It was a harsh statement, but it was the truth. This reminded me of all the rigorous attending physicians I'd come to respect in residency. The only difference, they were worried I'd kill someone. Joel was worried I'd get killed.

I stood and watched him pacing.

'I was stronger than them,' I called out to him. 'They seemed clumsy and weak to me. I would have left if I felt I was outmatched. Two of them against me didn't seem dangerous.'

'Do you know how to pretend?' Joel asked continuing to pace around me. 'I teach the wolves to trick their opponents into underestimating them. And yes, two of them...