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.

ran across the field and something warm and small slammed into my chest before I

I instinctively caught her.

little arms wrapped around my neck, and she beamed

you!" she

ground went

up and touched my cheek, her

it—this massive, aching swell in

me. How she cracked me open with nothing but a smile and those bright,

her, I

"You found me,

middle of a very intense training session, she started talking. "I told Mommy that I dream of you and that I

It

brushing

missed you too,

wide. "You called me Pixie, like

she was young, I am

you are

hush falling over the warriors as

Aspen and

conversation with her.

without looking

her dreams, about breakfast, about a butterfly, she'd seen outside the window-and I listened like

cleared his throat behind

"Hi," she said, a little more

smiled. "Hey