Chapter 20
Noelle
I feel like an imposter when I walk to the training grounds deep in the forest. The sun is in the sky and it’s beautiful weather, but all the werewolves gathered from the Midnight pack are younger than me. It makes sense since I’m a beginner and can’t even shape–shift.
Still, I can’t fight my own embarrassment when the youngsters stare at me. Some of the girls even snicker.
“Is that our future, Luna?” one of the girls asks her friend in a demeaning voice. It’s clear that she disapproves of me becoming someone of higher status than her.
“I think so, but goddamn, my brother wasn’t kidding when he said she was a weakling. He was at her wedding, you know, the one where her own mate rejected her for a woman that wasn’t even his mate?”
“Oh yeah, I heard about that! I actually feel bad for her now. To think your own mate would reject you.”
My face turns beet red. I’m the one who initiated the rejection, not Sebastian. But of course, I don’t correct them. I don’t want the mean girls to know I’m listening to their little chat. It would only create more drama, and I’m here to learn. not to
make new enemies.
So, I take my position and wait until my soon–to–be–husband and Alpha of the Midnight pack shows up. When he does, he is accompanied by his brother, my ex–mate
Jhave to fight the urge not to growl at Sebastian and remind myself that he is only here because he is Lucian’s Beta, and although the two of them might not get along because of me, there’s no denying the fact that Sebastian is the second strongest werewolf in the pack. Kicking him from his Beta position would be stupid.
Still, I glare at Sebastian with hatred in my gaze. He is shirtless and smiling at all the girls giving him heart eyes, and I frown before letting my gaze travel to Lucian who is also shirtless and so damn attractive I quickly realize the girls aren’t looking at Sebastian at all–they are all staring at Lucian and his powerful figure.
And I can’t blame them.
His abs are perfectly chiseled, his muscles rippling with strength as he moves. His white hair is tousled and not at all arranged, falling against his forehead messily, and his emerald eyes hold an intensity that sends shivers down my spine.
I try not to stare, but it’s hard not to. He looks like a Greek god amongst mere mortals. Seeing Lucian in all his Alpha glory reminds me of why all these supposedly mean girls would want to become Luna. It’s not just about the title; it’s about becoming the wife of the hot and powerful Alpha.
Lucian finally catches my eye, and a slow smile spreads across his face, lighting up his eyes. I feel my cheeks flush, and I quickly look away. The last thing I want is for him to favor me and make the other girls hate me. I want to keep a low profile, but Lucian doesn’t get that all
He strides over to me, pushing through the crowd with an air of commanding authority that silences any whispers or giggles.
“Good morning, Noelle,” he says warmly. “Ready for your first day of training?”
I open my mouth to respond, but another voice cuts in before I can say anything.
“Don’t you think she’s a bit old to be starting training now?” Sebastian sneers. The scent of arrogance and contempt rolls off him in waves.
I shoot him a glare, unsure what his deal is. Sebastian was flirtatious the last time I saw him, but today, he is looking at me like I’m trash. It pisses me off, and I open my mouth, about to tell him to shut his mouth.
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Chapter 20
Sadly, Lucian beats me to it and snaps at him. “I didn’t ask for your opinion, brother. I told Noelle she could train with us, and if you have a problem with that, then you should bring it to me. Not her.”
Sebastian snorts, crossing his arms over his chest, “Just looking out for my pack, brother. I don’t want her to sink down future warriors.”
CHIF
“I don’t need you to look out for them,” Lucian retorts icily. His dyes are a storm brewing, emerald fire dancing in his gaze as he matches his brother’s stance. “I’m perfectly fine training our new recruits by myself. Also, do I have to remind you that I’m the Alpha, not you?”
A thick silence settles over the spectators as they watch the exchange between the two brothers. The tension between the werewolves is so thick everyone is holding their breath to see what will happen next.
“You know what..” Sebastian starts but is cut off by another voice
“Enough!” an old voice booms through the open area of the training grounds, making everyone turn towards it. An old man, his skin wrinkled with age but his stature so powerful that it demands respect and attention, strides forward.
I immediately recognize the man as the old Alpha that led the pack before Lucian. His name is Logan Winterstorm, and he is a man of great wisdom and strength. Despite his old age, he is one of the most respected figures among the Midnight pack. He might not be an Alpha anymore, but he is an elder and has a chair in the pack council.
Everyone, including Sebastian and Lucian, bows in respect as Logan approaches us.
“Stop bickering like pups,” he says, his old, gravelly voice commanding silence. “This isn’t a playground for your petty fights. This is a training ground where we produce warriors for our pack.”
He turns to face me, his stern gaze softening slightly. “Noelle,” he says in a gentler tone. “It’s nice to finally meet you. I’m surprised you’re here but also impressed. Could it be you’re trying to make your inner wolf awaken by joining the pack’s training program?”
“Y–yes, sir,” I bow at him and then straighten up with a serious look on my face. “I’m hoping that will happen.”
“I hope so, too,” he smiles. “With training. I’m sure you can become a strong Luna. And please, don’t let my sons‘ immature banter discourage you. You’re brave for coming here to train and the only thing you should be focusing on is awakening that wolf of yours. Nothing else.”
I nod in understanding, grateful for his words of encouragement. I expect him to leave after this but, instead, he calls Luciah 10 step forward.
“Alpha Lucian Winterstorm,” Logan begins formally, causing Lucian to straighten his back and listen intently. “Remember that a strong leader doesn’t promote equality by favoritism or personal bias. It’s your duty to guide Noelle through her training. However, it’s also your responsibility to handle your pack justly without letting personal relationships intervené.”
1 glance at Lucian, who is now looking at the ground with a thoughtful expression on his face.
“Yes, Elder Logan,” he replies respectfully. Strangely, he doesn’t say ‘father‘ or ‘dad, but maybe that’s because they are speaking outside of their personal relationships. “I will keep that in mind.”
“Good,” Logan says and focuses his eyes on mine. “I shall witness the training take place here today, and once it’s time to spar, I would like to participate myself as well”
A collective gasp echoes around the training grounds, quickly replaced by excited whispers. It has been years since Logan last participated in training; his legendary strength and skill are now part of the pack’s folklore.
“Of course, Elder Logan, Lucian says. “But who would you
be sparring with?”
Logan grins. “You,” he then looks at me. “And as for the future Lana herself, I would like to see her spat with Sebastian.”
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Once again, whispers of surprise ripple through the crowd. Sebastian’s eyes flicker at me. He looks smug and amused, the bastard. I meet his gaze head–on, my own eyes filled with determination and perhaps a spark of defiance, too.
“That’s just…great,” I say, shifting my gaze to Logan. He gives me an approving nod and walks away.
Lucian, however, doesn’t just accept it but walks up to me. “Are you really okay with that?” he asks.
“Yes,” I say, trying to sound more confident than I feel as I eye my ex–mate up and down. “I actually think sparring against my ex–mate is a fitting challenge.”
Lucian’s gaze hardens, but he doesn’t argue further. Lucian Winterstorm is many things, but one thing he is not, and that is overbearing. He respects my choices, even when he disagrees with them. It’s one of the reasons why I’m beginning to fall in love with him.
“Well then,” he says. “Then I wish you good luck.”
“Thanks,” I say and clench my fists. Sebastian is grinning at me, probably deeming me an easy opponent since I lack a wolf. But I feel good today. Stronger somehow, and I’m filled with confidence when I say, “But I won’t need any luck because I intend on beating your brother’s ass.”
