Chapter 11
1154 Words
Aria
The loud growl echoes across the training ground, silencing every whisper and bringing all eyes to Alpha Kael. My heart skips a beat as I cautiously look up, only to lock eyes with him.
His intense, hooded gaze pins me in place, and a tingling sensation dances across my skin. My heart races, betraying my every attempt to remain calm.
Beside me, Kiera nudges my arm. “You okay, Ari? You look like you’ve seen a ghost,” she whispers, her voice laced with curiosity.
I shake my head quickly, attempting to focus. “I’m fine, Kiki,” I mumble, though my cheeks are warm, and I know my face is likely giving me away.
Kael’s voice booms again, commanding the warriors and pack members to begin the day’s training drill.
His instructions are clear and precise, and even though I’m not a part of this world, I can’t help but admire the way he exudes authority.
Kiera leans closer to me as the warriors spread out. “Okay, so here’s the deal,” she begins, gesturing toward the various groups forming. “That group over there? They’re the elite warriors. The best of the best. And that guy?” She points at a tall, well-built man sparring with another. “That’s Trevor. Absolute eye candy, don’t you think?”
I follow her gaze to Trevor, who, admittedly, is strikingly handsome. His dark hair falls perfectly across his forehead as he dodges a blow with ease. But my mind betrays me, conjuring the image of Kael instead.
“He’s good-looking,” I admit, trying to sound neutral.
“Good-looking? That’s all you’ve got? Come on, Ari, give me more!” Kiera teases, nudging me playfully.
I laugh nervously, but the thought of Kael flashes again, unbidden, and my cheeks heat up.
Kiera gasps dramatically. “Oh my goddess, you’re blushing! Is it Trevor? Or—” Her eyes dart toward Kael, who’s now overseeing the training. “Don’t tell me it’s the big bad Alpha himself?”
“What? No!” I protest, though my voice is too high-pitched to sound convincing.
Before Kiera can press further, Kael removes his shirt, tossing it to the side as he steps into the sparring ring. My mouth goes dry. His broad chest glistens faintly in the morning light, every muscle perfectly defined.
“Okay, now I’m blushing,” Kiera mutters, fanning herself. “But, Ari… you’re positively crimson!”
“Kiki, stop,” I plead, covering my face with my hands.
“Stop? Oh, no, sweetheart, this is too good to stop,” she says, giggling. “You’ve got it bad for him, don’t you?”
“I do not!” I hiss, peeking through my fingers only to catch another glimpse of him. He’s too magnetic to ignore.
Kael glances our way, and my stomach flips. His piercing eyes meet mine for a brief moment before he strides over to us.
“Oh, goddess, he’s coming,” Kiera whispers excitedly. “Act natural, Ari!”
“How?” I whisper back, panicking.
Kael reaches us, flashing a small smile that makes my knees weak. “Good morning, Aria. How are you feeling today?”
“I-I’m fine,” I stammer, my face heating up again.
He tilts his head slightly, his eyes narrowing as he studies me. “Your face is red. Are you having an allergic reaction or something?”
Before I can answer, Kiera bursts into laughter. “Oh, she’s definitely having a reaction, all right.”
Kael raises an eyebrow. “What’s so funny?”
“Inside joke,” I blurt, desperate to divert attention.
Kiera laughs even harder, clutching her stomach. “Oh, this is priceless.”
Kael’s gaze shifts to Kiera, his expression stern. “Kiera, stop slacking and join the training.”
Her laughter dies instantly, replaced by a groan. “Ugh, fine, Alpha. You’re no fun.”
As she jogs off, she shoots me a wink over her shoulder. I want to disappear into the ground.
Kael turns back to me. “How do you find the pack so far?”
“It’s… different from what I’m used to,” I reply cautiously.
He frowns slightly. “Different how?”
Before I can explain, his head snaps to the side, his expression darkening. He lets out a low hiss. “Stay with Kiera. Don’t leave her sight. Understand?”
“What? Why?” I ask, alarmed.
But he’s already gone, disappearing into the trees along with several warriors. The suddenness of it leaves me frozen.
Kiera appears beside me moments later. “Come on, Ari. We’re heading back to your room.”
“What’s going on, Kiki?” I ask, trying to keep the fear out of my voice.
“I don’t know,” she admits, though her usually bubbly tone is now serious. “We’ll find out later, I guess. But for now, let’s just do what he said, okay?”
Reluctantly, I nod and follow her back to the Alpha’s wing.
Back in my room, Kiera collapses dramatically onto the floor. “Phew! Safe and sound. Now, time to freshen up. You go first.”
I roll my eyes at her antics but head to the bathroom. The warm water does little to wash away the unease settling in my chest. By the time I emerge, dressed in a blue jean playsuit and a yellow crop top, Kiera is already rifling through her bag.
“Looking cute, Ari!” she chirps before disappearing into the bathroom herself.
An hour later, we’re both fully dressed, but my nerves haven’t calmed. Kiera flops onto the bed. “I’m starving. Let’s order breakfast.”
“I’m not hungry,” I mumble, pacing the room.
“Ari, you’ve got to eat something. Come on. Strawberry pancakes with maple syrup and apple juice? Your favorite?”
I hesitate but nod reluctantly.
When the food arrives, I barely touch mine. Kiera gives me a concerned look. “Okay, what’s going on? You’ve been on edge ever since Kael ran off. Are you worried about him?”
“I don’t know,” I admit. “It’s just… something feels wrong, Kiki. Like really wrong.”
Kiera sets down her fork, her playful demeanor softening. “Hey, it’s going to be okay. Whatever it is, Kael can handle it. He’s the Alpha for a reason, right?”
“I guess,” I whisper, but the unease doesn’t fade.
Kiera spends the rest of the day trying to distract me, pulling me into silly conversations and making me laugh with her exaggerated impressions of the pack members.
By nightfall, we’re both exhausted. Kiera curls up on the couch while I lie on the bed, staring at the ceiling.
“Get some sleep, Ari,” Kiera murmurs sleepily.
I close my eyes, but the feeling of dread lingers, wrapping around me like a heavy blanket.
- Writer
