Before I could ask another of the million questions I had, he gestured for me to head back into the main part of the gym. “Let’s get to training.”
We moved past the machines and climbed into the training ring. It was an elevated square shape—ironically—roped off on all four sides. As I bounced onto the floor, I found it was hard with a very mildly spongy upper layer.
Slade picked up a case from a shelf on one wall, and I sighed as my beautiful blades came into view. “They’re so darn pretty,” I cooed, brushing my hand over the handle and hilt.
The embedded jewels were smooth as I wrapped my palm around one handle. “And fits so well in my palm.”
“Like it was made for you,” Slade said with a knowing smile, reminding me that he’d used his stalker ways to create these for me.
He retrieved a wooden practice blade, and we fell into a fight stance. It was getting easier for me to move my body the way I wanted, as my muscles, stamina, and wolf grew stronger with each lesson. I’d even managed to keep up with the back of the enforcer pack during our last lot of warmups.
My aim had been to get stronger, and as hard as each day was, I hadn’t given up.
“Bring it on, big boy,” I sassed Slade, and I was rewarded with his terrifying smile as he moved forward, the blade sliding toward me so fast I could barely track it.
When it touched my throat, I sucked in a rapid breath. “Good call on the wooden blades,” I choked out, the blunt edge moving against my voice box.
Slade nodded, before removing the weapon and stepping back. “You move like magic,” I whispered.You are magic. “Horton moves like an octogenarian compared to you.”
His smirk appeared, and everything was right in my world. “Next time, don’t leave yourself so open. Your throat is an easy place for anyone to inflict a quick death. Along with here.” His hands slid down to hover above the joint of my hip and groin. He wasn’t touching me, but I felt his heat in amuch more intimate place.
“So, get your blades in position to defend yourself.” He took a step back, and I shook myself from the daze. “Again.”
Flames danced in his eyes, and I breathed deeply to try and maintain stability. As I brought my blades up, I nodded. “Yeah. Again.”
And this time, I would be ready for his speed.
Probably.
CHAPTER 47
EMME
The Celtic Wolves lost in a very dramatic game that came down to overtime and one lucky shot that went in from their opponents. I watched from between Slade and Hunter, and if my mates hadn’t been playing, I’d have been very distracted by Hunter’s warm, hard thigh pressed down my right side, and the burn of Slade’s energy on my left.
By the end, my wolf was whining in my essence, which had the alphas’ gazes snapping toward me. The darkening of their eyes told me I wasn’t the only one affected. Hunter barely restrained himself as he started to drag me onto his lap, until a pointed stare from Slade stilled his hand, leaving me to combust between them.
“The guys are going to be so disappointed,” I said, as the highlights real wrapped up the game. “They played so well though. The other team just got a lucky shot in.”
“They’ll be fine,” Slade said, and if I didn’t know him so well, I’d have assumed he didn’t really care. But I knew better. His pack was his priority, and he was the first to suggestmurderas an option for any players who roughed up Kellan or Finley. Even if he was also quick to move on from the losses and focus on the next win.
“You heading out to patrol?” Hunter asked, as the dragon got to his feet.
Slade’s nod was abrupt. “Yeah, I’ll do a fly around and check with the guards on Golden Claw’s entrance. Fletcher won’t lay low for much longer. I know his magical barrier only holds as long as he remains behind it, but then his plan to usurp the leadership of the cities goes nowhere. He has something big planned, and I won’t get taken by surprise again.”
“I can’t believe none of them have popped up yet,” I said, suppressing a shiver. I hated the waiting more than anything; I’d rather be facing them full-on. “Not Blaine or Sorenson or Chelsea… Where the hell are the rest of their pack?”
Hunter’s wolf rose up with a deep rumble. “Myformerbest friend won’t hide forever. Even though I find it hard to believe he would betray me after all these years, the blame still lies with him. It was his pack… his omega, and it cost you dearly. For that, he will pay.”
Slade leaned over and dropped a hand on Hunter’s shoulder, the pair doing their silent communication. It didn’t bother me, especially now that I knew how they’d suffered growing up and only had each other to lean on. “I will take care of it for you, brother. You shouldn’t have to live with the memory of destroying a friend.”
Our entitled alpha’s expression hardened. “He was your friend too.”
Slade shook his head. “I care about our pack. Everyone else is an acquaintance. If they live or die means nothing to me.”
“What about Kassidy? Or Kellan’s brothers?”
With a shrug, Slade straightened. “I don’t wish them harm, but if it comes down to choosing their safety or my pack’s, they’ll all die.” He brushed his hand across my cheek, in a move I was starting to associate with this shifter, and then walked out the door, taking his massive energy with him.
