Alpha Alec's Redemption by Kathy M

Chapter 236

"This," I said, raising my voice over the murmurs, "is what we're facing. And you're going to learn how to fight it."

"Get into your stances," I commanded. "He's not here for show. He's here to help you train."

Some hesitated. I didn't give them time to dwell on it. "Now."

That snapped them into motion.

The first round of drills began. Brian was fast—inhumanly fast-faster than any vampire or werewolf I'd seen-switching forms mid-combat, exploiting blind spots, adapting to their attacks with chilling ease.

He was stronger than most of the warriors could comprehend. He held back, but he didn't go easy on them. I could tell. He wasn't here to maim. He was there to help.

It was almost mesmerizing. And terrifying.

Micah, Jason, and I stood back, just watching.

"Damn," Jason muttered. "He's efficient."

"Calculated," Micah added. "Doesn't waste energy."

I nodded, arms folded, eyes on every movement. "That's how the rest of them fight. They are ruthless."

We kept watching, analyzing every strike, every maneuver. Brian didn't brag, didn't showboat. He was quiet. Precise. Lethal.

It had been maybe thirty minutes when a giggle broke the tension. That's the only warning I got.

Something warm and small slammed into my chest.

and small slammed into my chest before I could even register what was

I instinctively caught her.

I looked down in shock as her little arms

found you!" she

ground went completely

up and touched my cheek, her smile stretching wide. "I found

aching swell in my

a smile and those bright, trusting eyes.

I

smiled. "You

dream of you and that I will find you with my nose. I

laughed. It caught me

missed you,” she whispered, brushing her

missed you too,

before she smiled wide. "You

enough Disney shows with Piper when she was young, I am proud to say that I

are

the

cradling Aspen and

conversation with her.

I said, without looking

about a butterfly, she'd seen outside the window-and I listened like it was the most important conversation I'd ever

his throat behind

my shoulder. "Hi," she said, a little more shyly

"Hey there, little