Chapter 104 104
Damien POV
“Good morning, warriors.”
Théo’s voice cuts cleanly through the training grounds as he gestures for them to gather closer.
“Morning, Head Warrior,” I echo.
Not a single tired gaze meets mine. Their eyes are sharp, bodies loose but ready rested, strong.
Good.
They’re going to need it.
It also tells me something else Aurélie hasn’t warned them yet. They don’t know what’s coming.
Having more than one Head Warrior was a smart move, though I suspect that decision had less to do with strategy and more to do with the fact that their beta doubled as a doctor and spent a great deal of time at the hospital.
“This,” Théo announces, motioning toward me, “is Alpha Damien of the Bloodnight Pack.”
I hadn’t wanted the introduction. The reaction confirms why.
A ripple of uncertainty moves through them glances exchanged, shoulders stiffening.
“The Bloodnight Pack?” one of them asks, clearly confused.
I don’t blame him. To many, we’re still the enemy.
“Yes,” Théo replies evenly. “At present, we’re operating under a truce. I want you to show Alpha Damien just how well trained we are.”
“Thank you, Théo,” I say. “My men will be joining us shortly. Perhaps we can exchange techniques learn from one another.”
My warriors are ruthless. Trained assassins. I’d already made it clear to them that their role here was to strengthen Darkvale however they could.
I watch as the warriors spar for nearly thirty minutes. They’re good fast, strong, relentless. No hesitation, no fear of impact.
She’s drilled it into them.
Lose, and you die.
They remain in skin form for now, though I’m curious to see how they perform shifted. That will come in the days ahead.
“Alpha Damien,” a warrior calls out, a cocky tilt to his chin. He looks around my age maybe younger. “Care to spar?”
“Sure.”
“I don’t think Alpha Aurélie would” Théo starts, stepping forward.
“She’s not here,” I cut in smoothly. “And it’s fine. I’ll go easy on him.”
The smirk that curves my mouth isn’t lost on anyone.
He genuinely thinks he can take the Alpha King.
I pull my shirt over my head, careful not to let it drop into the dirt. I hadn’t packed much didn’t want Aurélie suspecting we planned to stay longer than she believed.
The reaction behind me is immediate.
Sharp inhales. Murmurs.
“Alpha?” Théo’s voice tightens.
Ah.
Yes.
The wounds.
The bullets are gone, but I hadn’t waited for full regeneration. Poisoned with wolfsbane three of them. Healing would come. Slowly.
“Your back…” the warrior breathes. “It’s green.”
He looks close to vomiting.
“I was shot three times,” I say calmly. “The bullets were laced with wolfsbane. Fucking painful.”
My voice hardens.
“This is the enemy we’re facing now. They don’t fight fair. They don’t rely on traditional combat. Which means we need to be prepared for every possibility.”
I let my aura settle solid, immovable.
I don’t sugar-coat reality. They can see the cost etched into my flesh.
“I’m still injured,” I continue, “but I won’t go easy on you. Are you up for it?”
His eyes remain wide until he steadies himself, drawing in a deep breath.
“Yes, Alpha,” he says hoarsely. “…I’m up for the task.”
“Good,” I reply. “Because in the battle ahead, there’s no room for error.”
And because you are protecting my mate.
My children.
And that will never be negotiable.
I pull my aura back, reining it in. He needs confidence needs to feel bold enough to strike first. My kingly presence alone is enough to freeze him otherwise.
Just as he shifts his weight, preparing to make his move
My head snaps to the side.
Her scent floods my senses.
Intoxicating. Familiar.
Aurélie.