Kael paced back and forth in his office, his hands clenched into fists. His every step seemed heavier than the last, the weight of his emotions seeping into the air. Bella sat across from him, calm but firm as she tried to reason with him.
“That boy has no business being anywhere near Rosalie,” Kael growled, his tone sharp and unforgiving.
Bella leaned back in her chair, crossing her arms. “Kael, Alec is harmless. He’s just a curious young Alpha, visiting to discuss alliances. You’re overreacting.”
“Curious?” Kael barked, stopping mid-step to glare at her. “He’s an Alpha. There’s no such thing as ‘curious’ for someone like him. He’s testing boundaries, trying to find a weakness.”
“Or,” Bella countered, her voice soft but steady, “he’s just interested in Rosalie. She’s sixteen, Kael. You can’t shelter her forever.”
Kael’s expression hardened. “She’s not ready, Bella. She’s still figuring out her powers, her place in the pack. The last thing she needs is some cocky Alpha distracting her.”
Bella sighed, pinching the bridge of her nose. “If you keep smothering her like this, she’s going to push back. Let her make her own decisions, Kael. She’s not a child anymore.”
“She’s my daughter,” Kael snapped, his voice breaking slightly. “My responsibility. I won’t let anyone hurt her.”
Bella stood, her patience wearing thin. “Protecting her doesn’t mean controlling her. Trust her, Kael. She’s stronger than you think.”
Kael didn’t respond, his jaw tightening as he turned away.
Upstairs, Rosalie sat on the edge of her bed, staring out the window. The faint glow of the moon bathed her room in silver light, and she could hear the faint rumble of her parents’ voices downstairs. She couldn’t make out their words, but the tension was obvious.
“They’re talking about me again,” she muttered to herself, running a hand through her dark hair. “Like I’m some helpless pup.”
Her mind wandered to Alec—the way he’d smirked at her father, so confident and unapologetic. He was unlike anyone she’d ever met, and despite her father’s overprotectiveness, she couldn’t shake the curiosity that tugged at her.
With a determined breath, Rosalie stood and grabbed her jacket. She wasn’t going to sit around while her father dictated her life. Quietly, she opened her balcony door and slipped outside, climbing down the sturdy vine-covered trellis. Her feet landed softly on the ground, and she melted into the shadows, her hybrid senses guiding her as she made her way to the training grounds.
When she arrived, Alec was already there, leaning casually against a tree. The moonlight highlighted his sharp features, and he smiled when he saw her.
“I had a feeling you’d come,” he said, his tone laced with amusement.
Rosalie crossed her arms, feigning indifference. “You’re awfully sure of yourself.”
Alec chuckled, pushing off the tree and strolling toward her. “Confidence is an Alpha’s best trait.”
“Debatable,” Rosalie shot back, though she couldn’t stop the small smile that tugged at her lips.
Alec stopped a few feet away, his expression shifting to something more serious. “You’ve got potential, Rosalie. But you’re holding back.”
Her smile faded, replaced by a defensive scowl. “You don’t know anything about me.”
“Not yet,” Alec admitted, shrugging. “But I know hybrids. I know what it’s like to have power you’re afraid to use. You’re stronger than you realize, but strength means nothing without control.”
Rosalie tilted her head, studying him. “And you think you can help me?”
“I can push you,” Alec said simply. “Whether or not you let me is up to you.”
The challenge in his tone sparked something in Rosalie, and she stepped forward. “Fine. Show me what you’ve got.”
Alec’s grin widened. “I thought you’d never ask.”
They moved to the center of the training grounds, the night air cool against their skin. Alec gestured for her to attack, his stance relaxed yet ready.
“Come at me,” he said, his voice teasing.
Rosalie didn’t hesitate, lunging forward with speed and precision. Alec sidestepped her easily, his movements fluid.
“Faster,” he said, dodging another strike. “Come on, Rosalie. Don’t hold back.”
A growl escaped her lips as she pushed herself harder, her hybrid instincts taking over. Her movements became sharper, more aggressive, but Alec countered each attack with practiced ease.
“You’re better than I expected,” he admitted, ducking under a swipe.
Rosalie didn’t respond, her focus narrowing as she tapped into the power that simmered beneath the surface. She could feel it surging through her, a mix of wolf and something else—something wilder.
Alec seized the opportunity to sweep her legs out from under her, pinning her to the ground in one swift motion. Rosalie struggled against his grip, her heart pounding with frustration.
“Let me go,” she growled, her eyes flashing with a hint of her hybrid aura.
Alec leaned in closer, his voice low and steady. “You’re stronger than you think, Rosalie. But strength isn’t enough. You need control.”
Rosalie glared up at him, her breath coming in short bursts. “I have control.”
“Do you?” Alec asked, his green eyes piercing. “Prove it.”
Kael stood on the balcony of the packhouse, his sharp eyes scanning the territory. Something felt off, though he couldn’t place it.
“Rosalie,” he murmured, his wolf stirring uneasily.
Bella stepped out to join him, placing a hand on his arm. “She’s fine, Kael. Let her have some freedom.”