~Maxwell~

She moved first.

I hadn't expected that. Challengers rarely do — there's an advantage in waiting, in forcing your opponent to cross the distance, to commit before you've shown your hand. Every experienced fighter knows this. Every seasoned wolf understands the patience of the predator.

Alora apparently hadn't gotten that particular lesson.

She closed the gap between us in three strides and came in low, ducking under my first swing with a speed that surprised me enough that I ...