Chapter 303: The Fight

Seraphina's voice shattered the moment like glass. I scrambled off Tristan's chest, face burning with embarrassment and something else I didn't want to examine.

"We're fine," Tristan called back, pushing himself upright. His voice sounded strained.

Seraphina appeared through the trees, Aurora close behind. Both women surveyed the scene with obvious calculation—Tristan's rumpled shirt, my wild hair, the intimate way we'd been tangled together.

"How fortunate that you were there to catch her," Aurora said with false sweetness. "Such a protective mate."

The emphasis on 'mate' made my wolf bristle, but before I could respond, Orion piped up from behind a nearby tree.

"Mommy! Daddy! Did you find the moonstone?"

"Right here, buddy." Tristan held up the glowing stone, apparently having retrieved it while I was in shock.

"Then let's go win this thing!" Lyra cheered.

We made it back to the clearing in second place, the children whooping with excitement despite not winning. Other families congratulated us on our teamwork, and I found myself relaxing into the social atmosphere.

At least until the next event was announced.

"Time for our traditional wolf cub sparring matches!" the coordinator called out. "Ages five to six, please report to the combat circle!"

My stomach dropped. Orion and Lyra exchanged determined looks before marching toward the designated area with military precision.

"Maybe they shouldn't—" I started.

"They'll be fine," Tristan assured me. "It's all supervised. Just friendly competition."

But as we approached the sparring circle, I caught sight of a familiar face among the other children. Raven Stormclaw—a stocky boy with mean eyes and his father's arrogant bearing. I'd heard whispers about his aggressive behavior during pack gatherings.

My protective instincts flared as Raven sized up my children with obvious contempt.

"This is going to end badly," I muttered.

I had no idea how right I was.

The sparring circle was a traditional sand pit surrounded by hay bales for seating. Children faced off in pairs while parents cheered from the sidelines. Everything was going smoothly until Raven stepped into the ring opposite Orion.

"Look what we have here," Raven sneered loud enough for everyone to hear. "The bastard cubs with no real family."

Orion's posture went rigid. "Take that back."

"Why should I?" Raven circled him like a predator. "Everyone knows your mommy abandoned your daddy. You're just unwanted pups nobody really wants."

The insult hit its mark. Orion's hands clenched into fists, his young face flushing with rage.

"Our mommy didn't abandon anybody!" he shouted.

"Sure she did," Raven taunted. "That's why she ran away. She probably wishes she never had you two!"

That was the final straw. Orion launched himself at the bigger boy with a feral snarl that sounded far too adult for a five-year-old.

What should have been playful sparring turned vicious in seconds. The boys rolled across the sand, trading real blows instead of the careful techniques they'd been taught.

"Stop them!" someone shouted.

But before any adult could intervene, Lyra vaulted over the hay bale barrier. She landed in the sand pit like an avenging angel, her small fists flying as she joined the fight to protect her brother.

"Don't hurt Orion!" she screamed, launching herself at Raven's back.

Now three children were locked in genuine combat, all pretense of sport abandoned. Parents surged toward the circle as real blood began to flow.

I reached the pit at the same time as Tristan. Without hesitation, we both jumped into the sand, grabbing for our children.

"Enough!" Tristan's Alpha voice boomed across the clearing.

The command hit the children like a physical force. All three combatants froze, panting and bloody but no longer actively fighting.

I scooped Lyra into my arms while Tristan lifted Orion. Both children were sobbing now, the adrenaline crash hitting them hard.

"He said we were unwanted," Orion choked out against his father's shoulder. "He said you didn't love us."

"Oh, baby." I cradled Lyra closer, examining her injuries. Scratches covered her arms, and her uniform was torn. "He was just being mean. You know that's not true."

"Is Orion okay?" Lyra sniffled. "I saw blood on his face."

Tristan was checking our son's injuries with gentle hands. "His nose is bleeding, but it's not broken. Lyra has some scratches that need cleaning."

Raven's parents had collected their son, who sported a split lip and the beginnings of a black eye. Angry voices rose as blame was assigned and threats were implied.

"We need to get them to the pack hospital," I said quietly. "Make sure there are no serious injuries."

Tristan nodded, already moving toward the parking area. "My car's closest."

As we walked, both children continued their teary apologies.

"We're sorry, Mommy and Daddy," Lyra whispered. "We didn't mean to fight for real."

"We just got so angry," Orion added, his voice muffled against Tristan's neck. "Nobody should talk about our family like that."

My heart clenched at their fierce loyalty. These brave little warriors had defended our family's honor without regard for their own safety.

"We'll talk about appropriate responses to bullying later," Tristan said gently. "Right now, let's make sure you're both okay."

We reached his black sedan, and he carefully strapped the children into their booster seats.

Then he moved to the rear passenger door, holding it open with obvious expectation.

I paused, studying his face. He was waiting for me to climb into the back seat.

I glanced at him once, then deliberately walked around to the passenger side of the car.

"I'm not going to let you say I'm treating you like a chauffeur again," I said, sliding into the front seat and buckling my seatbelt.

Tristan stood frozen by the open rear door for a moment, shock flickering across his features. Then his face transformed with a smile so soft and surprised it made my heart skip. "I wouldn't dream of it."

As he settled behind the wheel, I caught the twins exchanging triumphant glances in the rearview mirror. Despite their injuries, they looked remarkably pleased with themselves.

"What are you two plotting now?" I asked suspiciously.

"Nothing, Mommy!" they chorused with false innocence.