23. Stone
Chapter 23
Stone
“ S elf-defense?” I look up from my coffee, eyebrow raised as Ren outlines his conversation with Hailey from the night before. The kitchen is quiet this early in the morning, just the two of us awake while the others sleep upstairs in the nest.
Ren nods, leaning against the counter. The bruising on his face has faded to yellows and greens rather than the vivid purples of a few days ago. He almost looks like himself again. “She asked me last night. After a nightmare.”
I consider this, turning my mug in my hands. “Makes sense.”
“You’re not against it?” There’s a hint of surprise in his voice.
“Why would I be?” I frown slightly. “She’s right to want to learn.”
Ren studies me, something like curiosity in his expression. “I thought you might prefer to just…protect her.”
The observation stings slightly, though I can’t deny the truth in it. I’ve always been the shield, the one who stands between danger and the pack. It’s my role, my purpose.
“I do want to protect her.” I nod. “Both of them. But that doesn’t mean they shouldn’t be able to protect themselves.”
Ren’s posture relaxes marginally. “Good. Because I already said yes.”
“When do you plan to start?”
“Today, if she’s up for it.” He takes a sip from his mug—tea rather than coffee. “I was thinking we could use the gym on Bridge Street. Outside opening hours.”
I nod again, immediately seeing the wisdom in his choice. “Private. Secure. Plenty of mats.”
“Exactly.” He shifts his weight, wincing slightly as something pulls in his still-healing ribs. “We should involve Finn, too.”
“Obviously.” I don’t even consider the alternative. After everything that’s happened, after all the ways we’ve failed him, excluding Finn from this would be unforgivable.
Ren eyes me over the rim of his mug. “You’ve changed.”
The observation catches me off guard. “What do you mean?”
“Before everything with Heath and Caldwell, you would have argued against putting the omegas in any situation that might involve danger—even simulated danger during training.” He shrugs. “You were always the most protective.”
I snort. He’s wrong about that. He’s always been the most protective. But I take the blame here. It’s…nice talking to Ren. Actually talking to him for a change.
“We almost lost them both,” I say finally, my voice low. “And I couldn’t prevent it. None of us could.”
Ren’s throat moves. “So better to arm them.”
“Better to respect their choices,” I correct. “Better to be partners rather than simply…protectors.”
Something shifts in Ren’s expression. He nods once. Conversation completed.
Footsteps on the stairs interrupt any further discussion. Hailey appears in the doorway, hair tousled from sleep, one of my shirts hanging loose on her smaller frame. Four marks stand out vivid against her neck, our claiming bites still fresh. The sight of them sends a jolt of possessive satisfaction through me.
Her eyes brighten when she sees us. “Morning.”
Fuck, I’ll never get tired of hearing her voice. Of hearing her speak to us so freely.
“Good morning.” I pull out the stool beside me at the kitchen island. “Coffee?”
She nods, sliding onto the seat with a small smile. I pour her a mug, adding the splash of milk and honey she likes, while Ren moves to the refrigerator.
“Hungry?” he asks. “I could make eggs.”
“I’m alright for now, thanks.” She accepts the coffee from me with a grateful hum, taking a deep sip before looking between us. “You two are up early.”
“Ren was just telling me about your conversation last night,” I say, watching her reaction.
Her fingers tighten slightly on the mug. “Oh.” Her voice wavers a bit, some of that fear returning, and I want to punch myself.
“I think it’s a good idea,” I tell her. “The self-defense training.”
Surprise flickers across her face, followed by relief. “You do?”
“Absolutely.” I cover her hand with mine on the counter. “In fact, I’d like to help, if you’re open to it.”
She turns her hand beneath mine, lacing our fingers together. “I’d like that.”
“We thought we could start today,” Ren adds. “At one of our gyms that opens to the public only at night. No crowds, no prying eyes.”
Hailey nods eagerly. “Yes, I’d love that. Should we wake Finn?”
“Let him sleep,” I suggest. “We can fill him in over breakfast.”
When I glance over, Ren is studying her, his gaze showing more than it usually does. There’s warmth there. Real warmth.
“I was worried you might want to back out of training today.” He finally murmurs. “After what you went through, no one would blame you for needing more time.”
Hailey shakes her head. “No. I need to do this. The sooner I start, the better.”
The determination in her voice, the set of her jaw—there’s a strength there that I admire deeply. This woman, who has endured a reform academy, kidnapping, a forced heat, the trauma of believing Ren was dead, has emerged with her spirit intact. Bent, perhaps, but unbroken.
“Alright then,” I say. “After breakfast, we’ll head to the gym.”
The gym on Bridge Street is one of our smaller facilities, tucked between a bookstore and a café in a renovated brick building. It’s modest by design—a place for serious training rather than the social workout scene that dominates downtown. Jax unlocks it, ushering us inside.
“I still think I should be part of this,” Jax says, watching as Ren and I start removing equipment from storage. “Another perspective can’t hurt.”
“We talked about this,” I remind him. “Too many instructors at once will just be confusing. You can take the next session.”
He concedes with a nod, though I can tell he’s not entirely satisfied. Jax likes being involved, particularly concerning the omegas’ safety. But we’d agreed on the drive over—Ren and I would handle today’s session. Finn decided to just observe, and overwhelming Hailey with three different teaching styles on day one would be counterproductive.
“Fine.” He turns to Hailey, who’s exploring the space with evident curiosity. “You good with this plan, darling?”
She smiles at the nickname. “I’m good.” Her gaze slides to Finn, who has migrated over to the couch with a book in one hand and a cupcake in the other, and she beams.
Once Jax heads over to sit with Finn, I turn to Hailey. She stands in the center of the training mat we’ve laid out, her small form almost swallowed by the borrowed workout clothes she’s wearing. I’ve already made a mental note to get her proper gear. Despite the too-big clothes and the hesitation in her posture, there’s a determined set to her jaw that I find oddly cute.
“Ready?” I ask.
She nods, pulling her hair back into a simple ponytail. “What do we start with?”
Ren and I exchange a glance, silently confirming our earlier plan.
“Basics,” he says, stepping onto the mat. “Stance, balance, awareness. The foundations that everything else builds on.”
“Before we even get to specific techniques,” I add, “you need to understand your center of gravity, how to stay grounded.”
For the next hour, Ren and I teach Hailey the basics—stance, balance, awareness. Hailey follows along, surprising both of us with everything she gets right.
“Good,” I say as she successfully maintains her stance while Ren applies gentle pressure to her shoulders. “Now try moving forward while keeping that same stability.”
She does, her movements slightly awkward but showing promise.
“The most important thing,” Ren explains as we move on to basic wrist escapes, “is awareness. Being conscious of your surroundings, recognizing potential threats before they become actual dangers.”
Hailey nods, her expression serious. “Like at the gala.”
A shadow crosses Ren’s face at the mention of the gala, but he pushes through it. “Exactly. Most predators follow patterns, test boundaries before they strike.”
We demonstrate various scenarios. Someone following too closely, someone blocking an exit, someone isolating her from a group.
“But what if I can’t escape?” Hailey asks, and the way her voice cracks almost makes me abandon the training session to hold her curled against me forever. “What if they’ve already got hold of me?”
Ren steps forward. “Then we move to physical techniques. Let me show you.” Then he freezes like a deer stuck in headlights. “Actually, let Stone show you.”
I don’t miss the moment where Hailey’s gaze catches his before she frowns slightly and looks away.
I demonstrate several basic holds—wrist grabs, arm locks, even a chokehold. Whenever Ren steps in, it looks like he’s barely even touching her. Probably just being cautious so he doesn’t leave a bruise. For each thing we demonstrate, he shows a corresponding escape technique, breaking it down into simple steps that Hailey can follow.
“Your size is an advantage in some ways,” he explains as she practices slipping from a front wrist grab. “Many attackers won’t expect much of a fight from smaller opponents, especially omegas. You can surprise them.”
Hailey absorbs this, her expression thoughtful as she works through the maneuver again. “So I’m using their expectations against them.”
“Exactly.” Ren offers a rare smile. “Now, let’s try something a bit more challenging.”
He demonstrates a rear bear hug, the kind of restrictive hold that would render most omegas helpless. “This is a common attack because it limits arm movement and uses the attacker’s superior size and strength. Now, try to escape using the technique we showed you.”
Hailey frowns. “Is it supposed to be this easy? You’re not actually touching me, Ren.”
Behind her, Ren squeezes his eyes shut for a second, jaw clenching, Adam’s apple bobbing. “I am touching you, sweetheart.”
Hailey pouts and it’s so cute I momentarily forget where we are and what we’re doing.
“No, you’re not. Not really, Ren.”
Ren squeezes his eyes shut again. “I don’t want to?—”
“Hurt me? Or…” Hailey’s voice gets smaller. “Is it that you don’t want to touch me at all?”
Across the mat, I freeze mid-stretch, a growl in my throat, brows diving as I glare at Ren.
“You’re allowed to touch her, you know,” Finn is glaring from his book as well. “She wants you to.”
Ren swallows hard and nods, arms tightening around Hailey.
Hailey takes a deep breath. “Okay, this feels more like it.”
She attempts the movement, but her small size makes the mechanics difficult.
“It’s not working,” she says, a hint of defeat making her voice crack again. Across the room, Jax’s brow dives, a low growl in his throat directed at Ren.
His fingers tap restlessly against his thigh—a telltale sign of the tension he’s been carrying since the gala. I’ve seen the way he watches Hailey now, like if he blinks, she’ll vanish. He’s been checking the security upgrades at the house when our omegas aren’t in the room, a silent apology etched in every overbearing precaution. He thinks Ren and I haven’t noticed, but I’ve seen the way his jaw clenches when Hailey or Finn leave his line of sight, the way his scent sours with guilt when Hailey flinches or Finn stiffens at sudden noises. Jax is still drowning in the weight of failures he couldn’t have prevented. I release a breath. That too, will take time.
“Maybe don’t hold her so tight,” he growls at Ren.
Ren shakes his head. “You didn’t see her stab a beta in the eye at that facility. I did. She can do this.”
“I did that…didn’t I.” Hailey whispers.
Ren nods. “And you were a badass.”
As if his words feed her confidence, Hailey moves, dropping her weight and twisting at an angle that leverages her small frame. The movement takes Ren by surprise, and before he can adjust, she’s slipped from his grasp with a fluid motion that has both of us raising our eyebrows.
“Like that?” she asks, slightly breathless.
“Whoo!” Finn’s applause echoes against the walls, making Hailey grin wider.
“Exactly like that,” Ren confirms, obvious approval in his tone.
Pride blooms warm in my chest as I watch her process this success. She’s not a natural fighter, not by any stretch, but she’s resourceful. Adaptable.
“Let’s try it again,” she says, newfound confidence straightening her spine.
We continue for another hour. Throughout, Hailey remains determined, pushing through fatigue and occasional frustration with a resilience that impresses me.
By the time we call for a break, she’s sweaty and breathing hard, her sweet scent filling the gym so much I’m positive we will need extra de-scenter before we leave. But the satisfaction in her eyes is unmistakable. This is what she needed.
“You did well,” I tell her.
Jax materializes at her side before I can say more, pressing a water bottle into her hands like it’s a lifeline. His thumb presses against her wrist—too long to be casual—and I recognize the motion. Checking her pulse. As if he can measure her safety in heartbeats. Hailey smiles up at him, oblivious, but I see the way his gaze flicks to the door, the windows, the shadows. The way his shoulders relax only when she leans into him, proof she’s still here, still whole. It’s not enough for him, though. I know that.
His gaze catches mine, the knowledge that I know what he’s doing is not hidden between us. His lips press into a thin line as he heads back over to Finn.
“Before you know it, she’ll be sparring with us,” he says over his shoulder.
Hailey’s chest rises and falls with heavy breaths. I can almost see the praise move like warmth underneath her skin, making her flush. Confidence lights her eyes, making them sparkle. But in the next second, that flush, that sparkle transforms into what looks like hunger. Heavy breaths make her inhale and exhale deeply.
“Hailey?”
Without hesitation, she reaches for me, fingers digging into the hair at my nape as she pulls me toward her. All the worries, this tension circling between me, Ren, and Jax that we’re trying so hard to hide from our omegas? It suddenly doesn’t matter. All that matters is this sweet little thing currently pulling me toward her.
Hailey’s initiative is sudden, surprising, but I immediately melt into her, a thrill going through me—not for the first time—that this sweet, sweet omega has chosen us to be her mates. Has chosen me .
The kiss is like electricity, a powerhouse sending all the blood in my veins south.
Hailey’s fingers tighten in my hair, pulling me deeper almost as if she can’t resist. Her tongue flicks against mine, sweet and desperate. She tastes like victory and sweat and heat , despite that I know her heat has subsided.
Across the room, Jax’s growl rumbles through the space. “ Fuck .”
I break the kiss just enough to glance at him. He’s standing by the couch, his brown eyes locked on Hailey and me. Finn watches too, his book hanging limply in his hands, his pupils blown wide.
Hailey whimpers against my lips. “ Stone .”
That’s all it takes.
Ren is on us in a single stride, his hands rough as he spins Hailey to face him. His kiss isn’t gentle. It’s claiming ; all strength and dominance. She moans into his mouth, her back arching as he palms her ass, lifting her effortlessly.
“You did so well,” he growls.
I don’t hesitate. My hands find her waist, yanking her sweatpants down her thighs as Ren devours her. She’s bare beneath—no underwear. Naughty, naughty girl. Her slick is already coating her inner thighs. The scent is obscene , flooding the room with vanilla and honey and need .
“Look at them,” I murmur against her neck, nodding to where Jax now has Finn pinned to the couch in a gentle chokehold, their mouths fused together. Finn’s pants are around his ankles, Jax’s hand working between his thighs.
Hailey’s breath hitches. “ Oh, God ?—”
Ren bites her shoulder. “ Focus .” He carries her to the weight bench, laying her down with her legs dangling off the edge. “ Mine first .”
He doesn’t ask. Just takes ; sinking to his knees and burying his face between her legs. Hailey screams , her fingers scrabbling at the bench as Ren’s tongue licks into her like a man starved.
I can’t wait. I shove my shorts down, fisting my cock as I watch Ren ruin her. “You gonna come on his tongue, sweetheart?”
She nods frantically, her hips jerking. “Y-yes?—!”
Ren groans against her, his fingers digging into her thighs to hold her still. “ Do it .”
She shatters with a sob, her back bowing off the bench as Ren drinks her down.
I’m on her before the last tremor fades.
No prep. No gentle easing in. I sheathe myself in one brutal thrust, her tight heat milking me instantly.
“ Fuck !” My vision whites out.
Hailey’s nails score my back as I bottom out, her legs locking around my waist. “Move,” she begs. “ Please ?—”
I do. Hard, deep strokes that make her cry out with each snap of my hips. Ren watches, his own cock in hand, stroking himself in time with my thrusts.
Across the room, Finn’s moans crescendo—Jax has him bent over the armrest, fucking into him with ruthless precision.
“Ren,” Hailey gasps, reaching for him.
He doesn’t make her ask twice.
He crowds behind me, his chest pressed to my back, his hand sliding down to where I’m joined with Hailey. “You feel that, alpha?” he murmurs in my ear. “ How wet she is for us ?”
His fingers circle her clit, and she wails , her walls fluttering around me.
“ Come for us ,” Ren orders.
She does. So hard I follow her over the edge, my knot swelling as I fill her.
Ren’s teeth sink into my shoulder as he shifts to the side and spills across her stomach, marking us both.
Silence. Just heavy breathing and the sound of Jax finishing inside Finn.
Then—
A phone buzzes, the screen lighting up on the couch.
Ren pulls back, wiping his mouth. “I should…I should check that.”
I lean in, pressing my lips to Hailey’s as I use a hand to rub Ren’s spunk into her skin. His shadow moves from over us as he heads to the couch and retrieves his phone. When he sees what’s on the screen, I see him stiffen.
“What is it?” Finn pants, a low moan escaping him as Jax shifts behind him.
“Meeting with the Ashgraves.” The words make us all go silent. “I’ll shower quickly,” Ren says, gathering his things. “Stone, can you cover the cool-down stretches?”
I chuckle, hands moving over Hailey’s boneless form beneath me. “Of course.”
As Ren heads to the locker room, Hailey’s core flutters around me. She looks at me like she’s in a dream. Happy. Sated. Exactly what my omega should look like.
“Thank you for this,” she whispers, a slight hiss escaping her lips as I adjust myself, my knot moving in her. “For taking me seriously.”
The comment gives me pause. “Did you think we wouldn’t?”
She lowers her arms. “Kind of. I’ve never…never been able to make my own decisions before…”
Her words sting, but she’s right.
“I’m trying to be better,” I admit. “For you. For Finn.”
She smiles, the simple expression warming something in me. “I’ve noticed. It means…it means more than you know.”
By the time my knot reduces, Ren emerges from the locker room, freshly showered and dressed in dark jeans, a button-down shirt, and a sport coat that conceals the gun I know he’s carrying.
“I’ve got to head out,” he says, checking his phone. “The Ashgraves are sending a car.”
“You okay to go alone?” I lift Hailey, making her straddle me.
“Yeah. It’s not them that worry me.” His words make sense, which goes to the next thing on the list for today.
“We’ll meet you at home. I thought I’d take Hailey and Finn to get some proper gear after this—workout clothes, shoes, maybe some personal protection items.”
Hailey perks up at this. “Like pepper spray?” Her cheeks flame, smile getting wider as Ren walks over to press a kiss on her forehead and a whispered, “You did well today. We’ll pick up again tomorrow.”
I nod. “Pepper spray, personal alarm, proper running shoes. Whatever you feel comfortable using.”
Ren gives a small nod of approval. “Good idea. I’ll text when the meeting’s done.” He hesitates, then walks over to Finn and Jax, pressing a kiss to Finn’s forehead as well. Finn promptly whimpers and pulls him down for a scorching kiss on the lips.
The casual touch, the easy praise—these are signs of the old Ren, the one who existed before guilt and trauma drove him into isolation. Small steps, but it finally feels like we’re getting there.