Zeph’s POV
After Vixxen showed me around the pack’s space, and not forgetting to crack some jokes and make me blush, he led me to the training ground. The clearing was very wide, surrounded by dense trees. The ground was marked with faint scuffs and dents, evidence of countless sparring in the area.
“Let’s begin now. Shall we?” he gestured to the open area.
“Firstly, we need to know the kind of powers you possess. The one you displayed at the ball is telekinesis. I would like you to try it again.”
“I tried it this morning, it made a lot of effort trying to carry a cup of water by mere inches, you know.”
“It’s progress either way. Now you see those rocks over there, try and move them.”
I took in a deep breath and stretched out my hands, focusing on the small rocks a few feet away. It wobbled slightly but didn’t lift from the ground.
I tried again and again, trying to replicate the same thing I did in the morning, but nothing happened. My brows furrowed as frustration crept in.
“Ugh. This is useless.” I said as my fingers combed through my hair.
“It’s going to take decades before I can lift a boulder.”
“Relax. You’re trying too hard,” Vixxen said behind me, his tone calm but firm.
“You’re overthinking it. Your powers come from within, not from how you focus, but how you channel your energy. Close your eyes. Feel it.” I could feel the heat of his presence just over my shoulder.
I glanced at him, skepticism creeping into my thoughts, but his steady gaze didn’t waver. Sighing, I closed my eyes and tried to let go of the tension in my body.
“Breathe,” he said softly and oddly comforting. “Find that spark inside you-the one you felt the first time your powers showed themselves. It’s still there.
I exhaled slowly, and as I did, I felt it-a faint warmth in my chest, like a flickering ember. The surrounding air seemed to shift, and when I opened my eyes, the rock was floating off the ground.
A sharp gasp escaped my lips. “I did it,” I whispered, staring at the rock as if it might vanish any second.
Vixxen chuckled, a grin appearing on his face. “Not bad for a first try.”
“You mean a second?”
I let the rock drop, the effort left me feeling drained, far more than I expected.
“Why does it feel so…weak? When I used my powers the first time, it felt so much stronger.”
He crossed his arms, his expression thoughtful. “That’s normal. It’s what every werewolf goes through when they first awaken their powers. Not one always has it all from the beginning. Also, the first time your powers showed. It was like an explosion, it’s your body giving you a preview of what you’re capable of. But after that, it’s about building strength. Like muscles. You’re not weak, Zeph.”
I really wanted to believe him, but for an omega like me who never showcased powers from birth, it was hard. His words were reassuring, but a small voice in my head whispered doubts. I crossed my arms, hugging myself as I looked away.
“What if I was never strong enough?”
I might actually never reach that level. Maybe the moon goddess just had pity on me and decided to give me powers.
“You will be,” he said, his voice steady. “I have seen that fire in you. It’s just a matter of time.”
I glanced up at him, the way he sounded so confident in my potential was comforting and unnerving. He just met me, he doesn’t really know me. Why was he so sure that I had some sort of huge potential? It’s probably the way he talks with everyone.
I really want to change this conversation.
“You sound like someone that has so much wisdom. I bet your mate is lucky to have had you,” I said, attempting to shift the focus away from me.
But as soon as the words left my mouth, I regretted them. Vixxen’s expression darkened, his shoulders tensed, and for a moment, he didn’t respond.
“I don’t have a mate,” he said quietly, “Not anymore. I lost my mate to rogues”
Way to go Zeph.
I froze. “I’m sorry,” I said, my voice soft.
He glanced at me, his expression unreadable. “It’s in the past,” he said, though his tone betrayed the lie.
I wasn’t the only one who had lost people that they loved. I wasn’t the only one carrying a wound that refused to heal.
“I know how that feels,” I said softly, the words heavy with my own pain. “I lost my mother and my first mate. It feels like grief is all that is left of them.”
Vixxen turned to me, his eyes meeting mine, and at that moment, it felt like we were the same- two broken souls trying to piece themselves together. His gaze lingered.
“I’m sorry for your loss.”
I nodded, a lump forming in my throat. “Thanks. But…life moves on, right? At least, that’s what I will keep telling myself.”
“Yeah,” he said, but the word felt hollow.
He shifted his weight, rubbing the back of his neck as if trying to shake off the vulnerability that had crept in.
For a second, there was a spark between us. Vixxen broke the tension first, clearing his throat.
“We should get back to training. You’re not going to get stronger just standing here talking about the past.”
His attempts to lighten the mood were clumsy but appreciated. I let out a small laugh, though it felt forced.
“Yeah, you’re right. Let’s keep going.”
By the time the sun dipped below the horizon, I was exhausted but had made progress-small, yet meaningful. Vixxen led me back to the pack house.
“Did you enjoy my company today?” he asked, his smirk returning.
I rolled my eyes. “You mean besides almost collapsing from using powers I barely understand? Yeah, I’d say I was…interesting.”
“I’ll take that as a yes,” he said, chuckling. “Because I am not letting you skip the next session.
“I wouldn’t dream of it.”
When we approached the pack house and got it, I could see Terran walking in my direction with a smile on his face. But when he saw Vixxen, the smile faltered, replaced by a sharp, guarded look.
“Alpha,” Vixxen greeted him casually, as if completely unfazed by Terran’s sudden change in demeanor. He dipped his head slightly in respect.
“Vixxen,” Terran replied, stiffly, his eyes narrowing.
I glanced between them, confusion on my face. Have they had some kind of fight or misunderstanding before?
“Well,” Vixxen said, breaking the silence as he turned to me. “I’ll see you tomorrow for training, Zeph. Don’t be late” His lips curled into an easy star, completely ignoring the weight of Terran’s glare.
“I’ll try not to be,” I said with a small smile, feeling awkward.
He looked at Terran one last time, his gaze steady and unreadable. “Alpha.”
Terran didn’t respond, only watching as Vixxen walked off.
“Is everything okay?” I asked cautiously, tilting my head to catch his gaze. Terran blinked, like he was snapping out of a trance.
“You were with Vixxen all day?
“Yeah…why?”
His lips pressed into a thin line, and he shook his head, “No reason.”
“Alright… I will be heading to my room.”
I walked past him, but I couldn’t help glancing back over my shoulder. He was still standing there, his gaze fixed on the spot where Vixxen had disappeared.
I got to my room and leaned against the door, exhaling slowly. Whatever was going on between those two, it wasn’t my business, at least not yet.
For now, I need to focus on getting stronger, and to find the origin of the mark on my body. The rest of the drama will have to wait.