Page 33 of Fated Alpha Protector

I smile sheepishly as I glance at him. “So you'll let me join training?”

“No,” he shakes his head. “I have something else planned for you. Meet me back here later.”

“Okay,” I concede as Theo leaves the bench for another round of sparring.

I hang by the bleachers until werewolves start making their way out. Watching the crowd only to remain incognito, I wait around the back wall until there's no one left.

When the coast is clear, I head back into the arena.

“Lock the door,” Theo instructs from somewhere inside, his voice echoing around the empty expanse.

When I've locked the door, I scan the arena for any sign of Theo.

But I find none.

Frowning, I call out to him. “Theo?”

There's no warning before a whoosh! soars through the air. I'm barely able to dodge the incoming lunge.

When I do, I tumble on the ground, using my palms to bring myself to a halt. Gasping when I look up to find Theo in wolf form, I scramble to my feet.

His dark wolf is menacing as he strolls with calculated steps toward me. Licking his lips, his head remains low as if closing in on his prey.

My training has begun.

Closing my eyes, a trickle of fear courses through me. It's enough to give me the spark I need to invoke the wolf on command.

When she comes forward, the streak of lightning bolting across her back, I open my eyes.

Theo is closer now.

‘Nice dodge,’ Theo praises through the mind link we share. He keeps stepping closer.

He's trying to get me off-guard.

‘Thank you, Alpha,’ I reply, though I remain cautious as he begins to walk around me. The sound of padded paws on the ground sounds threatening to me.

But as menacing as it is, the sudden bout of awareness I feel is incredibly intense. The close proximity allows me to soak in his scent as if it’s the only air I need to fill my lungs.

It’s sweet and mellow, distracting me when he knocks his dark head into my side.

‘Ouch!’ I whimper, losing my footing. Almost as quickly as he’d knocked me, he grabs my forearm with the teeth of the wolf and steadies me again.

‘Sorry…’ he says, with round eyes of the wolf staring at me apologetically.

Mentally smiling, I take advantage of his humility by playfully hitting him on the side. ‘I’m not sorry!’ I tease as I run off in the opposite direction.

‘Oh, I’m gonna get you for that!’ Theo taunts as he chases me into the center of the fighting ring.

‘You can try!’ I call back.

Chapter 12

THEO

“Woah!” Mia exclaims breathlessly in human form.

I can’t help but smile as I watch her chest heaving from the strength of her panting. With sweat bedewed across her forehead, there’s a visible glow on her face.

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