Page 53 of The Alpha's Forbidden Heir

Elias laughs, shaking his head. "Okay, fine. But you're missing out!" He spins on his heel and darts back to Aria, who is already waiting with a fresh spoon of batter.

"I'm sure I am," I mutter, watching them dive back into their chaotic baking session.

My mind drifts to the crumpled note still sitting on Aria's drawer. “Leave. Take your half-breed son and go before it’s too late.” The words feel like a noose tightening around my throat.

Rook’s warning from earlier pounds in my skull. "They’re not bluffing this time, Bane. If you hesitate, they’ll make the first strike—and they’ll make it count."

I clench my fists, my nails biting into my palms as I watch Aria smear flour on Elias’s nose, her laugh so carefree.

My hand grips the doorframe as I glance toward them.

If they’re coming for her—if they’re coming for Elias—then I’ll make damn sure they regret it.

Chapter Sixteen

Aria

The morning sun is already high as I step outside, the crisp air filling my lungs. The pack grounds are bustling with activity, and as I make my way toward the training field, I can't help but stop and watch.

Dozens of wolves move in perfect synchronization, sparring, shifting, and practicing attacks with fierce determination.

My gaze lingers, but my mind wanders. Father would never have let me see this.

I straighten my shoulders. I'm not that woman anymore.

A decision sparks in my chest as I turn on my heel and head toward the pack house.

Bane is in the living room, reviewing maps with Rook. His brow is furrowed in concentration, but as soon as I walk in, his head tilts up, and his eyes fix on me.

"Aria." His deep voice always makes my stomach flutter. "What's on your mind?"

I stop in front of him, folding my arms over my chest. "I want you to teach me self-defense."

Bane blinks, then chuckles—a low, rumbling sound that makes me grit my teeth.

"I'm serious," I press.

"Oh, I can see that, princess," he says, his lips twitching. "But you've never struck me as the type to punch first and ask questions later."

"Maybe not," I admit, "but things have changed. I need to learn. For myself... for Elias."

That sobers him a bit. His playful smirk fades, replaced by something deeper, more thoughtful. After a moment, he stands, towering over me.

"Alright," he says, nodding. "Follow me."

Bane's private gym is massive, a sleek room lined with state-of-the-art equipment and padded floors. Weapons hang on one wall, gleaming under the overhead lights.

"Impressive," I murmur, walking inside.

"I didn't think you'd settle for anything less," Bane teases, grabbing a pair of gloves. "We'll start easy. Stretch first. Let me see what we're working with."

I roll my eyes but I do as he asks, stretching my arms and legs. His gaze burns into me the entire time, making it nearly impossible to focus.

When I finish, he tosses the gloves to me. "Alright, hands up. Show me your stance."

I fumble into what I think is a defensive position, but his snort tells me everything I need to know.

"Not like that," he says, stepping closer.

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