**Tiana’s POV**
I woke up to the soft light of dawn filtering through my window, feeling a mix of excitement and nervousness twist in my stomach. Today was my first day of training, and I had no idea what to expect.
Sitting up in bed, I noticed a neatly folded set of clothes on the chair beside my bed. They were probably delivered to my room early this morning.
The training clothes were simple; a fitted black corset top, loose trousers and a pair of sturdy, comfortable boots. A soft knock on my door pulled me from my thoughts.
“Come in,” I called out.
Two maids entered the room, smiling warmly. One of them, a petite woman with dark hair pulled back into a bun, introduced herself as Eliza. “Good morning, Lady Tiana. We’re here to help you get ready for your training as per Alpha Theo's instructions."
“Thank you,” I replied, feeling a bit self-conscious about the special treatment. Why had Alpha Theo requested that they help me out?
The maids helped me dress, making sure the clothes fit perfectly and that I was comfortable. As they worked, I couldn’t help but think about how different my life had become in such a short time. A few weeks ago, I was literally an outcast in my pack and to my family. Everyone hated me and wanted me dead. Even my own mate had rejected me.
Now, I was receiving personal attention from the Alpha of this pack himself and being prepared for training.
In my pack, because I was yet to wolf out, I was not allowed to partake in any form of training.
I had to be subjected to washing dishes, laundry, cleaning and every other chore.
Once I was dressed, Eliza handed me a hair tie. “Would you like us to help with your hair?”
“I can manage, thanks,” I said, tying my hair into a ponytail.
After ensuring everything was in place, I took a deep breath and headed downstairs. To my surprise, Theo was waiting for me in the foyer, along with his sister, Layla. Theo’s face lit up with a smile as he saw me, and he extended his arm.
“Good morning, Tiana. Ready for your first day?” he asked, his voice warm and encouraging.
I nodded, still a bit overwhelmed by the special attention. “Good morning, Alpha Theo. Yes, I’m ready.”
“Just Theo, remember?
Layla giggled and looped her arm through Theo’s. “Don’t be so formal, Tiana."
As Theo put his other arm out to escort me, I hesitated for a moment before taking it.
It felt intimate, and I couldn’t help but feel butterflies fluttering in my stomach. We walked out of the pack house together.
The training ground was a short walk from the pack house, situated in a clearing surrounded by tall trees. As we approached, I could see Peter and Amara waiting for us. Peter and Amara waved cheerfully.
“Good morning, Tiana!” Amara called out.
“Good morning, Amara,” I replied.
Peter smiled and approached us. "Alpha Theo, how was your night?"
"It went well," he grinned. “Ready to get started?”
I nodded, trying to quell the nervous energy bubbling inside me. “Yes, I am.”
“Great. We’ll start with some basic forms to get you warmed up and familiar with the movements,” Peter explained.
Amara led me to a spot in the center of the clearing, demonstrating the first stance. “This is a basic defensive position. Feet shoulder-width apart, knees slightly bent, hands up to guard your face.”
I mimicked her stance, adjusting my posture as she guided me. We moved through several different forms.
“You’re doing well, Tiana,” Theo commented. “You’re a fast learner.”
I smiled, feeling a bit more confident with each passing moment.
"Here's another position I want you to mimic," Peter said.
I kept trying and trying, but my form was still a bit off. No matter how hard I tried, my balance felt off, and I struggled to maintain the correct form.
Theo noticed my frustration and walked over to me. “Here, let me help,” he said softly.
He positioned himself behind me, gently placing his hands on my hips to guide me into the correct stance. I could feel the warmth of his body close to mine, his breath brushing against my ear as he spoke. “Relax your shoulders and shift your weight slightly forward.”
The sensation of his touch sent shivers down my spine, and I found it hard to focus. “There, that’s better,” Theo said, his voice low and soothing.
“Thank you,” I murmured, feeling shy. I was out of breath for a while.
Peter clapped his hands, breaking the moment. “Good job, Tiana. Let’s move on to the next set of drills.”
The rest of the training session passed in a blur. Theo's presence was making me nervous. At the same time, I was trying my best so that he would be pleased with my progress.
As alpha, I knew he had more responsibilities that were more important than being present at my training.
As we wrapped up the training for the day, Amara handed me a water skin. “You did great, Tiana. It’s not easy to pick up new skills so quickly.”
“Thanks, Amara. It helps to have good teachers,” I replied, glancing at Theo and Peter.
Theo smiled. “You’re a natural, Tiana. With more practice, you’ll be able to hold your own in no time.”
Layla bounced over, “See? I told you it wouldn’t be so bad. And you got to spend the morning with my brother—bonus points for that!”
I blushed, unable to hide my smile. “Yeah, it was…nice.”
As we made our way back to the pack house, Theo walked beside me, his arm brushing against mine occasionally. “I’m proud of you, Tiana.
“Thank you, Alpha Theo. It means a lot coming from you,” I said.
"Just Theo," he reminded me.
"Right... Just Theo."
We reached the pack house, and Theo patted my shoulder. “I'd like to have dinner with you later. Privately. What do you think?"