Chapter 27 Sage Dawn paints the training field in shades of gold as we gather for morning practice . I'm still sore from yesterday , but a different kind of tension thrums through me as I watch Alaric demonstrate today's defensive moves . His powerful frame moves with fluid grace , and I force myself to focus on the technique rather than the way his training shirt clings to his shoulders . " You're staring , " Iris whispers , appearing at my elbow . " I'm studying his form , " I protest , heat climbing into my cheeks . " Oh , I bet you are . " She grins wickedly . " Want to hear about the time he fell into the creek trying to show off for a pretty wolf ? " " Iris- " " Partner up ! " Alaric's command cuts through the morning air . Before I can move , Iris grabs my arm . " You're with me today . " Her smile promises trouble . " Time for some bestie bonding . " We square off on the training mats . Iris moves into the first defensive stance , and I mirror her , remembering yesterday's lessons . " Did you know , " she says conversationally as we circle each other , " that my big bad Alpha brother still sleeps with a stuffed wolf his grandmother gave him ? " I miss a block , earning a light tap on my shoulder . " Pay attention , future sister - in- I mean , training partner . " My face burns . " We're not- He doesn't- " " Really ? " She raises an eyebrow , flowing into the next sequence . " Because he's actually smiling sometimes now . Do you know how rare that was before you came ? " I focus on my footwork , trying to ignore the way my heart skips . " He has plenty to smile about . His pack is strong , he has respect- " " He has responsibility , " Iris corrects , her moves becoming more challenging . " Duty . Obligation . But joy ? That's new . " Before I can respond , she switches direction unexpectedly . I counter instinctively , surprising us both with a perfect defensive throw . " Well done , sweetling . " Alaric's voice behind me makes me jump . He's close enough that his scent - pine and winter wind around me like an embrace . - wraps " The counter was sloppy , " Eris calls from across the field . " An actual attacker would have- " " Would have been flat on their back , " Alaric cuts her off . " Just like that . " His approval warms me more than it should " Show us that sequence again , " he says , positioning himself behind me , " Your stance should be- " His hands settle on my waist , adjusting my position slightly . Every point of contact burns through my training clothes . Iris's innocent whistle isn't innocent at all . Chapter 27 +25 BONUS We run through the sequence again , but this time I'm hyper aware of his proximity . My foot slips on dewy grass , and suddenly I'm falling backward . Strong arms catch me against a solid chest . Time stops . I feel his heart thundering against my back . Feel the slight tremor in his hands where they grip my arms . Smell the winter forest scent of him , underlaid with something wild and masculine that makes my head spin . " Careful , sweetling , " he murmurs , his breath stirring my hair . I should move . Should thank him politely and step away . Instead , I remain frozen , my focus narrowed to every point of contact between us . " If you two are done having a moment , " Iris calls cheerfully , " some of us are trying to train here . " Reality crashes back . I scramble away from Alaric , my face flaming . He clears his throat , suddenly very interested in correcting another wolf's form across the field . " Smooth , " Iris whispers as we resume our positions . " Really smooth . " " That wasn't- I didn't- " " Please , " she scoffs . "I haven't seen him this flustered since he was a pup trying to howl for the first time . Did I tell you he hit puberty late ? His voice would crack mid - howl- " " Iris ! " Alaric's growl carries across the field . " Less talking , more training . " She winks at me . " Someone's ears are burning . " The rest of the session passes in a blur of movement and instruction . I lose myself in the rhythm of it , in the satisfaction of my body learning new ways to be strong . Even Eris's occasional barbed comments can't diminish the pride I feel when I master a particularly difficult sequence . As we finish , Alaric calls out final corrections . His eyes find mine as he demonstrates a blocking motion , and something in his gaze makes my breath catch . " He used to practice his Alpha voice in the mirror , " Iris stage - whispers . " For hours . Once , grandmother caught him- " That's enough for today , " Alaric interrupts loudly . Is it my imagination , or are his ears slightly pink ? As wolves begin dispersing , Eris saunters past . " Quite a show , " she smirks . " I suppose even charity cases need entertainment . " 11 The words sting , but before I can respond , Iris loops her arm through mine . " Ignore her . Come on , you're having breakfast with me . I haven't told you about the time Alaric got stuck in lycan form with his tail dyed pink- " IRIS ! " Her laughter echoes across the field as she drags me away . I catch one last glimpse of Alaric watching us , his expression softening in a way that makes my heart flip . " He's different with you , you know , " Iris says quietly as we reach the packhouse . " Better . " I don't know how to respond to that . Don't know how to process any of the feelings swirling in my chest . So I just bump her shoulder and ask , " So how exactly did his tail end up pink ? " Her delighted grin promises stories that will definitely get us both in trouble . But as Alaric's outraged growl Chapter 27 follows us inside , I can't bring myself to care . For the first time since Blackthorn , I feel like maybe , just maybe , I could belong somewhere after all . If only I could silence the voice that whispers it's too good to last .