Chapter 228 TRAINING FOR CLARITY
Conor
Her voice trailed off, and she stared into the distance, lost in thought. I could see how much this was eating at her—how torn she was between anger and sadness, between justice and regret. I reached out and placed a hand on her shoulder, offering what little comfort I could.
She didn’t need to figure it all out right now. I was here. And we would take it one step at a time.
I really didn’t want to say it, but I felt like I had to be honest with her—even if it meant possibly improving Percival's situation. Shifting my weight, I let out a sigh, the discomfort clear in my voice.
"Look, as an Alpha, I know our wolves are stronger. It’s like the alpha bloodline gives us a supercharged wolf. But Percival? He just... doesn’t seem to have that same power in his human side. I’ve seen it firsthand—when an Alpha blood male has a pup on the way, it drives him crazy with paternal hormones. So when you told me your wolf had those urges to kill his pup, and Percival could see those images in your mind... I’m honestly shocked he didn’t try to dominate your wolf in a showdown."
I paused for a second, gauging her reaction. Her face was neutral, but I could tell she was listening closely. I kept going.
"Now, I know he would never have killed you. You’re his mate, his bonded. But still, the fact that he didn’t even try to challenge your wolf? That says something. It says he’s weak. You did the right thing getting away from all that drama in William’s pack. That guy doesn’t know how to lead. He’s too caught up in his own desires and his family’s nonsense to care about the pack’s wellbeing."
It stung a bit to talk about her mate like this, but I had to. If I’m being honest with myself... I’m into her. And it’s not just because she reminds me of someone from my past. There’s something about Edeline—her toughness, her resilience. Even at seventeen, she’s got this fire in her.
I know, it’s a little weird. There’s a nineteen-year age gap between us, and she’s still just a kid in a lot of ways. But that doesn’t stop me from imagining a future with her... maybe even with her as my Luna, bearing my child. It feels wrong, but I can’t help it.
Edeline sighed, standing up and stretching her arms above her head. Her shirt lifted, revealing a sliver of her toned stomach, and for a moment, I found my eyes drawn to the sight before I quickly looked away. She didn’t notice—or if she did, she didn’t say anything.
"I’m so tired of thinking about all of this," she said, her voice tinged with frustration. "It’s just causing too much stress. I’m already committed and bonded for life. I don’t need any more complications. I know I can’t handle another one. I don’t want to go back to that mess."
Her words hung in the air, and I nodded. She continued, her voice softening. "The longer I stay here, the more I realize how much stronger we are compared to Percival. His wolf may be tough, but he himself? He’s weak. You’re right about the human side... It’s such a turn-off for me." She bent over to stretch her legs, touching her toes, and I couldn’t help but glance at her again, my gaze lingering on her for just a second too long.
She stood up, locking eyes with me, determination flickering in her expression. "I want to focus on myself for once. I want to become the strongest female beta there’s ever been, and I need your help to make that happen."
Her smile was genuine, her teeth showing in that friendly, open way of hers. I couldn’t help but feel a surge of pride swell in my chest.
"Alright," I said, returning her grin. "Let’s get to it. Time for more training."
Without thinking, I placed my hand on her lower back, gently guiding her toward the training grounds. The warriors were already deep into their sparring sessions, the sound of fists hitting flesh and grunts of effort filling the air.
As we approached, we noticed a couple of warriors in the center of the group, locked in a heated argument. Tempers flared, but no one intervened. This wasn’t William’s pack. Here, everyone—man or woman—had the chance to be a warrior. Unlike his pack, where women were expected to stay home, I believed everyone had the right to protect themselves.
Edeline glanced at me, surprise flashing across her face as she took in the scene. I could see the curiosity in her eyes, wondering why we were here watching instead of getting started with our own exercises. But I just stood back, observing as my general broke down each movement of the sparring pair. They didn’t need weapons. Just fists and instincts.
“So, what is the deal with this place?” I could feel her gaze lingering on the side of my face, and after a moment, I turned to meet her eyes. A smirk tugged at the corner of my lips as I leaned in to whisper.
“Hey, I’m going to let you have a shot at it today. Let’s see what you are made of... since it is a pretty special day, you know.” I gave her a playful wink. “You will have to endure a bit more pain, though. No way around that.”
I could almost imagine her wolf stirring inside, wagging its tail like an eager pup. Edeline’s eyes widened, darting back to the intense fight playing out in front of us. Without another word, she strode ahead, excited to catch the match sessions for today.
We did not fight like boxers here. No gloves, no rings. Wolves fought in human form, fists flying with no fancy weapons. It was all about using the skills we had built up. Edeline was new to this, still finding her footing, but she knew what I knew—facing some extra pain today would push her to grow. Getting thrown into the fray might hurt, but it would make her hungrier, sharper. Step up your game, that was the only way forward.