The training grounds were quieter than usual. Most of the warriors were either on errands or taking their break. I was on my way to handle a few things for my father when I spotted someone I hadn’t spoken to in a while. Gabriel was in the middle of the sparring ring, his shirt already clinging to him from sweat, his movements were pretty sharp and aggressive. Woah. It seems the asshole has improved quite a lot.I exhaled through my nose, realizing I’d been putting off this fight between us for too long.It was time we fixed things. And I couldn’t expect him to make the first move, his pride wouldn’t allow it. It would probably take a mountain falling on his head before he’d even think of talking to me.I waited until they wrapped up. When he was wiping his face with a towel, I stepped forward and tapped his shoulder.Gabriel spun, his fist already coming at me in a clean arc. Good thing I moved in time, ducking back before it could connect.“Whoa—” I lifted my hands.Gabriel froze,
(Ivy’s POV)Jessica’s voice was shrill enough to make my head hurt.“Ryker! You’re here…” She sprang to her feet, looking at him like she’d just been rescued by her knight in shining armor.“She pushed me! The both of them, they were trying to hurt me!” she wailed, clutching her wrist as if it was split in half. “They just attacked me out of nowhere! Arrest them!”Ryker’s gaze moved between us, his expression unreadable. His eyes then slowly landed on me. “Is that true?”I didn’t answer. Celina crossed her arms, glaring at Jessica. “She did that all on her own. If she wasn’t being such a bitch and kept on—”“I’m not asking you.” Ryker’s voice cut sharp, his eyes locking on her. It was the first time since I arrived here that I’d seen him act this serious. “I know you’re a respected guest, but this is still our territory. Tone down your voice and mind your language.”And it was clear who’s side he was in. Of course, it’s only natural for him to protect her, she’s his future Luna afte
(Ivy’s POV)After our short break from training, we went right back to drills. The warriors had improved a lot, some picked up techniques quickly, while others lagged but still pushed themselves.So far, there has been no sight of any rogue attacks which was good. Perhaps it was because of our presence that the attacks ceased, but we can’t not be too careful.By the time we wrapped up, my muscles ached pleasantly and sweat clung to my skin. Celina and I headed toward the lounge, talking as we passed the training grounds."So, wait, wait," Celina said, her arms crossed as we strolled past the training grounds. "You’re telling me Jace actually tried to cook dinner for everyone last night?"I laughed softly as I told her about the calamity that Jace had done last night when he almost burned the house down. "Well, technically, yes. But if you ask Theo, it was more of Jace supervising and him doing all the work."Celina snorted. "Sounds about right. We should never let Jace in the kitchen
(Ryker’s POV) Before I could react, Jessica was already draped over me like a second skin, her arms looped around my shoulders and that honeyed sweet laugh of hers piercing my ears. "I missed you," she cooed. Normally, I’d smirk and pull her closer. But right now? All I felt was irritation. Maybe it’s because we haven’t seen each other in a month… or maybe she’s always been this self-absorbed and I’m only noticing it now. Okay, I admit—she’s great in bed. But beyond that? She only has a handful of redeeming qualities. Still, she’s supposed to be the future Luna of this pack. She should already know how to act like one. We’re going to have to talk about that soon. "Did you miss me? I just got back. We really need to catch up.” She purred. I stiffened, keeping my voice low to avoid a scene. “Jessica, let go. And what are you even wearing?” She was practically in lingerie, her clothes has barely done nothing to cover her most private parts. Out of the corner of my eye, I caught
(Ivy’s POV) Word about Ryker’s little “scene” on the training field spread faster than wildfire. By the time Celina and I joined our cousins for breakfast, they were already talking about it, laughing. Jace leaned back in his chair, shaking his head with a half-smirk. “You should’ve seen it, Ivy. Ryker clocked Gabriel so hard I swear I felt it in my jaw. It was so epic!” Theo snorted. “It just shows he has a rotten personality. But I agree, it was indeed quite a sight. Too bad you guys went inside first. You would have enjoyed the show.” Celina shot them both a warning look. “You talk like you enjoy violence.” “Not violence,” Jace replied with a shrug. “Entertainment.” “Still, Gabriel is a good guy. I’m sure that Ryker was the one at fault.” Celina replied. “You don’t even know what happened yet you’re already siding with Gabriel? What—like you know the guy that well?” Jace asked, his tone suddenly sharpened. “What’s it to you? Besides, I have heard a lot about him from…” she
(Ryker’s POV) Training became even more brutal. Even for someone like me. And it wasn’t because of the routine or intensity. It was because of her. Selene Every time she stepped forward to demonstrate a move, my focus shattered. My mind would drift back to the memory of her crying. I wanted to talk to her, but every time I was in the room or the same place as her, she would leave, deliberately avoiding me. Gabriel even had to slap me multiple times, and hard, just to get me out of my trance. “Ryker, he’s looking at you. Get your act together,” Gabriel muttered under his breath, and a loud voice came ringing from across the the field. "Ryker, focus!” The guy named Ronan barked at me. "You're drifting. Again." I grunted and nodded, falling back into line. “Ryker you have to quit staring at her. If she was popsicle she would have already melted a long time ago already. Tone it down a little.” Gabriel whispered as he nudged me. Patting me on the back. “I just… can’t seem to