My fingers tighten around the phone 48

Aria’s POV
I lean against a massive oak tree at the edge of the training grounds, trying to clear my head. The memory of Emma’s
possessive display in the training hall still burns – the way she clung to Ethan’s arm, her triumphant smirk, his intense
gaze that seemed to follow me everywhere. The tension had become unbearable, driving me to seek refuge in the
forest’s quiet embrace.
The late afternoon sun filters through the canopy above, its warmth slowly melting away some of my anxiety. I close my
eyes, drawing in deep breaths of pine-scented air. The upcoming wilderness survival training session tugs at my thoughts,
reminding me of my responsibilities. These young wolves are counting on me to prepare them for the increasing wild wolf threats. I can’t let my personal drama affect their training.
“Watch carefully,” I call out, moving through the sequence with deliberate slowness. “When tracking in dense forest, your
footwork needs to be absolutely silent. Wild wolves have exceptional hearing—one misplaced step could alert them to
your presence.”
The students mirror my movements, their faces etched with concentration. I walk among them, making small corrections
to their forms. Six years of professional fighting have taught me exactly how to spot the tiniest flaws in stance or balance.
That’s when I feel it—that familiar prickle of awareness across my skin. I don’t need wolf senses to know Ethan’s here
again.
“Remember,” I continue, forcing myself to focus on the lesson, “wild wolves often hunt in packs. They’ll try to separate
you from your group. That’s why maintaining formation is crucial.” I demonstrate a defensive maneuver, my muscles
moving with practiced precision despite the weight of his gaze.
The training continues, but I’m hyperaware of his presence at the edge of the clearing. His alpha energy rolls across the
training ground in waves, making some of the younger wolves nervous. I catch several of them sneaking glances in his
direction, their concentration broken by the Shadow Fang heir’s unexpected appearance.
After two more hours of drills, I finally call an end to the session. “Good work today,” I tell them, wiping sweat from my
forehead. “Review the tracking patterns we covered. Tomorrow we’ll practice in smaller groups.”
The students begin to disperse, but I notice they’re taking longer than usual to pack up. Their eyes keep darting between me and Ethan, clearly hoping to witness some drama between their instructor and the Shadow Fang heir. Gossip spreads
fast in wolf communities.
I’m gathering my training equipment when his voice cuts through the evening air. “A word, Instructor Reynolds?”
The remaining students practically sprint away, not wanting to be caught in the crossfire of whatever’s about to happen. I
take my time securing the last of the practice weapons, using the familiar task to steady my nerves. When I finally turn to
face him, his expression is unreadable.
“I need to get Lucas,” I say before he can speak. “Whatever this is, it can wait.”
“My mother wants to meet you.” His voice is low, meant only for my ears. “As the future Luna of Shadow Fang, it’s
appropriate that you—”
“Stop.” I cut him off, struggling to keep my voice steady as his pine-and-mountain-air scent washes over me. “I’ve told
you before, I’m not interested in pack politics. I’m here to train warriors, nothing more.”
His forest-green eyes darken dangerously as he steps closer, making my pulse spike. “Really? Is that why Leo’s been
bringing you those rare moonflowers? Just for ‘training purposes’?”
The jealousy in his voice is unmistakable, sending an unexpected thrill down my spine. “Leo is a friend,” I manage, acutely
aware of how his alpha presence seems to fill the space between us.
“Friend?” Ethan’s laugh is harsh as he closes the distance between us, his body radiating heat that makes my skin tingle.
“He is the heir of Alpha too. If you want to stay away from pack politics, then stay away from his as well.”
My back hits the wall – when did I start retreating? “What I do or don’t do with Leo is none of your business.” My voice
comes out breathier than intended, betraying how his proximity affects me.
“Everything about you is my business, Aria.” His voice drops to a dangerous whisper as he braces one hand against the
wall beside my head. The gesture traps me between his body and the cold stone, his alpha energy making it hard to think
clearly. “You can’t keep running forever.”
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I turn my face away, but the movement only exposes my neck – a submissive gesture that makes his pupils dilate. “Watch me.”
Before I can respond, a cheerful voice cuts through the tension. “Instructor Reynolds! I was wondering if you’d like help
preparing tomorrow’s lesson plans?”
It’s Sarah, one of the newer instructors. Her timing is suspicious, but right now I’m grateful for the interruption. “That would be great, thanks.” I give Ethan a cold look. “We’re done here.”
As I walk away with Sarah, I feel his eyes burning into my back. The weight of his gaze follows me until we’re out of sight,
and even then, I can’t quite shake the lingering sensation of his alpha energy.
The sun is setting by the time Leo’s car pulls up to the training facility. Lucas bounds out of the passenger seat, his face
lighting up when he sees me. “Mom! Uncle Leo took me for ice cream after school!”
I ruffle his hair, trying to ignore the way Ethan’s energy spikes at Leo’s arrival. “Did he now? I hope you didn’t spoil your
dinner.”
Leo emerges from the driver’s side, his usual easy smile in place. “Just a small cone. I wouldn’t dream of ruining his
appetite.”
As we climb into Leo’s car, I ca