Chapter 17 Chapter 17
The morning light crept in soft and pale through the narrow window of my chamber. I lay on the narrow cot, propped up by pillows, feeling every stitch of my torn side protest as I shifted. The bruising was fading, but the wound still throbbed with each heartbeat.
Lina peeked in first, swift and silent as always, her eyes bright with concern.
"You summoned me?" Lina whispered.
"I want to try training again," I answered, my voice hoarse but determined. "I can't stay bedridden forever."
Lina's face went pale. "The healer said you can't push too hard, you've already done that yesterday and got reprimanded for it"
"I'll be careful," I promised, struggling upright. Every movement sent a wave of pain radiating through my ribs, but I drew in a long breath and squared my shoulders.
"I promise. I'll be careful."
I made my way down the corridor to the infirmary, each step measured. Maeva, the healer, greeted me with a stern frown and a basin of cool water. After inspecting my bandages, she peeled them back to examine the cut.
"You're healed well," Maeva said, dabbing the wound gently. "Keep this fresh, and don't rush back into sparring or you'll undo everything."
"I understand," I said, though my heart pounded with impatience. Maeva replaced the bandages firmly.
"You're cleared for light drills. No full contact for another week." I nodded, swallowing the frustration. Light drills would have to be done. At least it was something.
Out in the training yard, the air was crisp. Warriors moved through their warm-up routines, running footwork patterns, and practicing blocks with wooden swords. I joined them at a respectful distance, stretching my sore muscles. The ache in my side made me wince, but with careful movements, I found a rhythm. My wolf, ever restless, stilled slightly as I focused.
That was when a male warrior appeared. I had seen him before but I was trying to recall his name.
He lounged against the fence, one boot hooked on the bottom rail, watching me with a cocky grin. Dark hair fell into his eyes; those sea-green irises glinted with mischief. He stepped forward, hand extended
"Hey. Didn't expect to see you back so soon." I paused, blade in hand.
"I'm only doing drills," I said lightly. "The healer said..." He waved a hand.
"Let Maeva worry. You did pretty well in the last 'full-contact' session." His tone turned playful, teasing. "I haven't seen guts like that since... well, never." My cheeks warmed.
"It hurt."
"Worth it," he said, flashing me a cocky smile. "You saved David. That boy owes you his life." I looked down.
"He's safe. That's what matters." He shrugged, stepping closer. "Still. Not everyone risks themselves for a child. I'm proud to see you stand with us." He tapped his chest. "I'm Damian."
I took his hand, feeling the strength in it. "I'm Ailsa. Thank you."
"Ailsa. What a beautiful name" His eyes sparkled with interest.
"So... what's your story? Everyone here calls you 'the rogue,' but I want to know the woman who saved us." I hesitated.
"Not much to tell. I crossed the border by mistake, I became... entangled. I'm just trying to find my place."
"Good enough for me," Damian said, leaning casually against my shoulder. His proximity sent a thrill and an undercurrent of unease through me. I'd known the pack's male warriors found me exotic, but this was different: playful, cocky attention I'd never encountered.
My glance flicked to the terrace above the yard. My heart stuttered. The alpha stood there, arms crossed, shadowed by the early morning light. His gaze burned into my back, silent and intense. It felt like a brand on my skin. Damian must see it too, because he grinned wryly and nudged me with his elbow.
"Watch out," he murmured. "The alpha is not big on fraternizing especially in the fields" I swallowed and stepped back.
"I should join the drills." I raised my practice sword to the trainers. "Good luck out there."
He tipped his head, cocky grin intact but with a flicker of something... possessive?
"May the best warrior win. And I'd like to know more about you....when we are not in the field of course"
I nodded, then turned. Every muscle protested as I walked toward the instructor, but I kept my chin high.
The call to form rang out, a loud whistle followed by the booming voice of the training master. I fell in beside the other warriors male and female shuffling my feet into the starting stance. Damian found his spot two ranks over, shooting me a quick wink before focusing on the trainer's demonstration.
We moved through coordinated attacks, shield blocks with short swords, parries and ripostes, and defensive stances. I kept pace, light contact only, mindful of Maeva's warning. My muscles were sluggish, but each movement I executed with more confidence than the last drill. Damian's praise echoed in her mind 'proud of your bravery' and fueled my determination.
I glared across the ranks at Dahlia leading her squad. Dahlia's cold, honey-gold eyes narrowed on me, and the rest of the women adjusted their grips, forming two deadly lines facing each other. Dahlia's voice cut through the yard.
"Duel lines! Rogue, you're with me." My heart leaped in my chest.
A mixed blessing of proving myself or being humiliated again. I squared off across from Dahlia's second-in-command, ready to defend but Dahlia approached me, leaning close enough for only me to hear.
"You're putting on quite a show," Dahlia whispered with that familiar venom. "Do you think Damian's cheering you on? Don't get too cocky." She straightened and took her place at the front. The drill began.
Wood swords clacked and rang, the fighters testing each other. I blocked a strike from my partner, countered swiftly, and felt a flicker of triumph. I heard a shout of approval from someone and behind me, I heard Damian's voice.
"Nice block." I managed a brief smile.
"One day you might make an actual warrior" Dahlia's cheeky jab still stung.
The drill ended. Warriors lined up again, breathing hard. Damian slipped closer in the ranks, voice low: "You're doing great." He winked. "Lunch?" he asked, teasingly.
I hesitated, the urge to accept warred with my loyalty to healing. But before I could respond, a booming whistle cut through. The alpha's voice. Oh shit!! I've been caught again.
"Enough!"
All movement stopped. Warriors formed tight rows, eyes forward. My throat tightened as his boots clacked across the stone. He stopped in front of my line, his gaze sweeping over the group, lingering on me. Beside me, I saw Damian's frown but stayed quiet. The alpha's voice was icy calm.
"I told you to rest until fully healed." My throat became dry.
"Alpha, with respect, Maeva cleared me for drills today." He stated at me, a storm in his eyes.
"You're pushing yourself beyond orders." I hit my lower lip.
"Only the light drills, alpha" He turned to Dahlia.
"Training is ended" Dahlia blinked and then gestured.
"Return to your quarters." She commanded and the warriors melted away, leaving me and Damian, Dahlia glaring in the background.
Damian opened his mouth, but the alpha held up a hand.
"Why are you training with the females?" The alpha asked, his voice low and dangerous. Damian wanted to say something but the alpha stopped him and made him leave. Dahlia scoffed in anger and left.
I squared my shoulders, pain, and stubbornness warring in my chest.
"I need to regain my strength. The pack needs me." His nostrils flared.
He strode forward, closing the distance. The world narrowed to the two of us beneath the bright morning sky.
"You're going to end up hurt again," he said. "And this time, I might not be there to stop the bleeding."
His words were steel. I met his gaze, refusing to flinch.
"I'd rather bleed for the pack than rot in an infirmary." His jaw tightened. He reached out and gripped my arm roughly enough to hurt.
"You're distracting my warriors." Heat flared through me. His voice dropped to a growl.
"They train with me. They drink my water. They follow my commands. And you... you're seducing them." My heart pounded.
"That's ridiculous." He jerked me forward, dragging me into a sheltered corner beside the stables where no one else could see.
His chest pressed close to mine, his scent engulfed me. My wolf stirred, his scent was messing with my senses. He hissed
"Is that what you want? My warriors crawling over you while I watch?" I yanked my arm free, stepping back despite the pain.
"No. It's okay for males and females to train but when it comes to me then I'm seducing them?"
"Then stay out of their heads!" he snarled. "Stay out of my head!" I glared at him, breath coming fast.
"I'm not the one who looks at me like I'm prey." His eyes flickered something raw and revealed but then they hardened again.
"Go back to your bed. And don't set foot on that training yard until I say so. It's an order" I raised my chin.
"I can't do that." He advanced, crowding me, fist clenched at his side.
"Try me." My pulse thundered, conflicting instincts rattling my core: the pull of the bond, the ache for defiance.
"Fine," I said quietly. "I'll go." But my voice burned with rebellion as I walked out into the open. I felt his eyes digging into my skin but I didn’t look back.