Page 59 of Stargazer

If she wasn’t doing such a good job at sticking up for herself, I would have kicked his ass myself for hitting on my sister. But she was handling herself well, shutting him down promptly and succinctly every time.

Was I worried that would only encourage him further and make him more interested in her? Absolutely.

But I was staying out of it. Celeste would only kick my ass for getting involved.

Plus, I couldn’t help but think she seemed to enjoy it. The interactions were breaking down her prickly interior when it came to the wolves. Even if it was in minimal increments.

Either that, or it was focusing her loathing into one large and obnoxious target.

The fact that she kept coming back was a good sign though. I was relieved she was getting some training in, her form and strength already improving in a short amount of time, especially with Billie and Kit working with her. As well as Sky, who was thrilled to have my sister around more and was taking every opportunity to spend time with her. My blue-eyed wolf bestie had also been more than willing to spend time with my two hunter besties. And after a few days training together, we were all hanging out at every available opportunity.

The other Knight females were still cordial, but kept to themselves a bit more, which I completely understood.

Catching something silver from the corner of my eye, my attention was drawn to the swords that were coming out to play not far over.

River had suggested we do some training together today, a change from the last few days which I spent sparring with the girls. But one that I didn’t object to.

It was nice getting to spend some extra time with Riv.

As we paused to drink some water and have a breather, resting momentarily on one of the logs scattered around the clearing, my eyes drifted to the silver steel once more.

Griffin and Carter were facing off.

When I caught glimpses of them earlier, they were using their fists. Now Griffin’s sword was unsheathed and he was swinging it around, loosening up his muscles in preparation.

A small crowd had gathered, watching the two shirtless males circle each other with wicked grins on their faces and sweat beading down their temples and chests. There was a lot to be learnt from observing the two skilled hunters in combat.

Not to mention an overall good view.

Carter taunted Griffin, saying something that caused the Gray heir to laugh. I watched the gesture unblinkingly. Watched how in his element he was as he lunged toward his friend with purpose and grace and beautiful fluidity. Watched as Carter beamed at the challenge of battling his talented captain.

They danced, stepping around each other in a lethal show of steel and muscles and sweat.

They got faster and faster as the clanging of metal got louder, the pace quickening to a perfectly timed staccato.

“Are you ready to go again?” River broke the hypnosis that had taken over my conscious thought.

“Hmm?” I said, snapping out of my daze.

When his words registered, I quickly responded before he could reply. “Oh, yes. Let’s go again.”

The Alpha and I didn’t bother with weapons. They weren’t something that would help his efforts when battling the rogues. So we focused on building strength and stamina, sparring with our hands and bodies.

He had been taking it easy on me. I could tell he wasn’t using his full shifter strength, afraid he would hurt me. And in return, I wasn’t using my full power either.

I stole another glance at the duelling hunters who were not hesitating to give each other everything they had, and I remembered Griffin’s words time and time again throughout training about how holding back wouldn’t help anyone.

Unlike Griffin, River didn’t try to teach me any new moves and improve my technique. He just simply sparred with me—an exercise and practise, more than training for what was to come. Still, it was a motion that seemed so foreign to us and our relationship, something we’d never done together.

Sure, we’d worked out in his home gym and gone for hikes, but never anything like this. And I usually did boxing in my own spare time, going to classes a few times a week being one of the rare activities I did away from him.

We were still figuring out what this was supposed to look like between us.

I got up to my feet.

River and I started off slow, casually sparring.

Then I put more force behind my next punch, envisioning the strength—those particles—that had become second nature to me now.

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