Chapter 0035

"Good. That's settled." He extended his hand, waiting patiently as I took it. "Now you come with me."

"Where are we going?" I muttered, a sudden wave of panic rushing through me.

"I told you training would begin once you healed."

He kept his hand firmly around mine as we walked across the grounds. I wasn't sure if he was making a point, but I didn't care. His touch was warm. Comforting.

As we moved, I spotted Beta Sebastian standing near a small windowless building with a single door. I wondered where it led.

Alpha Alexander pushed open a set of double doors leading into a gym. It was already full of sweaty men and women training.

"Everyone out!" His voice echoed through the space.

One by one, they grabbed their belongings and filed out until we were alone.

"Right." He guided me toward the mats and turned me to face him. "Make a fist."

I balled my hand. He shook his head.

"Give me a thumbs up." I obeyed. "Now wrap your thumb around the outside." He took my newly formed fist. "If you punch someone with your thumb inside, you'll break it. Since you can't heal, I'd prefer to avoid another hospital visit."

After watching me hit the punching bag a few times, Alpha Alexander suggested we start with blocking. I would've been more frustrated if I didn't agree. The bag had barely moved.

He spent time showing me how to defend against frontal attacks. But when he moved behind me, locking his arms around my body, I froze. Lost in the warmth surrounding me.

"Athena, are you going to try anything?" His minty breath brushed my skin as he whispered in my ear. One hand pressed flat against my stomach. The other held my shoulders firmly.

"Earth to Athena?" He loosened his grip slightly.

"I... I need to use the bathroom," I stammered, flustered.

He released me and pointed toward the end of the gym.

I ran without looking back. Burst into the women's bathroom and locked myself in a stall.

I had never felt this way around any man. Ever. It made me question if something was wrong with me. Why did he affect me like this?

"You don't have to be embarrassed." His deep voice came from the other side of the door. "I can help you with your... needs."

Amusement tinged his words.

"After all, you're mine for the year."

He pushed the unlocked door open.

His crimson eyes seemed darker than usual. They focused heavily on me. Only me.

I thought I was ready. I thought I was certain when I agreed to carry his heir.

But as he stared at me with growing hunger, I knew I couldn't just give myself to him.

"I can help you release that frustration." He smiled. "Or I can teach you how to release it yourself."

I pushed the door closed in his face. "I'm not... I'm not ready."

"You're only going to suffer. It will get worse. You'll grow more restless. Maybe even angry." Was he talking about himself?

I ripped the door open and glared at him. "What does that mean? Are you just saying that to get into my pants?"

"You're part animal. It's a natural instinct. You might ignore it now, but it will consume you. I'll become part of your everyday thoughts. Even now, I can still smell your arousal. It's only growing stronger."

I clamped my thighs together. His eyes dropped to them.

"Your underwear is soaked. You feel a dull throb deep inside. An ache. A longing."