Chapter 0104

The moment Gregory and I step onto the training grounds Friday morning, two things catch my attention. First, Evelyn stands ready in workout gear. Second, the entire pack has gone silent as she verbally spars with her father.

I move to stand behind her. If she's determined to train, I'll be her partner. My priority is ensuring she doesn't overexert herself. While I'm proud of her determination, recovery requires balance.

During sparring sessions, my chest swells with pride when Evelyn positions herself to coach warriors facing me. Her teaching style electrifies the air - she forces my fighters to strategize rather than react. Of course Sebastian recognizes my signature move when she quizzes them. I shouldn't be surprised she knows it; she's been forged into a warrior since childhood.

Her combat intellect outshines everyone present. When she delivers a simple counterstrategy that leaves Sebastian speechless, I watch realization dawn across the warriors' faces. She's absolutely right - the only way to defeat a predictable fighter is to anticipate and prepare.

When Sebastian dismisses her solution as impractical, I intervene immediately. Taking my place beside Evelyn, I make our united front visible. The pack needs to see their future Alpha and Luna aligned. This display of unity strengthens the entire Blackthorn Pack - divided leadership breeds weakness.

Evelyn proceeds to dissect Sebastian's technique flawlessly. Next time we spar, he'll be harder to defeat - exactly why I'm grooming him as my lead warrior.

"Will you two spar?" Sebastian asks, and our simultaneous responses echo across the field. I had no intention of facing her so soon... until she offers the ultimate incentive.

Herself.

The challenge hangs between us. I quickly assess the possibilities - my skills are refined enough to exhaust her without causing injury. Normally I'd never push her this way, but if this is what it takes to claim her as my mate, I'll gladly oblige.

When Gregory calls an end to training, I savor the sight of Evelyn's retreating form before heading toward the pack house. My father falls into step beside me.

"Son, is sparring with Evelyn wise? She's strong, but is she ready?"

"I share your concern," I admit. "But she's made her answer conditional on the outcome. So while I'd prefer to wait, I'll win that fight - and her."

He studies me thoughtfully. "Just ensure you don't spend the next month nursing her back to health."

"Trust me, Father. I have this handled."

At Evelyn's cottage, she's already exiting when I arrive. I jog over, taking her bag and stealing a quick kiss on her nose.

That delicate blush spreading across her cheeks undoes me. My fierce warrior turns into a flustered girl at the slightest affection.

When we reach my car, she pauses. "Is this my birthday present?" she asks.