Luca's POV
Her name is Celeste, and she's beautiful.
Tall, confident, warrior-trained. And she's been flirting with Rian all morning.
"Alpha," she purrs, touching his arm. "You've gotten stronger. Been training extra?"
Rian steps back politely. "Just maintaining standards."
"Perhaps you could show me your technique? Privately?"
My hands clench. Through the bond, I feel Rian's discomfort—he's not interested, but trying to be diplomatic.
"The Alpha's busy," I interrupt, stepping beside Rian. "Luna duties. You understand."
Celeste's eyes flick to me—dismissive. "Of course. The human mate." She smiles, sharp. "I forget you're not used to pack dynamics. Female wolves often train with their Alpha."
"And mated Alphas often train with their partners," I counter. "Rian, weren't we scheduled for training?"
"We were," he agrees quickly, relieved. "Excuse us, Celeste."
He takes my hand, leading me away. Once alone, his arms wrap around me.
"You're jealous," he says, delighted.
"I'm not jealous."
"You absolutely are." He nuzzles my neck. "It's adorable."
"She was touching you."
"And I moved away. You noticed that, right?" His hands slide down my back. "I only want one person touching me."
"She's beautiful. Werewolf. Everything I'm not."
He pulls back, eyes serious. "She's not my mate. YOU are. Only you." His thumb brushes my cheek. "I chose you, Luca. The bond chose you. Nothing changes that."
"What if you regret it? Regret being stuck with a human?"
"Never." His kiss is fierce, possessive. "You're mine. I'm yours. Forever."
Later that day, pack training session. Celeste approaches again.
"Alpha, would you partner with me? Demonstrate advanced techniques?"
Before Rian can respond, I step forward. "I'll partner with you."
She blinks. "You?"
"Me. Unless you're afraid?"
Challenge accepted, her eyes say.
We circle each other on the training mat. Pack members gather, sensing drama.
She moves first—fast, skilled. I barely block. She's better trained, stronger.
But I'm motivated.
I use techniques Rian taught me—dirty, unexpected. When she lunges, I sidestep, sweeping her legs.
She goes down. Hard.
The pack murmurs.
"Lucky shot," she hisses, standing.
"Try again," I challenge.
We spar seriously now. She lands hits—I'll have bruises. But I hold my own, using speed and unpredictability.
Finally, I manage to pin her. Barely.
"Yield," I demand.
She glares but nods. "Yield."
I stand, offering my hand. She takes it grudgingly.
"Respect," she says quietly. "You fight well. For a human."
"I fight well. Period." I meet her eyes. "And the Alpha is mine. Remember that."
She smirks. "Understood, Luna."
After, Rian pulls me aside, eyes blazing.
"That was the sexiest thing I've ever seen." His voice is rough. "Watching you fight for me—"
"I fought for us."
"Even better." He kisses me desperately. "Mine. You're so fucking mine."
"Yours," I agree. "Always."
And I mean it.