Chapter 5

Aliyah

“Your Alpha is really something, Chloe,” said Janice, returning me to my senses. We were now in the training hall with Pete, the gamma of the Howlers Pack, whom Xavier had ordered to join and help us with training.

“Alpha just wants to make sure you're safe, especially since you're the daughter of Alpha Joric.” I understood Chloe's reason, but I still felt uncomfortable staying at the packhouse simply because I’m human and supposedly need extra protection.

“Aliyah, I’m sorry for Alpha Xavier. He’s like that because he feels responsible for you, especially since you're in the pack.” I nodded at Pete and pretended everything was okay, but I was nervous.

We started warming up because, according to the gamma, our training wouldn’t be easy, especially since Janice said we were training together. I guess being honest didn't give us an advantage.

Chloe was already 18, so she had her wolf, while Janice, her sparring partner, didn’t. But they were both in human form, so it was okay. Also, I knew that the latter was a good fighter.

I was wrestling with a large rope. Honestly, it was hard for me because I wasn’t used to it, so what I was doing seemed boring. But I needed to respect Pete’s wishes as the gamma.

We were all focused when Chloe and Janice suddenly stopped sparring. “Alpha,” they greeted, making me stop what I was doing and look at them.

Once again, my heart raced when our eyes met. What is it about this Xavier that makes me feel this way? It’s impossible that I’m his mate because he hasn’t said anything. Wait, what if I am?

I shook my head. Chloe said Xavier also wants to find his fated mate. If I were the one, he would tell me to claim me.

“How’s it going?” Xavier asked.

“Janice is doing well, Alpha. She’s been training correctly. Aliyah is doing the same, but I had Chloe and Janice spar for now.” Xavier nodded at his gamma’s report.

“Okay, continue your sparring, and I’ll take care of Aliyah.”

What? What’s he planning? He’s the Alpha, and he’s going to spar with me?

“Don’t be scared, Aliyah. Alpha Xavier can easily control his strength. When he’s not doing anything, he trains the omegas and the pack members who don’t have their wolves yet.” Chloe even tried to cheer me on.

“Let’s go,” Xavier said as he started walking to the far end of the training hall where the mats were laid out, and I had no choice but to follow.

“Even though I know you’ve already warmed up, let’s do it again.” I nodded, and we started stretching.

I felt awkward because I could feel his eyes on me. He wasn’t even trying to hide it as if he wanted me to know.

“Tell me, Aliyah, do you have a boyfriend?”

“Huh? No,” I answered awkwardly.

“Why?”

“No reason.” There really wasn’t. Besides, why did he want to know that? He didn’t say anything else and looked serious, especially when he said we’d start sparring.

“Ready?” I nodded hesitantly, and we got into our fighting stances. “You make the first attack.”

I did as he said and tried to focus, even though I couldn’t beat him. I’d be lucky to land a single punch.

I did my best, and for some reason, part of me wanted to impress him. I noticed his slight smile whenever I made an unexpected move. Still, he managed to dodge because he was fast, which annoyed and frustrated me.

We continued sparring, and I started losing awareness of the people around us. It felt like the two of us were in the training hall, and nothing else mattered. There were times when I wanted to use my ability just to land one hit, but I kept my self-control.

I knew using my mind-reading ability like I did in front of the rogue wasn't right. Instead, I focused on thinking of a way to land a punch.

I quickly switched to my right after side-stepping when he avoided my left hook. For a moment, I thought I would land a hit, but his reflexes were incredible, and he easily dodged it. He's superior since he's an alpha and has a lycan beast.

“You seem frustrated,” he said with a grin, which made me even angrier. I know my emotions show clearly when I feel this way.

I ignored his comment and kept going. I wasn’t tired yet and felt more motivated when he teased me. When I tried to attack, I was shocked to suddenly find him right in front of me. My eyes widened as I looked into his deep eyes.

Before I knew it, I felt myself lifted off the mat, landing on my back with Xavier on top of me. We were staring straight into each other’s eyes. Our faces were so close, and my heart was racing. It's pounding that it almost wants to get out of my chest.

The electric current I felt from the contact of our bodies returned, and I wanted to break free, but Xavier didn’t let me.

“You’re nervous,” he said.

“It’s because we’re so close.”

“What’s wrong? Is there someone who’d be mad? I thought you didn’t have a boyfriend?”

“I don’t, but I’m uncomfortable being this close.”

“Lesson number one, no matter what happens, stay focused.”

“Huh?” I asked, confused. “Ouch!” I yelped when he flicked my nose.

“I just said stay focused, but you’re already losing yourself. We’re training, remember?” I couldn’t respond. Are we really still training? Why does it feel like he’s flirting with me?

“Damn, you smell good,” he muttered, making me feel shocked. But I composed myself and took the chance to hit him from the side, making him roll away.

“Lesson number one, no matter what happens, stay focused,” I repeated what he said as I stood up while he was still looking at me. I noticed him smirk before getting up.

“I’ll attack, and you defend.” I thought he would charge immediately, so I braced myself. But I was wrong because he gave me time to get ready again. What’s really going on with this guy?

“I’ve been to different packs and met different people,” he said, making me frown. Why is he telling me this? Before I could react, he suddenly grabbed me by the waist. I thought he would slam me down, but that’s not what happened.

I found myself on top of him instead. My eyes widened as I looked at his handsome face. “Ohh…” I couldn’t help but moan, closing my eyes when I felt his hand slide down my side. “Shit!” I cursed and abruptly opened my eyes when I realized what I had done.

“It’s fine, baby. I’m the only one who heard that.” Baby? Did he just call me baby?