“The hell it is," Gregory quickly shut him down before the others could join in the huzzahs. "We can celebrate when we win our next fight. Right now, we've got a new pack mate who needs to be brought up to speed, and we're all still behind on a day's training so we'll be using the night to make up for it." "What?" Nullik looked stricken.

"You wanted me as alpha? Well, where I'm from there's this old saying that feels apt right about now.”

“Oh? What might that be then?" he grumbled.

“Be careful what you wish for."

'So what's the deal with Dreadlocks?" Gregory asked several days later, when his pack and his friends were settled by the fire in Bolut's encampment .

“They're a bold fashion statement," said Janette.

“Ha. Ha. C'mon, I asked you guys to help us out here," he Looked over Janette and Talina, the latter of whom was sitting contentedly in Torren's lap.

“Have you come up dry?"

“Silly master!" Talina Laughed aloud before meeting his gaze naughtily, "We're practically dripping aren't we, Janette?”

Torren blushed furiously at that, although he wasn't quite sure why. "Gut esh eet," said Nullik. Gregory loosely translated it to cut the shit. They had been training hard over the past few days. That afternoon it had gotten the better of him to the point where the orc was holding an ice pack against his swollen jaw.

The First only knew where Valise had managed to drum up an ice pack out there in the middle of a searing jungle, and he attributed it to her skill with alchemy. Either way, the numbing chill seemed to be soothing Nullik enough that he felt the urge to talk again. Gregory made a note to find Valise later and give her a Light spanking for that.

He smiled at the thought.

“Well ‘Dreadlocks' has an actual name," Janette interrupted his kinky train of thought.

“It's Duraz Thunderstar, and his pack are called the Blood Snakes."

He refocused on her and nodded.

“That's a start."

“He's a thinker, like you, master," Talina added.

“His pack isn't the strongest on the proving grounds, but he uses their skills smartly and they revere him for it. He is also quite honourable, as you saw in your last bout, but he's not above cracking a skull or several to win if it's a fair shot."

“So noted," Gregory nodded again.

“Don't worry, babe." Janette smiled at him impishly. "Your skull's pretty thick. Won't crack easily."

“Thanks, Jan. That makes me feel so much better."

"It is no laughing matter," Algra said with a chiding look toward Janette.

“Hey, I laugh or I freak out. Given that choice? I choose to Laugh."

"Wise decision," Ulla agreed; although no one was sure whether she said it to agree with Janette or just to disagree with Algra. In any case, she kept the words brief.

“Anything else on Duraz?" Gregory asked before any real tension could build.