Chapter 0102

Sleep eluded me all night. Adrian's question played on repeat in my mind. A part of me screamed to say yes—to take the chance, to know him. But the rational side warned of consequences. If he wasn't my mate, this could complicate things later. Still, as his Guardian, understanding him was necessary. I'd just have to keep my walls up.

Dawn arrived too soon. Exhaustion clung to me, but routine pulled me from bed. Training couldn't wait any longer. Father would protest. Adrian might too. But sitting idle wasn't an option.

I dressed quickly and stepped outside as warriors gathered. Adrian hadn't arrived yet, so I greeted the others. Slaps on the back, warm welcomes, the usual camaraderie after an absence.

"Evelyn." Father's voice cut through the chatter. "You should be resting."

"I need to train. My strength won't rebuild itself."

"Next week," he insisted.

I squared my shoulders. "No, sir." The title was deliberate—a reminder this wasn't a father-daughter conversation. The field fell silent. Warriors watched, waiting to see who'd yield.

"Evelyn." A warning.

"Sir." I held his gaze. "You taught me to fight through pain. 'The enemy won't wait for you to heal.' Your words. This is how I was raised. So I'm starting today. Sir."

His glare burned. The air thickened with tension. Then warmth pressed against my back—Adrian's presence, his scent wrapping around me. Chocolate and spice. I didn't turn. This was between me and my father.

Alpha Alistair approached, resting a hand on Father's shoulder. "She's Ivy's daughter through and through, don't you think, Gregory?"

Father remained silent.

"Better she trains under your watch than sneaks off alone," Alistair added.

A muscle ticked in Father's jaw before he exhaled sharply. "Fine. But you stop when I say. No sparring—obstacles only."

"Yes, sir." I flashed him a quick smile before facing Adrian. His brows were drawn together. "Going to argue too?"

Hands raised in surrender, he stepped back. "Wouldn't dream of it." That grin—equal parts charming and infuriating.

Father barked orders. "Adrian. Evelyn. You're up first."

The outdoor course loomed ahead. Familiar terrain gave me an edge, but Adrian's raw strength still tipped the scales. At the gunshot, we launched forward.

Halfway through, I noticed it—Adrian matching my pace, hovering just close enough. He crossed the finish line mere seconds before me. My lungs burned. My time was pathetic. But I'd finished.

I grabbed the water he offered. "You held back. Why?"

A shrug. "Wanted to make sure you didn't need help. You didn't." His gaze held mine. "But I'd have been there if you did."