My Fated Alpha's Cruel Game (Elena and Marcus) novel Chapter 165

Chapter 165: Chapter 165 Setting the Pace

Elena’s POV

I’ve endured worse conditions than this before. Back at the previous base, they subjected us to hell week every few months. During those brutal seven days, we barely managed two hours of sleep each night.

The purpose was clear - preparing us for extended missions where sleep becomes a luxury we can’t afford for days at a time.

I understood they weren’t trying to break us down out of cruelty. They needed absolute certainty that we could defend ourselves and complete our assignments under any circumstances. Nothing more, nothing less.

I’d caught whispers about hell week happening here too, though nobody mentioned when it might begin. Right now, I couldn’t bring myself to care about the timing.

After we grabbed our food, Asher settled beside me at the far end of the table. Our conversation flowed naturally, and I found myself genuinely enjoying his company while Nico and Koa mingled with the other Hunters. The female recruits continued shooting me strange looks from across the room.

Their obvious suspicion irritated me more than I wanted to admit.

I came here with a specific mission in mind. Asher’s preference for my company over theirs wasn’t something I could control or apologize for.

Maybe he appreciated that I wasn’t desperately competing for his attention like the others seemed to be doing.

"Time to move out, everyone." Corbin’s voice cut through our conversation as he approached our table.

I pushed back from the table alongside Asher, Nico, and Koa, following Corbin’s lead as he guided us from the mess hall.

He led us straight back to the obstacle course, laying out our next challenge with typical military precision. Complete the entire course and return to start in twelve minutes flat.

Dread settled heavy in my stomach. I’d known he would force me through this torture again, but knowing didn’t make facing it any easier.

Asher’s fingers brushed against mine, so light I almost missed the contact. When I glanced his way, his expression conveyed quiet reassurance - a silent message that everything would work out fine.

He must have read the apprehension written across my face. I couldn’t explain how he managed it, but his presence beside me created a sense of security I hadn’t expected to find here. With him nearby, I felt capable of pushing through whatever came next.

The feeling caught me off guard. Trust had never come easily for me, especially not this quickly. I’d learned early that relying on others usually led to disappointment.

I’d formed friendships throughout the years, sure, but I’d always maintained careful distance. Getting too close meant vulnerability I couldn’t afford.

Asher felt different somehow. Completely different.

When Corbin’s whistle pierced the air, all four of us launched into motion simultaneously. Running the course with the guys transformed the entire experience.

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