Chapter 0367

We collapsed in a tangled heap, Isolde sprawled across my chest as we both struggled to catch our breath. My arms tightened around her as our breathing gradually steadied. "Honestly, I can't pick a favorite," my gorgeous mate murmured against my skin. Her lips brushed my collarbone before she tilted her head up to meet my gaze. "But I do love being in charge."

I barked out a laugh, rolling us onto our sides and tucking her against me. "No surprise there, little Alpha," I teased, pressing a kiss to her hair. Within moments, her breathing evened out into sleep.

Morning brought Sebastian and Leopold's insistence on evaluating Isolde's combat abilities. "Here's the thing," I interjected, knowing full well my mate had zero training. "She was raised human. No formal fighting skills."

Leopold crossed his arms. "True, but Aurora holds not just her own knowledge, but Gregory's as well. And he was one hell of a warrior. That instinct should be in her blood."

"Instinct isn't muscle memory," I countered. "Or physical strength. That takes time to develop."

Sebastian smirked. "You're underestimating Guardian genetics. She's an Alpha-blooded Guardian. Let's see what she can really do."

Isolde shrugged at me, eyes sparkling with mischief. "Worst case? I suck and confirm what we already know."

"Since you've got a talent for pissing off Guardians," Leopold told Sebastian with a grin, "why don't you handle this?" Behind me, Seraphina made a derisive noise.

Sebastian merely cracked his knuckles. "Fair point." He dropped into a defensive stance. "Show me what you've got, Isolde."

She blinked at him. "You... want me to hit you?"

"Hard as you can."

Her gaze darted to me uncertainly before returning to Sebastian. "But I don't want to hurt you."

Leopold's posture shifted, hands on hips as he watched intently. I recognized that look—he was waiting for the spark to ignite. My instincts prickled a warning just as Sebastian taunted, "Sure about that?"

"Positive."

"What if I told you I beat your mate bloody every day for six months?"

Isolde went rigid.

Sebastian circled her, voice dripping with provocation. "That I left him barely conscious after each session? That I enjoyed it?"

The growl building in Isolde's chest vibrated through the clearing.

"Sebastian," I warned. This was playing with fire.

He feinted closer, grinning. "Maybe I'll take him back for round two—"

Isolde moved like lightning.

Her fist connected with Sebastian's gut before he could react. A flurry of blows followed, each strike faster than anything I'd seen from an untrained fighter. Sebastian barely dodged a roundhouse kick, his eyes widening as he scrambled to block her onslaught.

"You touch him again," Isolde snarled, "and I'll rip you apart."

A shockwave of power erupted outward. Seraphina materialized between them, arms spread as the blast sent me skidding backward. Trees at the forest's edge shuddered violently, trunks groaning under the invisible force.

The clearing fell silent save for Isolde's ragged breathing, her eyes glowing with unleashed power.