Chapter 14 — Sparks in the Shadows
Kate's Pov
The air in the training yard felt heavier than usual, thick with the scent of sweat, damp earth, and the simmering tension of too many eyes watching me. I had been walking with Ryker, his hand brushing mine as we moved toward the center where the warriors trained. The Eclipse Pack had been slowly warming to me—at least some of them—but there were still those whose gazes were sharpened like blades.
Among them was Aria.
She stood in the shade of the sparring ring, her dark hair twisted into a sleek braid, and an expression that could cut glass. As Ryker spoke to Caden about some training schedules, I felt her gaze slide over me, lingering with disdain. Then, she moved forward, her boots crunching in the gravel.
"Well, well," Aria said, her tone dripping with mock sweetness. "If it isn't our… wolfless Luna."
A few warriors shifted uncomfortably, others smirked. My heart thumped, but I refused to drop my chin. "What do you want, Aria?"
She let her eyes sweep over me deliberately. "I want what's best for this pack. And a fragile little omega without a wolf doesn't exactly scream 'Luna material,' does it?"
I felt the sting in her words, but before I could answer, a ripple of murmurs broke through the crowd. Lila stepped forward—young, with bright hazel eyes and a braid almost as long as Aria's. She was one of the warriors I'd spoken to a few times, always kind but quiet.
"That's enough, Aria," Lila said, her voice clear. "The Alpha chose her. And frankly, I'd rather have a Luna with heart than one who just looks good in a fight."
Gasps rippled through the gathered wolves. Aria's lips curled into a dangerous smile. "Careful, pup. You might want to think twice before speaking against me."
"I'm not afraid of you," Lila said firmly. Then she glanced my way, a flicker of something like solidarity passing between us.
Ryker had turned at the first raised voice, his eyes flashing dangerously. "Aria," he said, his voice low and edged, "you will show respect to your future Luna."
But Aria didn't back down. Instead, she stepped closer to me, her eyes gleaming like a predator who'd scented weakness. "Then let's settle it the old way, Alpha. A duel. If I win, she rejects you and leaves the pack. If she wins, she gets to keep the title she's been handed on a silver platter."
The crowd erupted in murmurs. My pulse hammered in my ears, but instead of fear, a strange calm settled over me. I straightened, locking my gaze with hers. "Fine," I said, my voice steady. "I accept."
A flicker of surprise crossed her face, quickly masked by a smug smile. "Good. We'll see who's still standing when it's over."
As she turned and stalked away, I felt Ryker's eyes burning into me.
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Ryker's Pov
Every muscle in my body screamed at me to put Aria in her place right then and there, but I forced myself to breathe. I couldn't fight this fight for Kate—not this one.
I watched her standing tall, meeting Aria's challenge without flinching. Pride swelled in my chest, tangled with a deep, primal need to protect her. But there was also a sharp edge of worry. Kate was strong in ways she didn't yet understand, but Aria was a seasoned fighter.
I moved closer to her, my voice low enough that only she could hear. "You didn't have to accept that."
Her eyes met mine, green and steady. "Yes, I did. I'm not going to let her, or anyone else, decide my worth."
Damn it, she had that fire in her eyes again—the kind that both terrified and thrilled me.
Around us, the crowd began to disperse, muttering about the upcoming duel. I caught Lila's gaze for a moment and gave her a small nod. She'd earned my respect today.
But my attention was already back on Kate. I stepped closer, brushing my fingers against hers briefly, a silent promise I wasn't letting her face this alone. "Then we'll make sure you're ready," I murmured.
Her lips curved faintly, but she didn't speak. We both knew this wasn't just about a title—it was about her place in this pack, and maybe even in my life.
And I'd be damned if anyone took that from her.