Emerald had punched me in the face and dragged me to my feet. She was stronger than her body build would've suggested. I mean, she was shorter than me by a couple inches and on the skinny side. How had she packed such a punch?She knocked me back down and kicked me hard in the ribs and hovered over me. Her face twisted into an ugly scowl. At that point, I was drained of any previous energy.I knew she had won and tried to keep my face empty of any strong emotions. I kept my face empty of any strong emotions. No way would I let her think she'd knocked down my confidence. I'd try to keep as much dignity as possible.She threw a couple more punches at my face and said, "You're a poor excuse for a future Alpha."Emerald took my phone and walked away before I could answer her back. Pain spread through my face, side, and ribs. Blood dripped from my nose and bottom lip. I looked down and my shirt had blood on it. I wasn't sure if it was hers, mine, or a mixture of both. I guessed the latt

I tried to push away what sparks I felt from the kiss with Zander. Last night it had been hard to fall asleep without thinking about our lips touching. The kiss was felt through my every being. I even dreamed about Zander and woke up sweating. It was so wrong.Ash would've been so mad at me for doing what I did. I had guilt over what I did but would've done it again if I had to. I had no choice the night before. But I sure wouldn't tell Ash what had happened.We always tried to tell each other the truth and didn't keep secrets. I had to keep that tiny secret from him. It wasn't a serious kiss though.I took a shower after breakfast and tried to push thoughts about Zander away. I had to face him again soon. He probably wouldn't bring it up again. I hoped he wouldn't. Facing these new feelings was a problem.Before lunch, I decided to visit Zander and attempt to get my phone again. I mean, it couldn't go any worse than yesterday. I had a new plan that would be better than the last ti

I was still in Zander's embrace. He kept his eyes on mine and brushed a hand down my cheek slowly. It sent shivers down my neck. I wanted him to touch me more and maybe kiss me again.What was I saying? Remember your fiancé, I told myself. I couldn't let him make me stray from Ash.Zander moved close to my lips and said, "I think that's enough training. It was fun."I resisted telling him that he couldn't trick me. Part of me really wanted another kiss. I felt disgusted that I wanted someone like I did with Ash. It was so bad. He released me from his hold and got up and walked out of the training room. How could he just leave after putting me in that situation? My heart was still trying to go back to its regular rate. I needed to get a hold of myself and fast. I sat up and ran a hand through my hair. Had he just been messing with me? Half of me wanted to run after him and make him explain what that was about. A guy couldn't just do something so intimate and run off.I decided t

Zander POVCleo took a sip of her soda and looked at me. "What are your biggest hopes and dreams?"Was she really asking me this? I was caught off guard with the weight of her serious question. I took another bite of my burger to stall on my answer. Honestly, I didn't know if I wanted Cleo to know me on that level. Normally, I didn't let many people in.I swallowed and said, "I'd say my biggest hope would be to become someone that others look up to. I want people to say 'Zander is what I aspire to be like'. No one's ever wanted to be like me, and I think that'd be cool." I paused and continued, "My top dream is to become an Alpha of a pack one day. I know I could lead others if I was given a chance."I let her absorb everything I said. Cleo had a look of surprise on her. She took a bite of her fish sandwich and looked at me. She swallowed and said, "Those weren't answers I was expecting from you. I didn't know you had such high hopes and dreams. You wanting to be an Alpha reall

The feast had started and I sat with Zander. This caused other members to get up and leave. These members didn't even excuse themselves. They scoffed and gave disgusted looks at Zander. I shook my head at their cruel treatment. Why couldn't these stubborn people forgive and forget the past? It was years ago. They should just move on.I thought they were just being petty. It wasn't like Zander had killed someone in their pack. I shook my head and stabbed my lamb chop with my steak knife. People like that made me mad. Zander looked over at me knowingly and said, "Cleo, don't worry about them. I don't care that they hate me. Besides I belong to your pack." He added, "They mean nothing to me."How could he just be calm about those jerks? I wanted to tell all of them off for their immaturity."So, it doesn't bother you at all being back?" Zander ran his hand through his hair and sighed, "It does a little. But we won't be here longer than necessary."He pushed his plate of food to t