As I took a bite of buttered toast, my mom arrived. Her soft footsteps echoed through the kitchen as she approached Liza and wrapped her in a warm embrace.
“Good morning, dear,” she cooed, planting a tender kiss on Liza’s cheek. “I wanted to come by and check on you.”
“Thank you, Persephone,” Liza said, returning the embrace with a smile. “I’m doing better.”
Betterwas an understatement. Liza looked focused and ready for whatever challenges lay ahead. It was there in the way she held herself, and in the fire that burned behind her eyes. My wolf was proud, even as he bristled at the thought of her putting herself in harm’s way.
Dad strolled into the room not long after, his stomach growling at the sight of the table filled with food Liza had prepared, which had my mate giggling.
“Dominic, Persephone, would you like to join us for breakfast?” Liza gracefully glided across the kitchen to fetch extra plates and cups.
“Thank you, Liza. This looks wonderful,” my father said as he joined us at the table. His presence anchored the room, his natural leadership qualities shining through even in this casual setting.
“So?” Liam asked Liza, his eyes gleaming mischievously. “You think you’re ready for Ty’s training?”
Liza hesitated for a moment before responding, her brow furrowed in thought. “I don’t doubt Ty’s abilities,” she said. “But I can’t help but wonder if he might be too emotionally attached to train me properly.”
“Hey,” I muttered. Deep down, I thought she had a point. My wolf’s need to keep Liza unharmed could hinder my ability to push her to her limits.
“I agree with Liza,” my father said.
“Really, Dad?” I asked, annoyed. “You think I can’t handle training her?”
“It’s not a matter of whether you can handle it,” he answered patiently. “It’s a matter of whether you can do so objectively.And I believe that, given your feelings for Liza, it may be difficult.”
I groaned to hide the sting to my pride. “Fine. Liam, you’ll train her, then.”
“Me?” Liam gaped at me. “Are you sure?”
“Positive.” I forced a smile. “You’ll push her to be her best.”
My mother shook her head. “I don’t understand why Liza should train to fight at all. As the lady of the pack, she shouldn’t be concerned about learning to fight.”
“Persephone, my love,” Dominic said. “I understand your concerns, but we must face the reality that times are changing. We can’t expect Liza to sit idly by while danger threatens our pack.”
My mother sighed as her delicate features creased with worry. “I understand. I simply wish it weren’t necessary for her to be involved in such matters. She deserves a life of peace and happiness, not one filled with war and fighting.”
“Believe me, I wish the same,” my father assured her, taking her hand in his. “But we must do everything we can to protect this family, including ensuring Liza has the skills she needs to defend herself.”
“Very well.” My mother patted her mouth delicately with her napkin. “I will support her and trust that you all have her best interests at heart.”
“Thank you, Mom,” I said.
“Let’s get started, then.” Liam pushed his chair back and rose from the table. “Liza, meet me out back in ten minutes.”
My wolf growled in frustration, his instincts still urging me to protect Liza at all costs. I berated him and told him to calm the hell down.
With each step away from the kitchen, my jealousy and frustration grew stronger. My wolf snarled. He didn’t understand why I wasn’t the one training her. As much as itpained me to admit it, they were right. I had to put my emotions aside and trust Liam to do what was best for Liza and our pack.
Ten minutes later, I stood on the edge of the training field, watching as Liam and Liza squared off against each other. I put hand up to shield my eyes from the sun, keeping the other firmly tucked in my pocket as I willed myself to stay put and not interfere.
Liam slipped into a fighting stance. “The most important thing to remember is to keep your center of gravity low and maintain your balance. That way, you’re less likely to be knocked off your feet.”
“Got it,” she said, mimicking his posture.
“Good,” he praised, then lunged at her without warning.
Liza barely had time to react, but she managed to sidestep his attack. Liam immediately followed up with another strike, forcing her to jump back to avoid being hit.
