"Brutally effective strategy," Javier said. "He's right. We fight for our lives. No one will care if you looked good doing it, or how long it took. All that matters is one walks away and the other doesn't."

Javier had me demonstrate some tactics, then he called them off. "Hermann, you referee. Patrick, let's go." My eyes bugged out, I didn't expect the respected elder Alpha to want to fight with someone who was the age of his grandchildren. I took my spot, bowing my head in respect as he took his spot and the spar began.

I took an MMA-style stance and was shocked to see the stance he...