Chapter 0131

Gregory gathers us in the training grounds, warriors forming a tight circle around Evelyn and me. My blood thrums with anticipation. Though I know she won't be at her peak today, my little guardian will make me earn every inch of this victory.

We begin cautiously, testing each other's reflexes with quick jabs and feints. The air crackles between us as we dance around the ring. Within minutes, the intensity builds. Sweat glistens on Evelyn's brow when I finally attempt my signature move—a devastating uppercut.

She anticipates it perfectly.

Ducking beneath my swing, she drives a fist into my sternum that nearly knocks the wind from my lungs. Stars explode behind my eyelids.

"You're holding back, Alpha," she pants, emerald eyes blazing.

"Can't have my girlfriend limping to class," I counter, sweeping toward her legs. She leaps like a damn gazelle, landing a sharp elbow to my shoulder before dancing out of reach.

The match stretches on—a brutal symphony of grappling and strikes. I note the subtle lag in her movements first. Fatigue. Perfect.

I strike like lightning. One moment she's upright, the next I've pinned her beneath me, our bodies flush against the packed earth. My hips cage hers, my knees trapping her thighs as I stretch her arms above her head.

The warriors erupt.

Beneath me, Evelyn's chest heaves. What happens next freezes the entire clearing.

Selene surges forward.

My breath catches as Evelyn bares her throat in complete submission. The training grounds go deathly silent.

Theron doesn't hesitate. He darts forward, nipping gently at the exposed column of her neck before I reclaim control. My lips find hers in a claiming kiss that leaves no doubt—she's mine.

When I pull back, her eyes shine brighter than any emerald. "Mine," I growl.

A wicked grin curls her lips. "Want to know a secret, Alpha?"

I raise a brow.

"I was going to submit either way," she whispers, breath hot against my ear. "I just wanted to fight you."

Laughing, I haul us both upright. Julian calls out the time—seventy-five minutes. A new record.

"Rest of you maggots!" Gregory barks. "Obstacle course in forty-five. Move!"

As the warriors scatter, Gregory claps us both on the shoulders. "Good work. Evelyn, you're done until afternoon training."

I watch her stride toward the packhouse, then pull out my phone. Oberon's voicemail greets me again. I leave another message before heading to breakfast.

The dining hall buzzes with exhausted warriors. Donovan slings an arm around my shoulders. "Nice work claiming your guardian, Alpha." His gaze tracks Genevieve across the room.

"Speaking of which," I smirk, watching him approach her. The ice queen might still play resistant, but I'd bet my title she's thawing.

School passes in a blur of stolen kisses between classes. By Thursday lunch, Evelyn's leaning against my locker. "Dinner tonight?"

A slow smile spreads across my face. Oberon finally returned my call last night. At first he'd been resistant—until I mentioned bringing not one, but two Guardians to his court.

The Fae King's tune changed remarkably fast.