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.

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

I instinctively caught her.

her little arms wrapped around my neck, and

you!"

training ground went completely

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

it—this massive, aching swell in

girl... She had no idea what she did to me. How she cracked me open with nothing but a smile and those bright, trusting eyes. She didn't care that warriors were staring. That gasps echoed across

I was

"You found

talking. "I told Mommy that I dream of you and that I will find you with my nose. I told her you smell like fire

laughed. It caught

missed you,” she whispered, brushing her

you

smiled wide. "You called me Pixie, like

was young, I am proud to say that I

are my

training ground stilled, a hush falling over the warriors

Aspen

conversation with her.

I said, without looking away from

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

his

peeked around my shoulder. "Hi," she said, a

"Hey there,