I stayed on the couch, wallowing in my pain until the smell of dinner lifted my spirits. We sat at the table, eating and swapping stories. Dad wanted to know all about what I'd gotten myself into while I was gone.
My dad smiled at us as we bickered, "Just one more year until you can find your mate." My dad winked at me. My nineteenth birthday wasn't until a few months later.
Every werewolf at eighteen can smell their mate. That is, if they're within scent range. I didn't do that, though.
"God, can you imagine? Her mate's going to have to go through a lot." Ryan smirked at me.
I rolled my eyes. "I'm not going to make it easy for him."
"So, who the hell trained you while you were gone? Alpha has been here for a week now, and I haven't seen anyone who can match him." Ryan frowned, clearly interested in my trainer.
"I didn't think I was up to it." I shrugged, wincing at the pain in my shoulder.
"You were. Everyone else was beaten bloody." Ryan cringed. "He made each of us fight him one-on-one to see what we were capable of."
So does that mean he won't be my partner tomorrow?" I asked cheerfully. My fear of tomorrow was fading with each passing second.
"I guess not." Ryan shrugged. "Now tell me, who is your trainer?"
Suppressing a nervous chuckle, I replied. "Oh, Commander Steel at Moonstone Academy. He is skilled in supernatural and modern skills." I shrugged as if it was no big deal.
Ryan mentions that as a member of the Sterling Pack, I will now move in elite circles, where my training at the Academy makes me invaluable. Moonstone-trained warriors are sought after by every powerful Alpha. When I mention Moonstone Academy in passing, my father's eyes widen in shock. The Academy is known for completely breaking wolves before rebuilding them into the perfect weapon.
"You could always talk to Sophia." Ryan shrugged, like it was no big deal.
I sighed and bit my lip, "I don't know about that. She's probably still mad at me, I know I would be."
Sophia was one of my closest friends; her family ran a luxury hotel chain, but when Marcus and I started dating, I cut her off. Marcus had his group of friends who didn't like Sophia, and like an idiot, I chose them over her.
"I wouldn't be so sure about that," Ryan shrugged. "I was talking to her during training, and she asked how you were doing. She said she felt terrible about what happened between you and Marcus."
"She said that?" I felt myself smiling despite myself, maybe it wouldn't be so bad to talk to her.
"She did. It's been a year, Zara. She could put the past behind her." Ryan shrugged.
My father also suggests reconnecting with Sofia, whose family owns a chain of luxury hotels catering to a supernatural clientele.
That night, I found an expensive note on my bed—"Welcome home, Zara"—written on Sterling Corporation letterhead.
***
I woke up bright and early the next morning, actually remembering to set the alarm on my phone. One less thing to call for.
I put on a gray luxury bra and matching shorts. I even managed to tie my long hair into a neat ponytail.
I arrived at Sterling headquarters just in time. Feeling refreshed from breakfast and a full night's sleep, I made my way to the rest of the trainees. As always, the large room we trained in was empty, with only a thin foam floor protecting us from the hard floor below.
"Hello, Zara." A female voice called out to me.
I turned and looked into a pair of familiar dark eyes. Sophia gave me a small smile. I noticed how different she looked in her luxurious lingerie. Her blonde hair was cut short in one of those pixie cuts.
"Hello, Sophia. Good to see you." I smiled back at her.
She gave me a small smile and nodded. "You did well yesterday."
I chuckled playfully. "Tell that to my aching body." Sofia greets me warmly, despite our previous fight over Marcus. I run to the locker room and stuff my bag in one of the lockers, eager to get back before practice starts.
"Everyone." Kane's deep voice called. Not that I'd ever admit it, but his voice alone was incredible. His voice demanded your attention, while his words demanded your obedience.
"He looks even better today," Nova smirked.
"Hush, we have to pay attention," I grumbled to her.
I looked from his unkempt hair to his honeycomb eyes. He looked good today. He was wearing a simple black t-shirt and loose athletic shorts.
When he finished speaking, everyone paired off into their groups. I suppressed a groan as I watched Alpha Kane walk towards me.
"I see you managed to arrive on time today." His honeycomb eyes stared at me, expressionless.
"You're going to test that theory, aren't you?" Nova sighed, shaking her head.
"Don't tell me you're not curious," I smirked when she remained silent.
"Unfortunate, wasn't it?" I sighed, batting my eyelashes at his unwavering face.
My stomach flipped slightly when he ran his fingers through his tousled hair, maintaining a serious expression as he looked at me.
"Start with defense." His rough voice ordered me, and I snorted at him. Before I could take a damn breath, he was charging at me like a freight train.
Every move he made was calculated specifically for me. It was as if he instantly recognized his opponent's weaknesses and adjusted his technique to use them against him.
After what felt like hours, we went on the offensive. I was finding it harder and harder to focus on training when this godlike man was trying to kill me.
"You need to bulk up. I can barely feel your punches." Alpha snapped back, snapping me out of my horrible thoughts about him.
I groaned and rolled my eyes. "I'm only 105 pounds, I don't have that much muscle in my body. Not all of us can walk around looking buff."
"If you fought as well as you talked, you could be my match." Alpha Kane said, his voice cold.
There's nothing I hate more than being treated like I'm weak.
Channeling my anger, I lunged at Alpha. I managed to easily dodge his attempt to throw me to the ground. Rolling to the side and jumping to my feet, I slammed my fist into his face. I used all the strength I had in my body.
I smiled as my fist connected with Alpha Kane's cheek. I could have sworn I broke a knuckle as well.
Much to my disappointment, Alpha seemed completely unfazed.
Training ended, and after a few tired glances our way, everyone either headed to the locker room or walked out the main door. He gave me an odd, thoughtful look and nodded.
"Much better." He chuckled, showing none of the pain I was hoping for.
"Your anger makes you stronger." Alpha Kane pointed, his honey eyes swimming with golden sparkles.
Unable to hold back my words, I grinned. "Thank you, I was thinking of you."
Before Alpha Kane could respond, I ran into the expansive locker room. Where does Alpha get so much money? The girls all quickly cleared out, and I grabbed some clean clothes from my bag. I slammed my locker shut and turned around, nearly falling over.
Alpha Kane stood inches away from me. His cold gaze made me swallow. I felt my back hit the lockers as Alpha stepped forward.
"Do you enjoy being naughty?" His voice was quiet and rough. There were golden sparkles in his eyes, making them even more mesmerizing.
I took a slow breath, noticing how good he smelled. Throated from training, but earthy. The scent of sweat and cologne mixed to create something entirely new.
I smirked at him, hoping he couldn't hear my racing heart. "I enjoy a lot of things. Being naughty is just my nature."
"You will obey your Alpha." Alpha snapped, and I resisted the urge to roll my eyes.
"And if I don't?" I teased, not taking my eyes off the gold flecks that swirled in his eyes.
Alpha took another step forward, and I felt his chiseled stomach against my chest. I was playing with fire, and I needed my wit.
"Don't test my patience, Zara." Alpha Kane snapped back, but I held my ground.
I tried not to panic when I realized how close he was to me. I could feel his breath fanning my face.
"My apologies, Alpha," I smirked, batting my eyelashes.
"You're lucky." Maya snorted.
"I don't know about that." I considered. "He didn't look like he was going to hurt us." After taking a few much-needed moments to calm my racing heart, I walked out of the locker room and headed outside.