Chapter 0463

The audacity of this man. I've made it crystal clear I'm not interested, yet here he is, still trying to intimidate Silas for merely speaking to me. Not that I planned to say yes to Silas—his approach was painfully awkward—but he provided the perfect excuse when he walked by.

I hear Gregory growling as I stride away. Take the hint, buddy. Maybe then you wouldn't keep getting rejected.

I join the others warming up, stretching my muscles for training. Alpha Alistair and Beta Leopold call us to order. First, a five-mile run, then the team obstacle course. I fall into rhythm immediately. Running is my sanctuary, my time to clear my mind—or it would be if someone didn't insist on ruining it with his incessant chatter.

"What'll it take, Ivy blossom?"

"Ivy blossom?"

He flashes that infuriatingly confident grin. "You need a proper pet name. How about Lady Ivy? Sweet Thorn? Poison Petal? Too dramatic? I think Ivy blossom suits you."

"Ivy is fine," I snap, irritation sharpening my tone.

"Then how about Ivy bud? Oh, that's perfect. Ivy bud it is."

I grit my teeth and pick up speed. Pointless—he matches my pace effortlessly.

"So, Ivy bud, what do I have to do to get you to say yes?"

"I thought my note was clear, Gregory. I'm not sleeping with you. Since we both know that's your only goal, drop it."

"You've got me all wrong. Sure, I want you—you're stunning, fierce, and brilliant. But that's not why I'm asking you out. I genuinely want to know you."

I stop dead, turning to face him as other warriors jog past. "Why?"

"Why not? You clearly dislike me, but I think you'd change your mind if you gave me a chance. I'm more than just some guy trying to get laid."

I raise my voice so everyone nearby can hear. "Does anyone here believe Gregory Sinclair wants more than a one-night stand?"

A chorus of "No!" and "Hell no!" answers me. I smirk and start running again.

"Okay, my reputation isn't helping, but how will you know unless you try?"

"Not my problem. If you figure it out, let me know."

We finish the run and move to the obstacle course. Two at a time, and of course, Gregory positions himself beside me. Within seconds, it's clear he's pushing to beat me. Challenge accepted. I'm a damn good warrior, and even if he should outmatch me, I won't back down. My muscles burn as I push harder.

Rope swings. Rock walls. Crawling under nets. Sprinting over unstable logs. We're neck and neck, the others clearing a path as we barrel toward the finish. Our hands clamp onto the pole simultaneously.

Gasping for air, we collapse onto the grass, laughing. Okay, that was exhilarating.

Gregory stands first, offering his hand. His emerald eyes gleam as he smiles down at me, and for one treacherous second, my pulse stutters. Now I see why women fall at his feet—that smile could melt glaciers. Heat pools low in my stomach despite myself.

I take his hand, but the moment shatters when one of his conquests slinks over.

"Hey, Titan," she purrs, trailing fingers down his arm before eyeing me. "You don't mind if I borrow him, do you, Ivy?"

"He's all yours, Cassandra," I say, yanking my hand free.

I feel his gaze searing into my back as I find another sparring partner. Part of me had looked forward to testing my skills against him, but no way am I rolling around with "Titan." I'd almost forgotten that ridiculous nickname. Titan the Terrible. Earned by defeating our Alpha, Beta, and even Alistair. Strongest warrior in the pack. No wonder she-wolves flock to him—biology demands the strongest mates.

My human side revolts, but my wolf? She doesn't care about reputation. Only strength. And Gregory Sinclair radiates it.

Hence the fangirls calling him Titan. Maybe it's his thing. Not my business, and I refuse to find out. I'll die before calling him that.

I take down my sparring partner easily. Alpha Alistair observes, offering my opponent pointers before addressing me.

"Ivy, you should be training with Alistair or Gregory."

I force a smile. "Thank you, Alpha."

"Tomorrow, you'll spar with Alistair. You won't improve without challenge." Relief floods me—at least it's not Gregory.

After training, I head home. Shower first, but first, Valeria needs a run. At the tree line, I strip and shift, dropping my clothes by the back porch before vanishing into the woods.

Let her run. Let me forget.

For now.