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 something warm and small slammed into my chest

I instinctively caught her.

shock as her little arms

found you!"

ground went completely

touched my cheek, her smile stretching

it—this massive, aching

nothing but a smile and those bright, trusting eyes. She didn't care that warriors were staring. That gasps echoed across

her, I

"You

dream of you and that I will find you

actually laughed. It

missed you,” she whispered, brushing her tiny

you

she smiled wide. "You

when she was young, I am proud to say that I know who Tinker

you are my

over the warriors as they took in

cradling Aspen and

conversation with her.

work," I said, without looking away from Aspen. They

she'd seen outside the window-and I listened like it was the most

his throat behind

she

smiled. "Hey there, little