Chapter 40

• Atlas
• My fists pounded the punching bag with rhythmic fury, each strike sending dull vibrations up my forearms. The empty gym echoed with the sound of leather meeting skin, heavy and unrelenting. Sweat rolled down my back, soaking through my grey tank. My wolf, Echo, snarled inside me, a restless growl vibrating beneath my ribs, refusing to settle no matter how many times I exhaled to calm him.
• “Yo,” Liam’s voice came from behind with the metallic scent of sweat and rubber. I turned to see him entering with Finn, Sam, and Jude trailing behind, all dressed in loose shorts and sleeveless jerseys. The smell of wolf sweat, male musk, and gym chalk filled the room as they crowded near the bench press.