My Alpha's Mark

73 Maybe

Kacie

By the time we were done, sweat coated our skin and we were exhausted. Viktor and I trained for hours and when we stepped out of the woods the moon was high in the sky. I accidentally burned him a few times but I had to admit I had control the entire time and I’d had fun letting go.

I hadn’t let Athena out today, as badly as she wanted to, I couldn’t let her convince me. I told her baby steps. I wanted to be this “badass” Viktor thought I was but I couldn’t afford to do this rashly.

No matter how much I was breaking down inside, there was one person in the world that could always make me smile. Being able to have this time with Viktor. Yes, it hadn’t been long since I’d come back, and yeah, it hadn’t been long since we’d been attacked in the middle of the night, but my mate could always quell the sadness in me. At least, for a few hours.

Viktor stepped forward and opened the door for me. I flashed him a smile before walking in first. It was late and I wasn’t expecting anyone to be in the lobby.

“You look like shit, Alpha,” Jake barked, a laugh and I jumped in surprise. He lay on the couch next to the wall and his eyes never left me.

I gave him a nod.

Viktor only laughed.

“Were you waiting up for us?” Viktor asked.

Jake huffed and flashed us his best sad face. “It’s hard being a housewife,” he sighed.

I choked on my own spit while Viktor burst into throaty laughter that had me following suit. When we calmed down, my stomach hurt a little and Jake was staring at us with a smirk.

“Did our Luna whoop your ass?” He asked, his eyes found Viktor. “Our Luna-,” Viktor stopped talking mid-sentence.

Turning to my mate, his gaze slid down my body before finding Jake’s eyes. “I cannot agree or deny what took place in those woods,” he said. My cheeks heated at what his words hinted at.

I shook my head and a smile played on my lips.

“Oh to be lucky,” Jake sighed.

Viktor strode over and sat on the couch beside Jake’s. I walked into the sitting area and sat in one of the love seats. Jake’s eyes followed my movements.

“You look good, Luna,” Jake started, “Happy,” he said with a lop-sided smile.

“I think the word you’re looking for is relaxed,” I said. I arched my back and lifted my arms as I stretched.

“Oh, that felt good,” I groaned.

“The Goddess must favor me,” Viktor said quietly. “You should have seen her out there today, Beta.”

Jake sat up straight. He wasn’t in wolf form but I swear I could see his ears perk up. “Oh yeah?” He asked, his eyes wide and round with excitement.

“If another wolf were to come across her the way I saw her today, they’d run in the opposite direction with their tail tucked between their legs,” Viktor boasted proudly.

My face warmed and I didn’t have to look into a mirror to know I was as red as a tomato. They were laying it on thick today and I fought the urge to bury my face in my hands.

“I wouldn’t say that,” I mumbled.

“I would. If you continue training like you did today and continue to push yourself to see how far you can take it, even the witches would be smart to fear you,” Viktor said.

A small lump formed in my throat. The mention of witches had my mind wondering how Clara was doing. I remembered the last time I had seen her and the power she had.

She was not someone to be trifled with. A shiver slithered down my spine and I shook my head.

“Maybe,” I laugh. “I don’t know about the other witches but I know for sure I’ve got nothing on Clara.

Viktor quieted at her name and Jake looked out the window. It was dark outside and it had started raining. The lobby was still empty and quiet.

I cleared my throat and tried to think of something else to talk about. He must have sensed my awkwardness because Jake spoke next.

“We should think about setting up a few obstacles to help you with your training,” Viktor said.

“Ooh, that’s right. That would be sick to watch. Are you ready to kick some ass at practice tomorrow?” Jake asked. He wriggled his eyebrows and I laughed at the sight.

“I’m not sure about training the flames with pack members present,” I said to Viktor. “As for kicking ass, I have to beat Haley first and with the way she’s been training me, I don’t think that will happen anytime soon.”

“You almost blew her away,” Jake said.

“That was the flames, I want to be able to beat her without them,” I said. “I’ll make sure to dedicate time to training the flames.”

“You don’t want to train them during practice? I’m not sure that’s the best choice. As your Beta, I think it would be better for you if you could train without restraint,” Jake said, “alongside your pack.”

I froze and Viktor didn’t say anything either.

“What do you think, Alpha? You don’t agree with me?” Jake asked Viktor. My mate crossed his arms in front of his chest and leaned his head to the side in thought.

“I agree she should train with her pack,” Viktor said.

“And what about the flames?” Jake asked.

“I think Kacie should do what she’s comfortable with… but I do think she shouldn’t shy away from exercising her power,” he said. I take a deep breath and breathe out, allowing my shoulders to relax.

“I don’t think that would be the smartest idea,” I said. “I don’t want to risk anyone’s safety.”

“But-” I stand up and Jake stops talking.

“I’m tired,” I tell him.

“Yes, Luna,” he said.

Viktor gets up and walks to my side. His hand on my lower back warms me. Before we walk away, I look at Jake.

“I don’t want to risk anyone’s safety. I’ll bring it up at practice and ask the others how they feel about it. I want them to be comfortable,” I tell him.

Jake bows his head and Viktor leads me away.