Damn council meetings. Nothing but hours of territorial disputes and bureaucratic bullshit. Being Alpha means endless negotiations with neighboring packs when I’d rather be home. The meeting with the Northern Alphas dragged on three hours longer than planned. All I wanted now was quiet. 

I rolled my shoulders as I climbed the stairs to my private quarters. Another border dispute resolved through diplomacy instead of teeth and claws. Progress, but exhausting. 

The sound of rhythmic impacts drew me toward my personal training room. The door stood slightly ajar, warm light spilling into the hallway. I paused at the threshold, surprised. 

Aria stood before the heavy leather punching bag, delivering precise strikes that made the reinforced equipment swing. Sweat gleamed on her skin as she pivoted smoothly into a spinning kick. The bag shuddered from the impact. 

I leaned against the doorframe, watching. Her form was nearly perfect–balanced, controlled, efficient. Gabriel had trained her well. But there was something more–something beyond technique. Her movements held a natural grace that couldn’t be taught. 

My muscles tensed involuntarily. I felt an overwhelming urge to protect her whenever she was near. Phantom stirred within me, unusually attentive. The wolf recognized something in her that went beyond my conscious understanding. 

Her next combination–jab, cross, elbow strike–showed power that shouldn’t be possible for her frame. She moved with the deau, precision of a predator, 

not prey. 

Aria suddenly froze mid–strike. Without turning around, she asked, “How long are you going to stand there?” 

I couldn’t help but smile. Most pack members couldn’t sense me until I wanted them to. “Long enough to be impressed.” 

She turned, chest rising and falling with exertion. Sweat dampened her hair, and her skin glowed with effort. She grabbed a towel from the bench and wiped her face. 

Catching my gaze, I felt my breath catch. Danin, she was stunning–the way strength and grace intertwined in her movements was mesmerizing. 

“The council meeting ran long,” I said, entering the room fully. 

1/3 

Chapter 49 

I’m never too busy for you,” I said quietly, “You know that.” 

Her eyes met mine, steady and unafraid. 

I reached out, brushing sweat from her forehead. The simple contact sent electricity through my fingertips. “Training this hard after the day you’ve had…. you’re remarkable.” 

Her breathing quickened slightly. “Not nearly as remarkable as you, Alpha. I’ve seen you with the council members,” 

I chuckled. “Dealing with bureaucracy isn’t exactly heroic.” 

‘No, but the way you command respect without threats or intimidation is.” She didn’t move away from my touch. “That’s real power.” 

My hand lingered near her face. “Power isn’t what matters.” 

“Then what does?” she asked, her voice barely above a whisper. 

“How you use it. Who you protect with it.” 

Something unspoken passed between us. The air felt charged, heavy with possibilities neither of us had voiced. 

This is crazy,” she said suddenly. “Alpha having these feelings for me…” 

“You’re special to me,” I responded, moving closer. “More than 

you 

realize.” 

She swallowed hard. “Every time you’re near, I feel safe but excited at once.” 

‘You affect me the same way, little hunter. The nickname slipped out naturally. 

ma forward but I held back. She deserved more than musta 

213 

Chapter 49 

“That’s all I ask.” 

We stalked each other on the mat, Aria moving with deadly precision, her stance perfect as she studied my every movement. Her eyes narrowed as we circled. She struck first–jabbing at my solar plexus with explosive speed. I deflected it, the contact sending electricity through my arm. I admired her raw 

aggression. 

For several minutes, we exchanged controlled blows and blocks. I pulled my strength, but her technique was flawless. Every movement flowed with deadly grace, her body responding to mine with perfect timing. 

When she attempted to sweep my legs, I caught her mid–attack and used her momentum to slam her down. She twisted violently but couldn’t break free as I pinned her firmly to the mat. My body pressed hard against hers, our faces so close I could count her eyelashes. The heat between us intensified with each ragged breath. 

Her heart hammered against my chest, wild and urgent. Her hot breath hit my face in quick, desperate bursts. Our eyes locked in a battle of wills, both of as frozen in this dangerous position. 

‘I could break free,” she whispered, her voice husky with something beyond exertion, yet she remained motionless under my firm grip. 

“I know,” I growled, tightening my hold rather than loosening it, pressing her deeper into the mat. 

Raw tension crackled between us. Her rapid heartbeat matched my pounding pulse, both racing out of control. The air thickened with unspoken desire. 

“Jace,” she breathed. 

I crashed my mouth against hers without warning. 

The kiss started with restrained hunger but when she pushed her body up against mine, I lost all control. Phantom howled savagely inside me as I devoured her mouth completely. My hands gripped her harder, possessively. 

Her fingers dug into my shoulders, then scraped down my back, nails leaving marks as she pulled me against her with desperate need. Her lips parted, inviting me deeper. Nothing existed beyond the heat of her body, the intoxicating scent of her skin, the addictive taste of her mouth. I groaned against her Hips, unable to contain the sound. 

When we finally tore apart, gasping desperately for air, I pressed my forehead hard against hers, unwilling to create even an inch of distance. 

“What happens now?” Vulnerability flashed in her eyes, mixed with undisguised want. 

I dragged my thumb roughly across her swollen lip. “Whatever you demand. I won’t force what you’re not ready to give.” My voice came out deeper, strained with barely controlled desire. 

“And if I want more?” Her words hit me with undeniable force, bold and unashamed, her hips shifting subtly beneath mine. 

My control snapped completely. “Then this mat won’t be enough for what I need to do to you right now.” I gripped her thigh, fingers digging into firm muscle as our mouths collided again with bruising force.