Chapter 7: A Secret Training

Samantha tightened her fists, inhaling sharply as Alex circled her. Ronan stood a few feet away, watching closely. They had agreed to train her in secret, away from prying eyes, but that didn’t stop Samantha’s nerves from getting the best of her.

“Focus,” Alex said, her voice firm but encouraging. “You can’t just stand there and wait for the hit. Anticipate it.”

Samantha nodded. Alex lunged, aiming a swift strike at Samantha’s side. Samantha barely dodged in time, stumbling backward.

“You need better footwork,” Ronan commented. “Keep your stance grounded.”

Samantha wiped the sweat off her forehead and nodded. She was determined to learn, to be strong enough to defend herself. But just as she steadied herself for another round, she felt something—someone—watching.

Alex must have sensed it, too, because she suddenly turned her head, eyes narrowing. Ronan followed her gaze, and his expression darkened.

“Come out,” Ronan called.

From behind the thick trees, a familiar figure stepped forward—Derek.

Samantha’s breath caught in her throat. His sharp golden eyes met hers, but he didn’t look threatening. Instead, he looked almost… impressed.

“I wasn’t trying to interrupt,” Derek said casually, raising his hands. “I just—” He hesitated, glancing at Samantha. “I was looking out for you.”

Ronan and Alex exchanged wary glances. Samantha swallowed, unsure of what to say.

“You were spying,” Alex accused.

Derek smirked. “More like… observing.”

“You won’t tell anyone?” Samantha asked cautiously.

Derek shook his head. “Of course not.” His voice softened as his gaze lingered on her. “You should keep training. I think it’s a great idea.”

Ronan still looked skeptical but didn’t push further. Instead, he grabbed Alex’s arm. “Come on. Let’s give them space.”

Alex opened her mouth to protest, but Ronan shot her a pointed look. She huffed but relented, following Ronan a short distance away.

Once alone, Samantha turned to Derek. “Why were you really watching me?”

Derek took a deep breath. “Because I can’t stop thinking about you.”

Samantha’s heart skipped a beat. “Derek—”

He took a step closer. “I know it’s wrong. I know what my father would say. But I don’t care. You’re different, Samantha. Strong. Kind. Brave.” He reached for her hand, hesitating before brushing his fingers against hers. “I don’t want to ignore how I feel anymore.”

Samantha’s head spun. No, this wasn’t right. This was dangerous.

She pulled back. “Derek, you’re the Alpha’s son. You’re meant for something greater. You can’t—”

“I don’t care about ‘meant for,’” he interrupted. “I care about what I want.”

She didn’t know how to respond. A part of her wanted to believe him, wanted to bask in the warmth of his words. But reality was cruel.

Unbeknownst to them, someone else had been listening. Cassius.

Hidden behind a tree, he clenched his fists, his face twisted in disbelief.

Derek had feelings for Samantha?

Cassius didn’t waste time. He spun on his heel and ran—straight to Serene.

Serene lounged on a fallen log, surrounded by her usual group of followers. When Cassius burst into the clearing, breathless and frantic, she rolled her eyes.

“What is it now?” she snapped.

Cassius bent over, catching his breath. “Derek. He—he just told Samantha he likes her.”

The air went still.

Serene’s grip tightened on the bark beneath her. “What did you just say?”

“I heard it myself,” Cassius confirmed. “He confessed to her.”

Serene’s blood boiled. It wasn’t enough that Samantha had her mother’s love. It wasn’t enough that she had Ronan, Alex—everything Serene wanted.

And now Derek, too?

Her nails dug into her palm. No. Not this time.

A slow, cold smirk spread across her lips. “She thinks she can steal everything from me?” She exhaled sharply, standing to her feet. “Then it’s time I get rid of her. Once and for all.”