Chapter 17

Isolde's POV

Sweat dripped down my spine as Nyssa and I circled each other on the training mat. We were into our fifth round, and my muscles burned from the previous four intense bouts of combat. Silver Moon warriors had gathered around us, their eyes tracking our every movement with professional interest.

"Ready for round five, Alliance girl?" Nyssa taunted, though her tone remained friendly. "Let's see if you can actually win one."

I wiped sweat from my brow. "Don't count me out yet."

She attacked with blinding speed, her movements fluid and precise. I blocked her first strike, dodged her second, but her third move caught me off-guard. In one smooth motion, she grabbed my arm, pivoted, and used my momentum against me.

My back slammed against the mat with enough force to knock the wind from my lungs. Before I could recover, Nyssa had me in a perfect joint lock, my arm twisted painfully.

I struggled against her hold, my enhanced werewolf strength useless against her flawless technique. My face burned with humiliation.

We're losing again, Lyra growled within me. In front of all these warriors!

I gritted my teeth, about to say the word, when a powerful voice cut through the training center.

"Enough! Release her."

The command carried unmistakable Alpha authority. Every warrior froze. Nyssa immediately released me and backed away, head lowered respectfully.

I clambered ungracefully to my feet, keeping my eyes down, not daring to look at Ezra Silverwood directly.

Our mate intervened, Lyra whispered excitedly. He couldn't bear to see us in pain.

Shut up, I hissed back mentally. He's just protecting his investment.

"That was excellent, Nyssa," one warrior murmured. "Three wins out of five rounds. That final lock was textbook perfect."

The other fighters whispered among themselves, some casting sympathetic glances my way.

"The Alliance girl lasted longer than expected though..."

"Any corporate exec would've been crying after the first takedown..."

I straightened my shoulders, refusing to show disappointment. I wouldn't give these elite fighters more reason to dismiss me as just another pretty face from the Moon Alliance Program.

Alex approached with an encouraging smile. "Don't get discouraged, Blackwood. Nyssa is one of our top combat instructors. The fact that you held your own this long says something."

He gave my shoulder a friendly pat.

A low, threatening growl suddenly filled the space. The atmosphere in the training center instantly crystallized with tension.

Alex jerked his hand away as if burned, his face paling as he realized his mistake. Touching another wolf—especially a female—in the presence of an Alpha was risky.

Ezra stood rigid, his custom athletic wear stretched over tensed muscles. His stormy gray eyes darkened, flecks of gold dancing dangerously in their depths.

"This is the battle arena, not a nightclub dance floor," he stated, his voice deadly quiet.

Every warrior went still, no one daring to meet his gaze.

"I apologize, Alpha," Alex mumbled, head bowed. "It won't happen again."

Talk about overreaction, I thought, but couldn't ignore how Lyra preened at his protective display.

He's warning other males away from his mate, she purred.

Security Director Orion stepped forward. "Despite today's defeat, she shows remarkable potential," he said to Ezra. "I've personally witnessed her besting several experienced fighters earlier this week... Perhaps you might offer some guidance on basic techniques yourself, help correct her defensive weaknesses."

I froze, mortified. I shot Orion an incredulous look, subtly shaking my head.

Great, I've already humiliated myself in front of the CEO, and now the Security Director wants him to personally train me?

Ezra's penetrating gaze moved from my training shoes up to my flushed face. Heat crawled up my neck, my heartbeat accelerating under his scrutiny.

Mate will teach us! Mate will touch us! Lyra howled within me.

"You think she needs my personal instruction on fundamentals?" His tone carried a hint of something I couldn't identify—skepticism, perhaps, or carefully veiled sarcasm.

Orion nodded firmly. "Yes, Alpha. I believe your guidance would quickly bring her up to Silver Moon standards."

"Based on today's performance, she clearly needs to strengthen her defensive basics," Ezra finally replied with CEO-like precision. "However, now is not the appropriate time. She's just experienced defeat and needs time to recover and analyze her mistakes. I won't train her when she's at her worst."

Relief flooded through me, even as my pride smarted at his assessment.

Orion inclined his head. "Your consideration is wise, Alpha. Perhaps next training session would be more suitable."

"Today's session is concluded," Ezra announced. "Tomorrow, same time. Everyone will be punctual. No exceptions."

The warriors nodded and began gathering their equipment. My entire body ached in protest at the day's punishment.

Orion approached as I collected my things. "You performed well today, Isolde. Better than most Alliance Program participants would have."

I managed a professional smile. "Thank you. Though clearly, I have significant room for improvement."

"Are you upset that I suggested Alpha Ezra train with you?" he asked directly.

I met his amber eyes. "You essentially arranged for me to be humiliated in front of the most powerful person in Silver Moon Group."

His lips quirked upward. "You needn't worry. Ezra would never harm a potential Luna candidate. Even in combat training."

"I know he wouldn't deliberately hurt me," I replied. "But he's the CEO and the most powerful Alpha werewolf in the city. Even if he held back, it would be a complete mismatch."

"You underestimate your abilities. You have more potential than you realize."

"I underestimate myself?" My voice rose unintentionally. "Seriously? After getting slammed to the mat by Nyssa three times?"

My outburst drew glances from around the training center, including from Ezra.

"It seems our warrior lady doesn't appreciate a challenge," Orion teased. "That's unexpected."

I grabbed my designer sports bag, ending the pointless conversation.

"Let me drive you back to the Alliance residence," he offered. "My car is right outside."

"That's not necessary—" I began.

"That wasn't a request, Isolde," Orion interrupted, his tone firm despite his friendly expression.

He started toward the exit, and I reluctantly followed.

"Orion." Ezra's thunderous voice cut through the training center.

The Security Director immediately turned, head slightly bowed. "Yes, Alpha?"

"My office. Now." Ezra's commanding voice brooked no argument. "There's an urgent security matter that requires immediate attention. I'm sure Ms. Blackwood can find her own way back to the Alliance residence."

Orion's expression flickered before settling into professional acceptance. "Of course, Alpha. Company security takes precedence."

He turned to me. "I'll see you at training tomorrow, Isolde. Don't forget to practice that defensive counter I showed you."

"Understood."

I left the training facility as quickly as dignity would allow. My mind raced as I walked.

What a disaster. I showcased my worst fighting skills in front of the CEO. And every time I'm near Ezra, my body's reactions become more difficult to control.

He protected us, Lyra whispered. He stopped Nyssa from continuing the lock. Because we're his mate.

Shut up! I mentally shouted back. He was just preventing damage to his 'Moon Alliance Program' property. This has nothing to do with being mates!

As I headed toward the Alliance residence, my muscles aching and my professional pride bruised, I wondered how I could possibly establish myself at Silver Moon Group when my wolf kept insisting Ezra was my destined mate while I continued to fail spectacularly in his presence.