Victoria
The next morning, I stood in the center of the training yard, surrounded by nearly two dozen female pack mbers. Their expressions ranged from excited to terrified, but all shared a determination that made my chest swell with pride.
"I’m not going to lie to you," I began, pacing before them. "What I’m about to teach you isn’t easy. It will hurt. You’ll get bruised, exhausted, and frustrated. But when the Blood Moon rises and Alpha Marcus’s forces co, you won’t be helpless victims."
I demonstrated basic defensive moves first, showing them how to break holds and create distance from attackers. My own training with Leo had been brutal but effective, and I drew on those lessons now.
"Your strength isn’t in matching a male wolf’s power," I explained, circling a younger female who was struggling. "It’s in your speed, agility, and unpredictability. Use their strength against them."
I nodded to Tiny, who stepped forward to help demonstrate. Despite his massive size, he moved with surprising grace as we perford the rehearsed sequence.
"Now, pair up and practice," I instructed. "Rember—this isn’t about hurting each other. It’s about learning to protect yourselves."
As the females began working together, I moved through the groups, correcting stances and offering encouragent. To my surprise, many showed natural aptitude once they overca their initial hesitation.
"You’re a natural teacher," Garrett comnted, appearing at my side. He’d volunteered to assist with the training, along with several other warriors.
"They’re quick learners," I deflected, watching with satisfaction as Rosa successfully executed a defensive maneuver against another female.
"You’re giving them sothing no one has before," Garrett continued, his voice dropping lower. "Power over their own safety. It’s... remarkable to witness."
I glanced at him, noting the admiration in his eyes. "Every wolf deserves that basic right."
"Not every Alpha would agree," he said. "Especially not traditional ones like—"
"Like Leo?" I finished, sensing where he was heading.
Garrett shrugged, but his aning was clear. "Shadow Pack keeps to older ways in many respects."
But all of this was personally taught to by Leo.
Before I could respond, I noticed one pair struggling with a particular move. "Excuse ," I said, grateful for the interruption as I moved to help them.
Throughout the afternoon, I continued teaching, introducing modern self-defense techniques alongside traditional wolf combat thods. "Your claws and fangs aren’t your only weapons," I demonstrated, showing them how everyday objects could beco defensive tools. "A pen, car keys, even a cell phone—anything can help you survive long enough to escape or for help to arrive."
By sunset, exhaustion lined every face, but so did satisfaction. These won stood taller, moved with more confidence than they had that morning.
"Tomorrow, we build on today’s foundation," I announced. "Rest well tonight. You’ve earned it."
As the training yard emptied, Garrett approached again, water bottle in hand. "You were incredible today," he said, offering the drink.
"Thank you," I replied, accepting the water gratefully. "But it’s their determination that deserves praise."
"Would you like to continue this discussion over dinner?" he asked suddenly. "There’s a new restaurant just outside the territory. Great steaks, private booths..."
The invitation caught off guard. "I... don’t think that’s a good idea, Garrett."
"Just as colleagues," he clarified quickly. "To discuss training strategies for the females. Nothing more."
I shook my head. "With Marcus watching our every move, I can’t risk leaving the territory right now."
"I would protect you," he insisted, stepping closer. "My wolf is stronger than you might think."
The intensity in his eyes made uncomfortable. This wasn’t just about training strategies anymore.
"I appreciate the offer, but I need to stay within pack boundaries," I said firmly.
"Are you certain that’s the only reason?" Garrett pressed. "Or is it because your mate keeps you on such a short leash?"
His words stung with their implication. Before I could respond, a familiar scent washed over .
"My mate doesn’t need a leash," Leo’s deep voice cut through the tension. "She knows exactly where she belongs."
He materialized behind , one arm sliding possessively around my waist as he regarded Garrett with dangerous calm. The younger wolf stiffened but didn’t back down.
"Alpha Moretti," Garrett acknowledged stiffly. "We were just discussing training strategies."
"Over dinner, outside pack territory?" Leo’s tone was deceptively light, but I felt the tension radiating through his body. "Interesting strategy."
"Leo—" I began, not wanting this to escalate.
"My mate doesn’t require your protection," Leo continued as if I hadn’t spoken. "That’s my responsibility. My privilege. My right."
Garrett’s jaw tightened. "With respect, Alpha, Victoria is leading these training sessions. Her safety during them—"
"Is not your concern," Leo finished coldly. "Rember your place, warrior."
Leo’s arm was still locked around my waist when we stepped back into the training hall. His presence filled the space like thunderclouds rolling in, daring anyone to forget who I belonged to. Warriors who had been murmuring over maps fell silent, eyes darting between us. I could feel the weight of his claim in every step he took—protective, yes, but also suffocating. Yesterday I had won these warriors’ respect as their Alpha. Now I wondered if they only saw as Shadow Pack’s Luna under Leo’s shadow.
Garrett stood near the table, posture tense, jaw set. His eyes flicked to , then to the arm possessively circling my waist. Sothing in his expression tightened.
"Let’s continue," I said quickly, trying to ease the tension. "Jackson, update us on the new schedules—"
Garrett cut in before Jackson could speak. His voice rang louder than it needed to. "With respect, Luna Victoria, this is your pack. Decisions about training should be made by you, not influenced by outsiders."
The word ’outsiders’ cracked like a whip. A ripple ran through the room. Leo’s head snapped toward him, golden fire igniting in his gaze.
"Outsiders?" His voice was dangerously calm. "I am her mate. Her Alpha. There is nothing about her safety, or this pack’s, that does not concern ."
The air thickened with his wolf’s dominance. So warriors lowered their eyes imdiately, but Garrett stood straighter, refusing to bend.
"I submit to Alpha Victoria," he said, each word deliberate. "Not to you."
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