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“Don’t stress so hard about it,” Iris says. “You start by strengthening your body. Run every day and add a good amount of protein to your diet. You might not be able to jog for long during the initial days but if you keep at it, you’ll get stronger. Eventually, you’d be able to run longer too.”
“It takes time to build strength and stamina,” Julian adds. “The key is to stay consistent and persistent. Don’t give up even when it feels like you’re going nowhere. Just keep practicing. And one day, you will see results.”
“I’m sure Seth, Oliver, and Simon would be happy to help you,” Iris says. “Training young cadets is part of their jobs. Just tell them what you have in mind and they’ll help you.”
“You can learn to shoot too,” Julian says with a wink. “A gun in your purse will come in handy if you ever find yourself facing an asshole from the Black Widow. Shoot them in the knee, kick them in the teeth, and get the hell out of there.”
A chuckle bubbles out of my lips as my mind visualizes the scene with Vaughn Dumas. If I had a gun with me last night, I’d have shot him for trying to force himself on me.
A kind of warmth rushes through me as a deep realization hits me. I don’t have to remain a victim for the rest of my life. If I try hard enough, I can become physically strong.
“Look, our girl is smiling,” Julian says, his violet eyes shining with excitement. His arms wrap around Iris’s waist as he pulls her closer. “I think we got through to her.”
Iris looks at me with a hopeful gaze. “Do you feel better?”
“Yeah,” I answer honestly. “Thank you so much for making me feel like I can do something to protect myself and my mates.”
“Oh, don’t thank us,” Julian says. “We’re all friends here.”
“We’re family,” Iris says, smiling warmly.
Her bright green eyes remind me of Seth again. It’s hard not to feel connected to Iris who’s the sweetest omega I’ve met in my life.
“Come here,” Iris says, pulling me into a hug.
Clinging to her, I let the tears fall from my eyes. I’ll never allow myself to feel weak again, I vow silently.
14
Aurora
Happiness spreads through me as I eat a spoonful of the most decadent chocolate chip brownie. Iris isn’t just a martial arts expert, she’s an amazing cook too!
“Is there anything you can’t do?” I ask, licking my spoon.
We’re all gathered in the luxurious dining room at Solveig Manor. Iris has whipped up a feast for a late-night dinner and we’re all enjoying our desserts.
Iris chuckles. “My best friend’s a chef,” she says, grinning. “He taught me most of the stuff I know.”
“Iris is absolutely perfect,” Julian says, his violet eyes shining with deep adoration.
“Are we going to have any leftovers?” Oliver asks, trying to peek into the brownie dish.
“Nope, it’s all going into my belly,” Julian says with a sharp glare at Oliver.
“Don’t be mean,” Iris says with a playful pout. “It’s not like they come over every day.”
“But you know how much I love these brownies,” Julian says in a whiny voice, looking amusingly cute.
“I can make them for you anytime,” she says, pecking his lips.
“That’s true,” Julian says, relenting. “Fine...he can take the leftovers home.”
Identical grins descend on Oliver and Simon’s faces. I’m secretly glad too because I’m definitely going to be stealing some of this delicious brownie when I have more space in my stomach.
Seth checks his watch. Other than talking to Caleb in a low voice, he’s been quiet through dinner.
“Would you pack them up for us, Iris?” Seth says. “I want to get Rory home.”
