Chapter 23
Chapter 23
Daisy
Yato moves before I have a chance to react. I can tell he isn’t using his wind powers, just the speed of a normal werewolf, yet I don’t get pushed away by his hand. I grab it by instinct, shocked at my own agility. Even Yato seems surprised and blinks down at my face in wonder.
“How did you do that?” he asks. “Even if you’ve awakened, that’s some serious strength in your grip.”
“I don’t know.”
“Your reaction time is also admirable.”
A smile spreads over my lips at the compliment. “Thank you, but I can’t take all the credit. I’ve been bullied by my sisters for as long as I can remember. My pack members have also fought me, and I was forced to try and defend myself with a human’s strength…it didn’t go that well.”
“I’m not surprised since werewolves are much stronger than humans, but those fights obviously helped you develop your reflexes,” Yato nods approvingly. “Now that you’ve awakened and got the strength of a werewolf, you’re already ahead in the game.”
I blush at his words. Even though I’m not usually shy, I’m not used to receiving compliments.
“I will train you in combat today”
“Great, I’m already excited. The sooner I can beat up my sisters, the better.”
His eyes flicker with amusement at my response. “Indeed. But first, get dressed,” he says, glancing pointedly at the blanket I’ve wrapped around me like a dress. “Unless you would rather be naked for the occasion? I sure wouldn’t mind…”
I roll my eyes. “Do you ever stop flirting?”
“It’s part of who I am,” he grins. “Now, should I stay here while you change? Since we know each other, it shouldn’t be a problem if I-”
I pick up a pillow and throw it at his smug face. “Get out!”
He holds up his hands in surrender. “Okay, okay! I’m going. Just chill out.”
As he turns to leave, he pauses, a mischievous grin on his face. “By the way, Feisty,” he says, flicking a glance over his shoulder. “I like your pink eyes. They suit you.”
“Get out!” I toss another pillow at him, but he’s already slipped out the door, his laughter echoing through the hallway. Left alone in my room, I shake my head, fighting back a smile I won’t admit had anything to do with Yato’s teasing. I glance once more at my reflection in the mirror. My pink eyes stare back at me they are truly mesmerizing.
‘Don’t stare at them too long, Sera teases. ‘We have training to do’
I smile at her words and put together a bag of spare clothes before slipping into my usual training outfit. Once I’m done, I head out through the door, only to crash into a broad, muscular chest.
I stagger back, my heart fluttering wildly in my chest as Alpha Xavier’s scent registers in my nose. Only the moon goddess knows how I already know him by scent, but I do. All of my senses are on high alert and I lift my chin, meeting his swirling pools of emerald.
“You might want to start paying attention to your surroundings, Daisy,” his voice lacks humor as usual, but I think I see a
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Chapter 23
gleam of amusement in his eye. Or maybe it’s just my wishful thinking.
“I’m sorry, Alpha,” I reply quickly, feigning innocent before I jaw him where it hurts. “But maybe the hallway isn’t the best place to stand still and eavesdrop?”
His eyes narrow. “I wasn’t eavesdropping.”
“Then why were you standing behind my door?”
His gaze flickers away from mine and then back. He seems at a loss for words, his emerald eyes darkening a hint. A smirk forms on my lips. Alpha Xavier might not be willing to admit it himself, but he is crumbling like a cookie.
“He is definitely curious about you, Sera sounds as amused as I feel. Maybe even worried.
“I was not behind your door,” he finally says, his tone clipped. “I was passing by when you burst out.”
“Sure.” I reply, grinning at the indignant look on his face. “That explains why I crashed into you as soon as I opened the freaking door, Alpha.”
His gaze hardens at my words, and for a moment, I think he will make excuses. But then he exhales, his chest rising and falling heavily.
“Fine,” he mutters under his breath. He moves to the side, clearing the path for me to pass. “You’re right. I was eavesdropping.”
I stare at Alpha Xavier in shock. This was not what I was expecting him admitting his fault.
“…What?” I stammer, blinking up at him.
Alpha Xavier crosses his arms over his broad chest and glowers down at me, looking very much like a child who has been caught stealing cookies from the cookie jar.
“I was eavesdropping,” he admits as if each word is a physical blow.
“But why?” I ask, my confusion growing by the second.
He looks down at me with clouds in his eyes, and I wonder if it ever gets exhausting to be so angry all the time. I don’t think I’ve ever seen Alpha Xavier smile from the bottom of his heart. And if he did, his intentions weren’t pure, and his smile came from something evil.
“I don’t like that you’re spending time with my brother.”
Amusement swells in my chest. My oh my how the tables have turned.
“Why?” I ask, unable to stop smirking. “Is the Alpha jealous of his own brother?”
He doesn’t respond. Alpha Xavier stands still as I close the distance between us. His guarded. But he isn’t retreating.
reen eves linger on me, cautious and
I take the chance to lift my hand to one button he has missed closing on his shirt. My fingers brush against the fabric of his shirt as I do so, and even though I’m not touching his skin, I can feel the mate bond sizzling inside me.
But I fight against the urge to rip off Alpha Xavier’s clothes and instead look him dead in the eye. “I find it ironic that you rejected me, and now, when I’m single and free, you’re jealous of your brother.”
hritation ticks against his jaw. “I’m not jealous. Yato is dangerous, and you should stay away from him.”
“And who do you suggest should be my training partner then?” challenge, crossing my arms over my chest.
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“You don’t need training,” he says gruffly, his gaze avoiding mine
My brows shoot up at his words. “Really? And what happens when another pack invades us, huh? What if the vampires decide to strike? Will all of you bravely throw yourselves at them in order to protect me, the measly Omega?”
Now it’s his turn to look taken aback. “That’s not what I—”
Ignoring his stuttering protests, I turn on my heel and make to walk past him. But just as I’m about to squeeze by, his hand shoots out and grabs my wrist.
“Wait,” he murmurs quietly, his grip firm yet gentle.
I whirl back around, my eyes wide with surprise. “Yes?” I ask, tilting my head to the side and blinking up at him.
He releases a sigh and shakes his head. “I didn’t mean it like that I just… You’re stronger than you think.”
I grin. “I know, but I still need training.”
“Fine,” he concedes, his grip loosening on my wrist. “You can train. But not with Yato.”
Before I can even react, he’s already turned and begun to stride away, his tall figure becoming smaller as the distance. between us grows. His words still hang heavily in the air, a silent command that I’m already far too familiar with.
‘He is so hot and bossy, Sera comments.
“Alpha Xavier!” I call out after him, ignoring the amusement that dances in Sera’s voice. “Who then?”
He pauses midstride and glances back over his shoulder, an unreadable expression in his eyes. “With me.”
Surprise floods me like a wave. Did he just say… Before I can even complete my thought, he’s already disappeared around the corner.
I
I shake my head, trying to clear it from the confusion he left in his wake. Training with the Alpha was not something I had considered before, but it certainly would be interesting. Now, I just need to give Yato the news.
Sera’s voice interrupts my thoughts. ‘Or you could choose not to she suggests. “Wouldn’t it be more beneficial to train with two Alphas instead of just one?”
you need to stop giving me bad advice.
She snickers. ‘More like genius advice. Besides, don’t you want to get under Alpha Xavier’s skin? He is jealous of you spending time with Yato so I say we spend even more time with him. Tease Xavier a little.”
I sigh, rolling my eyes even though I know Sera can’t see it. “You’re supposed to be my conscience, not my personal matchmaker.
And you’re supposed to be fun, but here you are, being boring and following the rules, she retorts, her voice filled with laughter.
‘Fine, I end up saying, shaking my head at how petty our conversation is turning. will entertain your idea, but only because it’s going to grind Alpha Xavier’s gears.”
“That’s the spirit!” Sera says.
The decision made, I head off in search of Yato, a wicked grin slowly forming on my face.
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