Page 78 of The Alpha's Forced Rejected Mate
"The children learn fast with you," he said.
Luna straightened. "They just needed a different tact. Fear doesn't motivate children."
"I wasn't trying to frighten them."
"I know." Her expression softened. "But you can be…intense."
Dominic couldn’t stop a small smile. "So I've been told."
Their eyes locked, and he couldn’t help the thought that came without effort.
Luna glanced away. "I should go. I was planning to work with the grimoire this afternoon."
"How's that going?" he asked, reluctant to end their conversation.
"Slowly. There's so much to learn, and I feel like I'm running out of time."
"Show me," he said, feeling bad that he couldn’t help her.
Luna didn’t make a good job of hiding her shock. "You want to see me train?"
"Yes." The answer was simple. He wanted to help her, protect her, and be close to her. And watching her train would help with that.
***
In the clearing behind Dominic's cabin, they made use of a remote spot enclosed by imposing pines. Luna had been utilizing it as a private training ground, the charred patches of earth and ruptured tree trunks evidence of her practice sessions.
Standing in the middle, an open grimoire lay on a flat rock beside her. Luna had cast away her dress for something handier: black leggings and an indigo tunic that hugged her ample curves. Her silver hair was left loosely braided down her back.
Leaning against the tree, Dominic's arms were crossed over his chest, eyes fixed on the attempt to conjure a protective barrier, which in her opinion was one of the most useful spells in the grimoire because it formed a barrier against physical and magical attacks.
Luna closed her eyes, lips silently mouthing the incantation. Her hands sketched exquisite patterns in the air, the trails left faintly glowing with golden light. The air shimmered for a moment around her as the beginnings of a barrier took form, only to fall away into nothingness, vanishing like smoke.
"Damn it!" She kicked the dirt, her entire body conveying her frustration.
"What's going on?" Dominic asked, pulling away from the tree.
Luna ran a hand over her face. "I can't hold it. The spell requires continuous concentration, and I keep losing focus." She gestured at the grimoire. "It should create a complete dome of protection, but I can barely manage a weak shield for more than a few seconds."
Dominic approached, studying the ancient book. The faded diagrams on the pages seemed to shift subtly when he wasn't looking directly at them.
"Show me again," he said, beside her now.
Luna took a deep breath and began again, her hands moving with grace. The golden light appeared, brighter this time, and formed a translucent half-dome around her. For a moment, it appeared to hold—then flickered and vanished.
"See?" She threw up her hands. "I can't keep it steady."
Dominic considered the problem. "What are you thinking about when you do magic?"
"The spell, obviously," she replied, sounding slightly irritated by his question. "The words, the gestures, channeling the energy…"
"I think that’s what holds you back." Dominic moved closer, his body just inches from hers. "You're thinking about how it works, not the purpose."
Two confused blue eyes looked up at him. "What do you mean?"
"When I train my wolves to fight, I don't have them cram technique. I teach them why each move matters—what they're protecting, and what they're fighting for. The rest is instinct."
His fingers brushed against her arm. "Your magic isn't just about words and spells. It's about intention. You were much stronger when you fought me at the library because you had conviction."
