24
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K O E N
When I saw her through Columbus’ eyes - the powerful, dark-coated she-wolf - pinned underneath him, trapped between his paws, I couldn’t believe it. I watched as the shock in her icy aquamarine eyes shifted into something warm, resembling pride, before they heated up, sparkling with the intensity of blue flames, igniting a fire within me. Even as we shifted back into our bare human forms, and she tackled me, crashing her lips against mine, I still couldn’t wrap my mind around it.
I had beaten her.
Obviously, I knew our match had been nothing like a real fight. Neither of us wanted to hurt the other. I couldn’t fool myself into thinking I’d stand a chance if she went all out against me. Still, I had succeeded in my mission. After a month of relentless training, I had learned how to compensate for all the advantages an Ashen Wolf had over me, earning the right to participate in their tradition.
Whether it was the rush of victory or the fire in Avril’s eyes, I was consumed by a need beyond reason. So much so that I didn’t care if anyone walked in on us as we devoured each other like animals in the middle of the training grounds. All I could focus on was her taste, the intoxicating scent of her arousal, the heat radiating from her body, and the velvet texture of her skin as I claimed every inch of her.
By the time we left the training grounds, sweat clinging to our skin and dirt streaking our clothes as though we’d been sparring for hours without rest, the party was already over. For the first time in days, I chose to sleep at my cottage. Avril hadn’t formally invited me to move into the alpha chambers with her - we usually ended up there when desire overpowered everything else. I didn’t want to invade her space or pressure her into defining our relationship, as I was content with how things were. I’d rather not risk ruining it.
To my surprise, she was at my door first thing in the morning.
As I opened the door, I was hit by her marvellous scent - it easily overshadowed the fragrance of the orchids carried by the gentle breeze. The smirk she was clearly trying and failing to suppress let me know she wasn’t here just to chat. She had come with intent.
“You’re up early on a Sunday,” I remarked, the corner of my mouth twitching involuntarily at her energy.
“Early bird catches the worm,” she said, hands stuffed in her jacket pockets. "Or, in this case, drags a stubborn alpha out of his self-imposed boot camp."
I arched a brow. “Dragging, huh? Inviting me would be easier, you know.”
“And a lot less fun,” she replied smartly before gesturing for me to follow her. “Come on.”
A small chuckle escaped me as I followed promptly. “You’re not telling me what you have planned, are you?”
“No, but I can give you a hint,” she offered as we started walking, side by side. “Since we didn’t party yesterday, I thought we could have our own day-off today. Theo told me you asked him to train you one last time, but I think you should relax before facing the trials tomorrow.”
With a sigh, I conceded, “As you wish, Alpha.”
Despite Avril’s attempt to keep the mystery, I soon recognized the trail to the waterfall, narrow and winding, cutting through towering trees and bursts of wildflowers. The further we ventured from the heart of the territory, the louder the rush of water grew, a steady roar that seemed to drown out everything else.
When the falls came into view, I stopped in my tracks. Sunlight danced off the cascading water, turning the mist into shimmering rainbows. The last time we had been here, Kea and Avril had stolen my entire attention. I didn’t have a chance to appreciate how beautiful the scenery was before.
Avril stepped closer, her voice softer now. “Sometimes it’s good to stop and breathe. To remember why we fight.”
I glanced at her, caught off guard by the wistfulness in her tone. "And when do you stop and breathe?"
She looked toward the waterfall, her expression unreadable. “I’m working on it.”
We didn’t speak for a while, letting the sound of the water fill the silence. She finally motioned toward the base of the falls. "Come on. There’s a spot down there where we can sit."
Carefully, we both climbed down the slick path. When we reached the edge, I chose a flat rock close to the water. Avril settled beside me, close but not crowding.
For a while, all we did was enjoy the rare opportunity to just unwind. Casual, easy conversation filled the silence here and there, but we also cherished simply being in each other’s company, relishing the sounds of nature.
As the sun climbed higher, I stretched out on the warm rock, letting the rhythmic crash of the waterfall lull my senses. Avril stood and paced along the edge of the pool, carefree. It was rare to see her this relaxed - she usually carried a troubled expression, her muscles always tense. The sight was more calming than our surroundings.
“So,” I began, breaking the comfortable silence. “What are we having for lunch? Don’t tell me you brought me all the way out here for some soggy sandwiches,” I teased.
A grin stretched across her face as she turned to me. “Oh, no. This isn’t some sort of picnic.”
“Well, your lack of detail kept me guessing,” I said humorously. “Care to finally reveal your plans?”
Without hesitation, she excitedly answered, “We’re hunting.”
I sat back up, looking straight at her. “I thought we weren’t going to work today.”
“We’re wolves, Koen,” she countered. “Hunting’s not work - it’s instinct. Give in to your true nature,” she instructed, opening her arms and tilting her face to the sky as she let Kea out.
Because it was impossibly amusing to witness her lightheartedness, I had no choice but to oblige.
I had underestimated Avril’s ability to plan out a date. We had a great time in the forest, enjoying the day in both wolf and human forms. It was surely relaxing, and we didn’t feel the need to return to the real world until the sun started setting.
“See, I do know how to have fun,” she joked.
“You do,” I agreed, matching her playful tone as I added, “I’m honestly impressed. Didn’t think you had it in you.”
“Don’t get used to it though,” she warned.
With a smile, I replied, “Too late.”
A soft laugh escaped her, and I immediately joined her. But, as we reached the town square, I was reminded of the challenge I would face tomorrow. Although I felt ready, I didn’t want to leave any room for failure. As an idea crossed my mind, I stopped, causing Avril to look at me.
When she noticed the change in my expression, she worriedly asked, “What’s on your mind?”
After a quiet moment, I found the courage to ask, “Can we spar one last time?”
The disappointment was palpable on her face. “The whole purpose of our day-off was to ensure you would be able to rest for tomorrow.”
“I won’t be able to rest unless I know I’ve done everything I can to ensure I’ll win,” I told her determinedly.
“You know this isn’t a life or death test, right?” She furrowed her brows, kindness in her eyes as she cupped my cheek with her hand. “Koen, whether you succeed or fail tomorrow, it doesn’t change anything.”
“It does to me,” I insisted, grasping her hand and lowering it gently to intertwine our fingers. Grief struck me as I continued, “I might not have a pack anymore, Avril…” I paused, inhaling a deep breath. “But I’m still an alpha. It’s in my blood and in my heart. I know respect has to be earned. Right now, the pack accepts me because you ordered them to - because they respect you . I want to be worthy of their respect, too.”
For a moment, all she did was stare back at me. She seemed to understand the importance this challenge held to me just by looking into my eyes.
With a sigh, she gave in. “If it’ll make you feel better.” Disheartenment gradually faded from her voice as she invited, “Come on. I might know a couple of tricks Theo and Elijah haven’t taught you yet.”
A half-smile spread over my lips as I muttered a grateful, “Thank you.”