Page 73 of The Alpha's Forced Rejected Mate
"Well, besides help with grinding this," she said, "I could use some more materials. The spell requires specific items at each cardinal point."
Mia nodded, stepping forward. "Show us what to look for."
***
By midday, Luna had placed wards at three different points along the northern border. Working with the patrol members had been surprisingly…pleasant. Their initial wariness had gradually given way to curiosity as Luna explained the basics of the spell.
Liam had proven particularly helpful, his knowledge of the forest leading them to a cluster of rare herbs Luna needed.
"You're not what I expected," Sophia admitted as they finished the third ward. "When Alpha Dominic brought you back, everyone was talking about the dangerous witch who'd bewitched him."
Luna's hands stilled momentarily. "And what do you think now?"
Sophia simply shrugged. "I think you're just trying to help. And anyone who can make Liam keep quiet for longer than five minutes is always welcome."
"Hey!" Liam protested from where he was collecting the empty herb pouches. "I was listening, not shutting up. There's a difference."
Mia laughed, the sound bright in the quiet forest. "A minor one, in your case."
Luna watched their easy banter with a strange ache in her chest. She had never experienced this kind of casual camaraderie, even before she left the pack. Her mother was her only friend then.
"We should head back," Mia said, glancing at the sun's position overhead. "We have a training session this afternoon."
Luna nodded, carefully packing away her remaining supplies. "Thank you for your help. This would have taken me all day alone."
"Will you be coming to training?" Liam asked as they began walking back through the forest.
In response, Luna just shook her head.
"Okay then," Liam replied with a shrug. "You’ll be missing out, though. Alpha Dominic will be putting us through our paces. Quite the sight."
Beside him, Sophia rolled her eyes.
"Ignore him," she advised Luna. "Every man thinks they’re funny and Liam thinks he's the funniest man alive."
When they got to the edge of the compound, the three patrol members headed toward the training grounds, while Luna turned back toward the forest.
But she didn’t go straight to the border. She'd planned to work on the eastern border next, but found herself taking the path that would skirt past the training area.
Just to see what's happening.
The pack members had gathered in a loose circle in the large training grounds, at least thirty of them, ranging from teenagers to seasoned adults, and Harrison stood in the center.
Luna moved as close as she could without being caught, finding a spot behind a large pine where she could get a good look. Harrison was speaking, his deep voice carrying across the clearing.
"...need to be prepared for any attack," he was saying. "It’s been long since our kind fought demons in the open; they are nothing like other enemies. Their cunning, power, and ability to exploit weaknesses overshadows all."
Luna’s whole being responded as a figure took his place beside Harrison. Dominic, dressed in simple black training gear. Her breath caught at the sight of him.
"My son will demonstrate proper defense techniques," Harrison continued, stepping back. "Volunteers?"
Several pack members stepped forward eagerly. Luna watched as Dominic ran them through combat drills, his movements fluid and precise. He was a natural teacher, firm but patient, correcting stances with gentle adjustments rather than harsh criticism.
After about twenty minutes, Harrison called for a break. Pack members dispersed to grab water or rest briefly in the shade. Luna was about to retreat when Harrison's voice rang out again.
"Now, we'll practice in wolf form. Dominic will lead the first group."
Dominic moved to the center of the clearing. Without ceremony, he began to shift. The transformation itself was quick.
