Chapter 0382

Victor turned to face Isolde and me. His gaze was intense. "You should prepare yourselves. News of your awakening and the formation of your new pack will spread fast, Isolde. Other supernaturals will come."

I swallowed hard. The thought of unknown creatures lurking at our borders sent a chill down my spine.

The next morning, as I packed for training, I noticed unfamiliar fabric in my bag.

"What's this?" I held up the sleek black training gear, turning to Victor.

He closed the distance between us in two strides. "Something practical. Thought you could use it."

My heart swelled. Even in the smallest things, he showed his love. I threw my arms around his neck, pressing close. "Thank you." My lips found his in a searing kiss.

He pulled back just enough to murmur against my mouth, "Careful, little Alpha. Don't tease what you can't finish."

"Later," I promised breathlessly.

"Later," he agreed.

The training grounds buzzed with energy when we arrived. A group of Adrian's warriors lingered near the edge, their attention fixed on us.

I spotted Adrian setting up a chair for Evelyn. That woman defied all medical logic. "Shouldn't you be resting?" I asked, nodding toward the warriors exchanging what looked like cash.

Evelyn grinned. "That's Julian. Our resident gambler. They're placing bets on today's matches."

"Bets on what?"

"Julian!" Evelyn called. The warrior jogged over, clipboard in hand.

"What's today's lineup?" she asked.

He scanned his list. "Main event: Alpha Sebastian versus Alpha Victor. Current odds favor Alpha Sebastian. Then we've got whether Warrior Sebastian can withstand Luna Isolde's aura—odds slightly in your favor, Luna, though not by much since you're untested." He glanced up apologetically. "No offense meant."

His finger trailed down the page. "Wager on whether you and Alpha Victor can mind-link to your pack from here—odds say no. And finally, sparring match between Alpha Adrian and Alpha Sebastian—Adrian's the favorite." He looked up. "Interested in placing a bet, Lunas?"

I shook my head. As Julian retreated, I muttered to Evelyn, "Your pack has issues."

She laughed. "It's harmless fun. Julian knows when to involve Adrian if things get out of hand."

Oberon summoned me. "Let's begin with your aura control. You've mastered the basics?"

"Sebastian helped me find my strength," I confirmed.

"Good." Oberon turned to Adrian. "Who's our volunteer today?"

"Sebastian!" Adrian called.

The warrior bounded over, grinning like a kid on Christmas. "Another Guardian to test my mettle against? Hell yes." He bounced on his toes, radiating excitement. These Blackthorn wolves were something else.

Oberon instructed me to extend my aura gradually, increasing pressure until Sebastian yielded. I eyed the eager warrior.

"You're seriously okay with this?" Who volunteered to be mentally dominated?

"Are you kidding?" His eyes sparkled with challenge. "A chance to measure myself against a Guardian? I'd do this every damn day. Show me what you've got, Luna." He cracked his neck and widened his stance, beckoning me forward.

The air between us crackled with anticipation.