Chapter 0191

It felt like a scolding. My mind instinctively sought solutions. That's just how I functioned. I couldn't help it.

"You enjoyed it when I embraced my killer instinct," I mumbled quietly. We had sex in the woods that day.

"I did," he admitted. "But losing you because of it..." His voice trailed off as he shook his head. "I can't lose you. Or the twins. Understand?"

I nodded, trying to clear my thoughts as he straightened to his full height. His attention returned to the training session.

Lying back on the artificial turf, I gazed up at the clear blue sky. Alexander was maximizing this morning's training session. A storm was forecasted for tonight.

I despised storms. The sharp crack of lightning always brought back memories of being struck. Especially the whip. Sleep would likely evade me later.

Brianna bounded over after training concluded. Her skin glistened with sweat. She wiped her forehead, flicking beads of perspiration onto the grass.

"So? How did I perform?"

"Exactly as I anticipated."

She smiled at him. "So I got the position, right?"

Alexander raised an eyebrow in confusion.

"Protecting Athena, correct?"

"I don't require protection!" I snapped. Alexander's hand immediately wrapped around my wrist. His warning glare silently commanded me to calm down.

"What Athena means is that she currently doesn't need protection. She has me," he told Brianna with a smile.

"I thought that was why you wanted me to train? To test my abilities so you'd know I could guard her."

"I believe you misunderstood, Brianna. I said to test you while I watch Athena," Alexander clarified. "I appreciate your offer of service, but Athena isn't leaving my side at present."

Annoyance flashed in her brown eyes. I wasn't sure if Alexander noticed. If he did, his expression remained unreadable.

"Oh," she sighed. "I only wanted to help. You allowed Zachary to assist."

"Zachary didn't give me much choice," Alexander murmured without looking at her. His eyes continued scanning the remaining trainees.

"What does that mean?" Brianna pressed.

"It's unimportant."

But curiosity stirred within me too. What did he mean? As far as I knew, Zachary had simply started positioning himself near me. I would have to ask Alexander later when we were alone.

Brianna turned her attention to me. "I was only trying to help."

I remained silent. The words ready to leave my mouth would only worry Alexander. Instead, I forced them down and asked if he had any more snacks.

"Not on me. We're finished here anyway. Let's go."

We turned away from Brianna. Alexander draped his arm around my shoulders. "What are you planning?" I murmured as we left the training grounds.

"Just working through something. Until I know more, your only focus should be growing my sons."

"No secrets," I muttered as a kick landed against my bladder.

"It's not a secret. It's a theory."

"What's that supposed to mean?"

He stopped me and spun me around to face him. His hands enveloped mine. "I'm developing several ideas. For now, it's best that only I know them. If the time comes when you need to know, I'll tell you."

"Does anyone else know?"

He shook his head. A strange glint appeared in his crimson eyes. The same look he had given me that first day at Silver Creek. A knowing look. A plan simmered beneath the surface.

Once, I might have been frightened. I might have tried to hide. But whatever he was orchestrating, he was doing it for us. I had to trust that.