud of me because of who I was mated to, but also scared for me because I was going to have to join his notoriously unfriendly pack. I appreciated both but could do without the constant lectures and training.

Donovan let out a pained sigh. I wouldn’t say they’re all assholes, but my pack is selective about who they allow in. I’ll help you as much as I can, but it’s best if you show your strength to them early.

Oh boy. That sounded like fun.

And I still couldn’t believe that Dad was in on this whole test-Meredith-twenty-four-seven-until-she-goes-crazy plan. “Really, Dad? Was all of this necessary?”

He shrugged, but he didn’t seem the least bit sorry. “It was your brothers’ idea to get you ready for the Irish pack and whatever else might come up, but I supported it. If you’re not careful, you’re going to be in over your head. That’s a fact.”