Chapter 218
Lynette's POV
I stood in the shade of the old tree. Kael's face was tight with worry.
He thought this was his fault.
Kael's confession echoed in my mind. Dad's firing wasn't an accident... It was a calculated strike.
I looked at Kael. "You're right. If your father didn't pressure Harrison pack, they wouldn't have turned on my dad like this."
Kael's shoulders sagged slightly. Relief mixed with guilt.
"I'm sorry," he started. "If I hadn't—"
"Don't." I cut him off. "The one at fault is your father. Not you. He's the one who uses people. Controls them through fear."
I paused. Let that sink in.
"And honestly?" I continued. "I agreed to train Drake and your guards because I believe in what you're trying to do. Your father's way of leading? It's toxic. Someone needs to stop him."
Kael met my eyes. "Thank you."
I nodded once.
He took a breath. "If I'm really going to challenge him... Drake and the others need to be ready. Not just good. Ready for anything."
"I know." I felt the weight of that promise settle on my shoulders. "They'll be facing elite warriors. Your father's best. Maybe worse."
I took a deep breath.
"I'll do everything I can to prepare them."
"I know you will," Kael said quietly.
We stood there for a moment. Morning sun filtered through the branches overhead. Birds sang somewhere in the distance.
Then Kael checked his watch. "We should head to Pinehollow. Training session this afternoon."
I hesitated. Thought about Dad sitting at the kitchen table. Mom's trembling hands. Ethan's barely controlled anger.
"I need to tell them I'm leaving," I said.
Kael nodded. "Of course. I'll wait here."
I headed back into the house. Found Mom in the kitchen washing dishes. Dad was still at the table. Staring at nothing.
"Mom, I need to go out for a few hours. Work thing."
She looked up. Worry creased her forehead. "Are you sure? You just got back and—"
"I'll be home for dinner," I said. Kept my voice gentle. "I promise."
She studied my face for a moment. Then nodded slowly. "Alright. Be careful."
I squeezed her shoulder. Went to Dad. Put my hand on his.
"We'll figure this out," I said quietly.
He looked up at me. Managed a weak smile. "I know, sweetheart."
I left before the guilt could make me change my mind.
Kael was still waiting by the tree when I came back out.
"Ready?" he asked.
"Yeah. Let's go."
---
The drive took about forty minutes. Kael's car was sleek. Expensive. Black leather seats. The kind of vehicle that screamed power and wealth.
I watched the landscape change through the window. We left the modest neighborhood behind. Entered forest roads. Tall pines lined both sides.
Then we crossed into Pinehollow territory.
I felt it immediately. The air changed. Heavier. This land belonged to a strong pack. Sentries watched from the trees. I spotted two as we passed. They recognized Kael's car. Let us through.
The Pinehollow estate sprawled across acres of land. Main house in the center. Training grounds to the east. Guard barracks on the west side.
Kael glanced at me. "Drake and all the other guards will be there today. Everyone."
I nodded. "Good."
More guards meant more skepticism. More doubt to overcome.
But I was ready.
We pulled into the parking area near the training field. I could already see figures gathered. At least a dozen guards. Maybe more. All of them tall. Muscular. Battle-ready.
I climbed out of the car. Afternoon sun warmed my face. I rolled my shoulders. Stretched my neck.
My body felt strong. Powerful. This was my real body now. Alpha blood. Alpha strength.
I was built for this.
Kael walked beside me toward the field. His posture was confident. Commanding.
The guards noticed us approaching. Conversations died down. They turned. Formed a loose line.
I scanned their faces. Recognized a few from previous sessions. Most were new. All of them watching me with curiosity. Doubt. Suspicion.
Kael stopped in front of them. His voice carried across the field. Clear. Authoritative.
"From today forward, Lynette Grey will be your training officer."
Silence.
Then whispers started. Low voices. Skeptical murmurs.
I caught fragments.
"A woman?"
"She's so young..."
"Is he serious?"
A large guard near the front—shaved head, scar across his jaw—spoke up. "With respect, Alpha Kael, we've trained under Master Garrett for years. What makes her qualified?"
More murmurs. Nods of agreement.
Kael's expression didn't change. He just looked at me.
Then back at the guards.
"I know you have doubts," he said. "That's fair. So let's settle this the traditional way."
He turned fully to me now. "Show them what you can do. Let them see for themselves."
I raised an eyebrow. "You sure about this?"
"Only way they'll really believe it," Kael said. "Beat it into them if you have to."
A slight smile tugged at my lips. "Alright then."
I walked forward. Past Kael. Into the center of the training field.
Turned to face the line of guards.
Let my gaze sweep across all of them. Slowly. Meeting eyes. Letting them see I wasn't intimidated.
Most of them were bigger than me. Stronger looking. Years of training written in their stances.
But size wasn't everything.
And I'd fought worse.
"Alright," I said. My voice was calm. Clear. "Here's how this works."
I spread my arms slightly. Gestured to the open space around me.
"Anyone who wants to test me? Step up. Right now."
Silence.
The guards exchanged glances. Uncertainty flickered across faces.
I waited.
Didn't move.
Just stood there. Relaxed. Ready.
"So?" I said. "Who wants to try?"