Chapter 371 371
Sabine POV
“I feel like training today… maybe even shifting for the first time,” I say aloud, reaching for the glass of orange juice in front of me and taking a long sip.
There’s no response.
My eyes lift to Maurice and I freeze.
He’s completely still, his spoon hovering just beneath his lips, porridge forgotten as if time itself has paused around him.
“Are you okay?” I ask softly, worry creeping into my voice.
He’s been strange all morning. Ever since I woke up, actually. Sticking close to me like a shadow. Watching me whenever he thought I wasn’t looking. He even followed me into the bathroom until I shoved him back out and locked the door.
A shower? Fine. I didn’t mind him watching that.
But I wasn’t about to shower with him standing there like a guard on duty.
“Are you sure you’re feeling up to it?” he finally asks.
“Yes. I feel amazing this morning. I must’ve really needed that good night’s sleep.”
And it’s the truth.
I feel refreshed. Lighter. Like something inside me has reset. A new version of me energized and ready to start the day.
He slowly lowers his spoon back into the bowl, blinking rapidly as if trying to process something he doesn’t understand.
I study him now, noticing how unsettled he looks.
“Is everything okay?” I ask.
“Is everything okay?” he echoes instead of answering.
“With you,” I clarify.
“With me?” He leans back in his chair, placing both hands over his chest.
“Am I talking to a mirror? Yes, Maurice with you. You’re acting really strange this morning.”
“I’m just… taken aback by how much you’ve changed overnight.”
“Changed how?”
“About training. About your wolf.”
“I’ve always wanted to train,” I say, frowning. “I just only started feeling my wolf recently. I needed time to adjust.”
What was he talking about?
I’d never been against my wolf. I’d only been cautious hesitant, sure. But who wouldn’t be?
I was human once.
Now I wasn’t.
Anyone would need time to adapt to that.
But today?
Today I feel ready.
“Okay…” he finally says, standing. “Well, let’s get started.”
He walks over and extends his hand.
“Shall we?”
I take one last sip of my juice before placing my hand in his. He pulls me up effortlessly, straight into his chest.
My body collides with his solid frame and nearly bounces back.
And then I smell it.
Coffee.
Cinnamon.
That intense, familiar scent floods my senses, sending a shiver through me. It tingles at my nostrils, overwhelms me, wraps around me like a spell.
I can’t help it.
I lean into him.
Into that scent that raises goosebumps along my skin.
“Again.”
His voice is firm.
Commanding.
He’s been saying it over and over, testing my patience. Testing my resolve.
If I hadn’t woken up determined to train, I would’ve flipped him off and stormed away by now.
We’re working on defensive moves forcing my body into repetitive motions until they become automatic, he says.
It doesn’t come naturally.
I’m sweating.
My muscles ache.
I’m not built like him, not strong and bulky, and I can feel eyes on me.
Guards.
Watching.
We’re in the alpha garden usually private but today it’s crowded with more people than usual.
More guards.
More attention on the alpha house.
“Why are there so many guards today?” I ask between breaths, bending forward slightly with my hands braced on my thighs as I try not to throw up my breakfast onto the grass.
“Why are they suddenly watching here?”
“I’m just testing out a different security system,” he replies casually.
His hand settles on my lower back while the other presses gently against my chest, straightening my posture pulling me back into alignment.
“When you kick,” he instructs, “kick from your thigh. Control the muscle. Otherwise the kick will be weak and you’ll strain something.”
His hand slides down to my hip.
I turn my head, finding his cheek brushing against mine.
And that scent is there again.
Stronger.
Richer.
It hits me like a spark of lightning across my skin.
I flinch at first, thinking it’s static like a sudden electric shock.
But then his hand rises to my cheek, guiding my face back toward his.
Our cheeks touch once more.
This time, I don’t pull away.
I let myself sink into that magnetic pull between us.
The energy is undeniable.
Powerful.
Only a fool could pretend it wasn’t there.
“You don’t need to shy away from me, Bee,” he murmurs softly.
“Away from this.”
His breath is warm against my skin.
“Remember… I am yours.
And you are mine.”