Page 43 of The Alpha's Forbidden Heir

"I don't care!" He crosses his arms, his lower lip jutting out. "I don't want to do it without Mom!"

Aria, standing a few feet behind him, sighs and gives me a helpless look. She isn't helping my case, and Elias clearly knows it.

"You'll be fine," I try again, crouching down to his level. "This is important. Your wolf is a part of you, Elias. If you don't learn control it, it'll take over."

His little face scrunches up, frustration rolling off him in waves. "But I want Mom to come! She's not doing anything!"

"Elias," Aria starts, stepping forward, but I hold up a hand.

"No, it's fine," I say, straightening. "If it makes him feel better, you'll come with us."

Her eyebrows shoot up. "What?"

"He doesn't want to be separated from you," I say with a shrug. "I don't see the harm in you being there."

Aria crosses her arms, clearly annoyed. "This is wolf training, Bane. I'm human. What am I supposed to do? Cheer him on from the sidelines?"

"Exactly," I say with a smirk. "Or maybe take notes. You could learn a thing or two."

Her eyes narrow, but before she can retort, Elias chimes in, his face lighting up. "So, you'll come, Mom?"

Aria sighs, her shoulders slumping. "Fine. But don't expect me to jump into any of this wolf business."

Elias whoops in triumph, and I can't help but smile at his excitement.

The training grounds are quiet when we arrive, the early morning mist clinging to the air. Elias practically drags Aria along, his earlier tantrum forgotten as he peppers her with questions.

"Do you think I'll be able to run super fast like Dad?"

"Probably," Aria replies, glancing at me. "Your dad is pretty fast."

"And strong!" Elias adds. "Right, Dad?"

I chuckle. "Stronger than anyone, kid. But we're not here to show off. Today's about learning focus."

"Focus is boring," Elias mutters, kicking a pebble as we stop in the clearing.

"You won't think it's boring when you're able to shift without ripping through all your clothes," I say, ruffling his hair.

Aria snorts softly, and I glance at her. "Something funny?"

She shrugs, a small smirk playing on her lips. "I'm just picturing you as a kid, throwing tantrums like Elias."

"I didn't throw tantrums," I say, feigning indignation.

"Sure you didn't," she teases.

Elias interrupts, tugging on my arm. "Can we start now?"

I nod, stepping back a little. "Alright, first things first. Elias, close your eyes."

He obeys, scrunching his face like he's trying too hard already.

"Relax," I say, crouching in front of him. "Take a deep breath. Feel for your wolf. He's there, just beneath the surface."

Elias exhales loudly, his shoulders relaxing slightly. I glance at Aria, who is watching intently, her arms wrapped around herself.

"Are you sure this is safe?" She asks quietly.

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