Alec.
The evening mist clung to the trees like breath on glass-thick and heavy. The last light of the sun bled across the sky, casting everything in gold and shadow. My warriors moved through it like ghosts, their grunts and the sharp smack of fists against flesh breaking through the quiet. I watched them. Every step. Every swing. Every mistake.
Dren, I said, my voice low but carrying.
He froze mid-punch and turned toward me, shoulders already tense. His form wasn’t bad, but I’d seen the flaw the moment he stepped into the ring.
That right hook, I told him, stepping forward. It’s weak.
He frowned; he probably didn’t like hearing it in front of the others. Good. Let that sting drive him to fix it.
You’re throwing it with your arm, not your body. You want to rattle someone’s skull? You start from the ground up.
I circled him, then stopped behind him and grabbed his hip-not gently. Power starts here. Twist into it. Drive it through your spine, not just your shoulder.
I stepped in front of him and showed him once-fast, fluid. The air cracked as my fist cut through it.
Again.
He did it. Better this time. Not perfect, but closer.
You’re strong, Dren. But strength without form? That’ll get you killed.
He nodded, jaw tight. Good. He was listening, not sulking.
I turned to the others, who had all paused to watch. I didn’t need to call for their attention. I had it the moment I walked onto the field.
“Let me be clear,” I said, pacing slowly. Your enemy won’t wait for you to get it right. You train here so you survive out there. Every sloppy punch, every lazy step, every hesitation-you might as well dig your own grave and lie down in it.
The air went still, like the fog itself was holding its breath.
Rilan. Niko. You’re up. Show me you’ve been paying attention.
They moved fast. No one wanted to be the next target of my correction.
I turned back to Dren. You’re with me now. Shadow me until that hook comes from your bones.
He gave a sharp nod, determination flickering behind his eyes. That was what I wanted to see.
The others resumed training, sweat mixing with dirt, the air sharp with focus and tension.
I kept walking through them, correcting stances, calling out bad habits, and pushing them harder.
We don’t train for war.
We train so war regrets choosing us.
A quiet presence stepped up beside me-familiar, steady. I didn’t need to look to
know it was Micah. He never announced himself. He didn’t have to.
He stood shoulder to shoulder with me, arms crossed, eyes scanning the field like mine.
Dren’s improving, he said, voice low. Still favoring his left, though.
I grunted in agreement. I’ll break the habit out of him.
A moment passed. The sun slipped lower, spilling gold along the treetops.
Think they’re ready? Micah asked.
I watched Niko catch a blow to the ribs and stay on his feet, spitting blood and laughing.
I hope they will be.
Micah nodded once. He knew, just like I did, that this time we weren’t up against vampires, witches, or other wolves. This time, we were up against something far more dangerous. Hybrids.
Our warriors were trained to fight the three known species. What they weren’t trained for—what none of us were—was a fourth kind. Something faster. Stronger. Smarter.
They needed to improve. If I had any hope of them surviving what was coming, they had to be more than what they were.
Training’s over, I called out, my voice ringing through the clearing.
Everyone froze, turning toward me. I didn’t say anything else. I just turned and walked away, Micah falling into step beside me.
I ignored the quiet sighs of relief behind us. They didn’t know what knew. Didn’t see what I’d seen. was pushing them harder than ever-and it still might not be enough. But it was the only thing I could do.
We’d been at it since mid-morning, right after I finished playing with Aspen. The
only break we’d taken was for lunch.
And at that thought, my mind drifted. Aspen.
I still couldn’t believe Sadie had let
me spend time with her. Those moments with my daughter were the highlight of my day. Honestly, if I didn’t have Alpha duties, I would’ve spent the entire day with her.
All my tension faded when I thought about her. She was my sunlight—bright, soft,
and warm in a way nothing else in my life had ever been.
She was bubbly. Reminding me of how Sadie used to be when we were younger.
Loving her came naturally. So easily it scared me sometimes.
By the time we reached the
packhouse, I was still thinking about her. It had only been a few weeks since+found out about Aspen, but I
couldn’t imagine life without her
anymore. I loved her so much it hurt.
Micah and I moved in silence until we reached my office. Inside, we found Jason already waiting.
My thoughts shifted immediately. Back to work.
What do you have for me? I asked, walking around the desk and sitting down.
Nothing, Jason said with a tired sigh. Not a single damn thing. Honestly, I’m starting to think maybe Nyx’s sister is cloaking their presence.