Luca's POV
Three days of intense training, and my body aches everywhere.
Rian is relentless—pushing me past limits, teaching me to fight like my life depends on it.
Because it does.
"Again," he commands after I hit the mat for the tenth time.
"I need a break—"
"Kaine won't give you breaks. Again."
I stand, frustrated and exhausted. "You're being an ass."
"I'm keeping you alive." His eyes flash amber. "Now attack me. Really attack me."
Something in me snaps. All the fear, frustration, and anger explodes. I lunge at him—not technique, just raw emotion.
He blocks easily, but I don't stop. I claw, punch, kick—desperate and wild.
"Better," he growls, deflecting my attacks. "But sloppy. Control it."
"I can't!" Tears stream down my face. "I'm terrified, Rian! Terrified Kaine will kill you, kill me, destroy everything we've built!"
He catches my wrists, pulling me close. "I know, baby. I know."
I break down completely, sobbing against his chest. "I don't want to die. Don't want to lose you."
"You won't. I promise." He holds me tight. "But you need to be strong. Can you do that?"
I nod against him, steadying my breathing.
"Good." He tilts my face up. "Now show me. Show me that strength."
We train for another hour. This time, I'm focused—using technique, not just emotion. When I finally land a solid hit, Rian's smile is proud.
"There's my fierce mate."
Later, in our room, he tends to my bruises with gentle hands.
"I'm sorry for pushing so hard," he murmurs, kissing a mark on my shoulder.
"Don't apologize. You're right. I need to be ready." I turn to face him. "But Rian? After training, I need you. Need to remember why we're fighting."
His eyes darken. "What do you need?"
"You. Just you. Make me forget everything but us."
He kisses me slowly, thoroughly, washing away the fear with tenderness. His touch is reverent, worshipful, reminding me that I'm cherished.
"I love you," he breathes against my skin. "More than anything."
"Show me," I whisper.
He does. Slowly, carefully, building pleasure until I'm gasping his name. Each touch is a promise—I'll protect you, I'll love you, I'll never let you go.
When we finally join, it's gentle—him above me, eyes locked, souls connected.
"You're everything," he murmurs. "My whole world."
"Then keep me safe," I gasp. "Keep us safe."
"Always." He moves deeper. "I'll destroy anyone who tries to take you from me."
His possessive promise sends shivers through me. This is my Alpha—fierce, protective, mine.
Hours later, wrapped in his arms, both satisfied and peaceful, I trace the bond mark on his chest.
"We'll survive this," I say firmly.
"We will." He kisses my forehead. "Because I refuse to lose you. Refuse to let history repeat."
"It won't. We're different. Stronger."
"Together," he agrees.
"Always together."
Sleep takes us, wrapped in each other, facing the coming storm as one.