Callum catches my gaze briefly before barking instructions at Mateo, who’s struggling with a defensive stance. The commanding tone in his voice sends an unexpected shiver down my spine.
“Lyanna?” Harper appears at my side with a knowing smile. “The trainees are asking about coordination during emergency situations. Should we demonstrate the rapid response protocol we developed?”
“Excellent idea.” I nod, grateful for the legitimate reason to move closer to the security area. “Everyone, gather your supplies. We’ll practice emergency response at the boundary between training zones.”
As we approach, Callum’s head lifts slightly, his nostrils flaring—scenting me before he even turns. The awareness between us feels almost tangible, like a thread pulling taut.
“Gamma,” I say, my voice carefully professional. “We’d like to demonstrate emergency response protocols. Would your team be available to participate?”
His amber eyes hold mine for a moment longer than necessary. “Perfect timing. We were just discussing battlefield extraction techniques.”
The trainees from both groups merge with surprising ease, security wolves partnering with healers to practice coordinated movements. I find myself repeatedly near Callum as we guide our students, our hands occasionally brushing as we demonstrate proper positioning.
“Your team’s learning quickly,” he says quietly, close enough that his breath warms my ear.
“So is yours,” I respond, keeping my voice steady despite the heat crawling up my neck. “I appreciate how you’ve adjusted your training schedule to accommodate our healing sessions.”
“It’s practical,” he says, but his eyes convey something more. “The pack functions better when we work together.”
Ben approaches with Mateo, who’s sporting a fresh bruise from training. “Practice patient,” Ben says simply, nodding at Mateo’s ribs. “Took a hit.”
I gesture for Connor to step forward. “Mateo’s bruise is fresh, which actually makes it easier to work with. Let’s see if you can apply what you’ve learned.”
As I guide Connor’s hands to the proper position on Mateo’s bruised ribs, I’m aware of Callum nearby, splitting his attention between his own students and our demonstration.
Coordinating sessions. A legitimate reason to be near him every day.
I focus on Connor’s technique and pretend that thought doesn’t make my pulse quicken.
As I gather the training materials at the session’s end, I feel a new ease in the way Callum and I move around each other. What started as careful coordination has become something more natural.
“That was excellent progress today,” I say to the gathered trainees. “Your integration of healing and defensive techniques is developing remarkably well.”
Callum nods, surveying our combined groups with obvious satisfaction. “The coordination between healing and security protocols gives us a significant advantage. Continue practicing these combinations before our next session.”
As the trainees disperse, I notice Dawn helping Mateo stretch his newly healed shoulder. “How does it feel now?” she asks.
“Much better,” he admits, rotating his arm. “I never thought I’d say this, but the healing actually makes sense when you explain it like that, Lyanna.”
Connor approaches with his mate Mariel. “The integrated approach is brilliant,” he says, his Irish accent thick with enthusiasm. “In my years as a lone wolf, I never saw healers and security working together like this. It’s what makes this pack different.”
Mariel nods. “You two make it look easy.”
Kieran passes by with equipment, a knowing glint in his eye. “Almost like you were designed to work together.”
I feel heat rise to my cheeks. Callum clears his throat but doesn’t move away from my side.
“Is that what they’re calling it now?” Dawn whispers to Mateo.
Callum gives Dawn a level look, but there’s a hint of amusement in it I’ve never seen him offer anyone else. “Practical integration of diverse skills creates better outcomes for everyone. Your own progress today demonstrates that.”
I catch myself staring. The hard set of his jaw has loosened. I’ve never seen him offer that to anyone else.
“We should discuss next week’s advanced protocols,” Callum says to me as the others leave. “The trainees are progressing faster than expected.”
“I noticed that too,” I reply, gathering my healing supplies. “They’re ready for more complex integration techniques.”
Our hands brush as we both reach for the same training manual, and neither of us pulls away immediately. The moment lingers, comfortable rather than tense.
