I could still smell Eira on myself as I was awakened by the hustle of the shift change. I couldn't deny I had enjoyed the night before, though by morning's light I had started to wonder. Had I just been giddy, drunk on my new body and what it could do? Was Eira the same way, having changed only the morning before? Certainly the others didn't seem to judge us for what we'd done, which came as a relief as I'd had a nagging worry that Sartari would have been angry that I leapt into Eira's arms... and between her legs, so soon after our kiss. And just why did I care so much what Sartari thought of me? I'd only just met her, but something about the snowy-haired warrior woman suited my fancy. What Eira and I had shared was easy, comfortable and fun, but part of me wondered if comfort was all it was. We were both in the mood and I pondered whether I was just trying to cling to her because I knew her when she was human. Would that last, or would I just end up breaking her heart? Or was she even interested in me beyond the physical? Meanwhile I found the thought of passing my training and being able to spar with Sartari something to look forward to. She was built like me, possibly even stronger from working out. Someone who could match me strength for strength was something I didn't even know I craved, but now that I'd seen it I knew the notion pleased me. Was that why she'd given me special attention? Why Raksha had herded me towards her? It certainly seemed like some Lycothan hungers could only be met certain ways.
I showered and dried off, slipping on the loin cloth and tank top in my locker. Nearby I saw Eira dressing and saw that hers was marked identically to mine. One red bar across the shoulder of the black tank top. The other warriors had at least two, and as Sartari walked by I could see that hers had three. Straightening my uniform, I made my way over to Lartara who was waiting at the doorway to the barracks. Her shoulder bore three red bars and a silver star.
"Going to have to tame that hair, Harkaal," she said with a faint smirk. "Can't have anyone thinking you're one of the prissy Alphas."
"Think I've got more steel in me than that, Captain," I smirked back.
"Don't get cocky. They won't like it if they hear you saying that."
"Well I answer to you, right?"
"You answer to me, but if one of the Alphas decides your training isn't sticking, you're shipped out."
My face fell.
"...I'll do my best, Captain."
"That's better. Let's get you down there."
The walk down to the commissary was brisk, the warriors who saw us nodding to Lartara as we passed. Ultimately we made our way to a part of the facility that was more like a warehouse than anything. Servants and thralls unpacked shipping containers from the loading dock, stacking rows of shelves. The captain led me through the shelves to an area that was cordoned off with what looked like repurposed cubicle walls. A couple barber's chairs were within, and a servant perked up as we entered. She was, to my relief, not anywhere near as endowed as the one I'd seen on the news. She had a petite frame and nimble looking hands, smiling to us.
"Another new recruit, huh Captain?"
"Just so. We're making good progress with the detainees."
She looked me over appraisingly.
"Tall drink of water, this one."
"Never know how they'll end up until the bite, you know that."
"Yeah, but I bet Sartari's already got an eye on her," she smirked.
My cheeks flushed, but I brushed it off. "You know her?" I asked.
"Know her? I inked her back," she replied with a confident grin.
"You do good work, then."
"Yeah, but you're new. I'm only allowed to do your hair for now."
"Can we get on with that, Antali?"
"Sure thing, Captain. Have a seat...?" She asked, gesturing to me.
"...Harkaal," I replied, sitting down in the chair.
"Well get comfy, Harkaal," she chuckled. "This is the easy part. We'll have you ready for the Alphas in no time."
She draped a smock over my front and shoulders, buttoning it in the back. Her slender fingers worked a comb and a brush along my unruly locks, pushing them all to one side before she got out the electric razor. The hum passed by my sensitive ears, and bit by bit fiery hair fell from my head, tumbling down the smock and onto the floor. I was a bit sad to see it go, but after brushing my hair to the other side and repeating the process she held a mirror up to me. The effect was striking. Though my sides were shaved, showing only rusty stubble, she hadn't trimmed any of the wild length of my crest. It still hung over one eye, streak and all, and streamed down my back. A smile slowly spread across my lips.
"Ain't that always it?" Antali laughed. "Pouty face while I'm cutting it off, then all smiles when I show them the crest."
"For the best. I need my warriors to look sharp," Lartara commented.
"Alright, alright," I said with a smirk. "So I kind of like it..."
"Off with you, then." Antali replied, brushing the last of the hair off the smock and unbuttoning it from me. I rose to my feet.
After another brisk walk, I found myself before three Alphas who looked down on me from a high platform. The same Alpha who I'd seen at the group session sat in the center of them.
"Who's this you bring before us, Captain?" She asked with a stern eye towards the both of us.
"Recruit Harkaal, ready for training," Lartara said, bowing. Figuring it would be considered respectful I bowed as well before rising in time with the captain.
"Is that so?" The Alpha queried, looking me over with intense scrutiny.
"Yes, the sisters at the barracks have accepted her."
"But has she accepted herself? I think I'd like to hear Harkaal speak."
"By your leave, then." Lartara nodded.
"Now then," The Alpha said, fixing a golden gaze upon me, forcing eye-contact. Something in me went rigid at that, standing at attention. "Captain Lartara has brought you to us. Who are you?"
"I am Recruit Harkaal," I said quickly. The answer came quicker and easier than I thought it would.
"And what are you?"
"I am a proud warrior of the pack and sister of the barracks!"
I didn't know how the words came to me. We hadn't rehearsed this at all. Regardless, it felt true and flowed off my lips.
"Very well then, I'm satisfied. Recruit Harkaal is hereby instated for duty and training."
Like it or not, I was one of the guards.