Chapter 59
Kai POV
A few days later the sun was barely over the horizon when I arrived at the Pack’s training ground.
The easiest way to win the heart of someone you love is to spend more time with them and to make them trust you. At least, that was what my grandmother had said yesterday when I had casually asked her the question.
I couldn’t demand that Lily leave her school work or training just because I wanted to spend time with her but, according to my grandmother, sometimes spending time with people you love could also mean showing up to things they love too.
So, that was why I was here today. I would stay in the background and hope my presence would cheer her up.
The air was still crisp and the grass wet from the early morning dew and more importantly, Lily. Hud perked up immediately as he caught her scent amongst the trainees.
I spotted her near the edge of the training area, doing warm-up exercises with a small group. She hadn’t noticed me yet and I took the moment to simply watch her. Even in her simple workout clothes – black leggings and a loose tank top – she captivated me.
“Alpha,” the training instructor, Jake came up to me, greeting me with a respectful nod. “What brings you here at this hour p>
Jake’s greeting drew everyone’s attention to me, including Lily. I rolled my eyes, trying not to lash out at him. My gaze caught Lily’s and her eyes widened slightly, her cheeks colouring with a faint blush.
The other trainees straightened immediately adjusting their postures and becoming more rigid in my presence.
I threw Jake, who had a satisfied smirk on his lips I threw him a glare before turning to face the trainees. “At ease, everyone,” I said, my gaze never leaving Lily. “I’m just here to observe. Please, continue as normal p>
Jake nodded and turned back to the group. “Alright, pair up for sparring practice. Remember, focus on defence today. Not everyone has their wolf’s strength to rely on, so you need to know how to protect yourself regardless.
I noticed how Lily’s shoulders tensed slightly at those words. I knew Jake hadn’t meant anything by it, but the reminder of her difficulty with shifting struck a nerve.
Without hesitation, I stepped forward again. “Mind if I join?” I asked Jake, who looked both surprised and suspicious but he didn’t know how to refuse me with everyone present.
“Of course not, Alpha. We’d be honoured p>
“I’ll pair with Lily,” I said, trying to keep my voice casual despite Hud’s excitement. “If that’s alright p>
Lily looked like she wanted to protest, but nodded instead. I could feel the other trainees trying to hide their curious glances as they paired off, leaving me and Lily standing face-to-face on the training mat.
“You don’t have to do this,” Lily said quietly, her voice was low enough that only me would hear.
I smiled softly. “I want to. Besides, what kind of mate would I be if I didn’t help with your training p>
Her eyes widened with horror as she said through gritted teeth. “You can’t just say that anytime you want. What if someone hears you p>
“Then I’ll confess and tell them the truth,” I replied.
Her blush deepened and I loved it. I moved into a position across from her admiring the defensive stance she took. Despite just getting her wolf, her technique was good – evidence that she had been working hard indeed.
“Ready?” I asked.
She nodded, her brows drawing into a serious expression. I started slow, throwing basic combinations that she blocked effectively. I gradually increased the speed and difficulty of my attacks, pleased to see her adapting and responding well.
“Good,” I encouraged when she successfully deflected a particularly tricky blow. “You’re reading movements well. Trust your instincts more p>
“Easy for you to say,” she muttered, ducking under my swing. “Your instincts work properly p>
I caught her wrist gently as she attempted a counter-strike. “Your instincts work fine,” I said firmly. “I’ve seen it. You just need to stop doubting yourself p>
Our eyes met and for a moment the rest of the training ground seemed to fade away. I could feel our mate bond pulsing between us. It was growing stronger each day and Hud was getting restless. We needed to mark our mate soon and claim her.
Just as the thought entered my mind, Hud urged me to pull her closer and eliminate the space between us. But I resisted, this was about building trust, not rushing things.
The moment broke when Lily twisted unexpectedly, using my grip on her wrist against me. Before I knew what was happening, I found myself stumbling forward, caught off guard by her clever manoeuvre.
A collective gasp went up from the other trainees, who had stopped their sparring to watch.
Instead of being annoyed, I laughed, as pride flooded into my chest. “See,” I said regaining my balance. “Perfect instincts p>
A small smile tugged at her lips and my heart soared at the sight. These moments when she let her guard down, I treasured each one.
We continued sparring, moving together in an increasingly fluid dance. I found myself thoroughly impressed by her skill. What she lacked in wolf-enhanced strength and speed, she made up for with technique and clever strategy.
As the session drew to an end, both of us were breathing heavily, a light sheen of sweat making our skin glow in the morning sun. The other trainees had long since stopped pretending not to watch us.
“Well done everyone,” Jake called out suddenly. “That’s enough for today. Remember to stretch and hydrate p>
As the others began to leave, I handed her a water bottle. “You’re really good,” I said sincerely. “Your form is excellent p>
She took a long drink before responding. “Thanks,” she said softly. “Though, I’m sure you were going easy on me p>
“Maybe,” I admitted with a grin. “But that move you pulled earlier? That was all you. You caught me completely off guard p>
Joy flicked across her features before a frown drained it out. “It won’t help much against those rogue wolves though, will it? I am not used to fighting with my wolf yet p>
I stepped closer, unable to resist the urge to comfort her. “Hey,” I said gently, tilting her chin up, so she had to meet my eyes. “Being able to fight in your wolf form isn’t everything. You’re strong in your way, Lily. I see it, even if you don’t yet p>
Our faces were close now, so close I could feel her breath against my lips. Hud urged me to close the distance, to claim her lips with his own. But I had promised only days ago to go slow, to let her set the pace.
To my surprise and delight, it was she who moved first. She rose on her tiptoes and pressed a quick, soft kiss on my lips, before stepping back.
“Thank you,” she whispered, gathering her things a blushing rising from her neck. “For coming today. For… understanding p>
My lips tingled with her kiss. “I’ll be here tomorrow too,” I said. “If you want p>
She paused, looking back at me with a small but genuine smile. “I can’t demand that from you, Kai she said softly. “I know you’re busy, it’ll be so unfair p>
I thought about the pile of paperwork on my desk.
“I’m never too busy for you, Lily. I’ll come if you want me to p>
She flashed me another beautiful smile. “I’d like that p>
I watched her walk away, still caressing my lips where hers had been only seconds ago. Hud was practically purring with satisfaction. It wasn’t a passionate declaration of love or dramatic reconciliation, but it was progress.
And for now, that was more than enough.