Chapter 0037

Father and I returned to the house to prepare for Alpha Sebastian's arrival. While he wheeled off to shower, I began preparing a warm apple crisp with caramel drizzle - perfect for post-workout coffee. Did apple crisp complement bear meat? No idea, but we'd find out soon enough. With the dessert baking, I shredded potatoes and cheese for a gratin. Spotting fresh spinach in the fridge, I decided on garlic sautéed greens to complete our meal. The side dishes could wait until father started cooking the bear meat.

I hurried upstairs to change into training gear. Just as I descended, a knock echoed through the house. Sebastian's distinctive scent - like a pine forest after snowfall - reached me before I even opened the door.

The sight surprised me. In one hand he held a bouquet of delicate winter blooms, while the other balanced an enormous cooler against his shoulder. I quickly relieved him of the flowers so he could manage the heavy load. As he passed into the kitchen, he paused to brush his lips against mine in a fleeting kiss.

Following him while inhaling the floral fragrance, I asked, "Where did you possibly find flowers in late January?"

He turned with that heart-stopping smile. "Snowdrops. They grow wild in Nightshade territory. Their white petals always remind me of Selene's eyes." At the mention, my wolf pushed forward proudly. Sebastian closed the distance, hands settling on my hips as his eyes darkened with Dorian's presence. "There she is - those mesmerizing eyes I adore."

Before the moment could deepen, father's wheelchair announced his arrival. "Alpha Sebastian, I presume?"

As Sebastian moved to greet him, I arranged the flowers in water. Dorian remained prominent as Sebastian extended his hand respectfully. "Warrior Grant. The honor is mine, sir."

Father grasped his hand firmly. "A courteous Alpha. You're making a good first impression."

"Though I hope you don't expect special treatment during training, Alpha. Since hearing I'd be working with you today, I've planned quite the... intensive session."

"The privilege is mine, and I'd expect nothing less from our greatest warrior."

"Flattery won't earn you mercy, son. Ready to begin?" Sebastian grinned and turned to me. "At your command, Evelyn."

"Then let's begin."

For two relentless hours, father put us through punishing drills. Training with Sebastian differed dramatically from sparring with our warriors. While our fighters were skilled, Alphas commanded packs for good reason. Sebastian moved with breathtaking precision - powerful yet controlled, aggressive yet measured. Whether he felt the strain or not, this ranked among my most grueling sessions ever.

Father proved an exceptional instructor. Whenever Sebastian bested me, we'd pause to analyze the technique, with father demonstrating counters and strategies to exploit Sebastian's own strength against him. The same occurred when I gained advantage - father advising Sebastian on leveraging his power to break holds.

By session's end, we both gasped for air, sweat-drenched and exhausted.

Then father announced the true test: the obstacle course. Sebastian's eyes lit up with anticipation - clearly he'd been hoping for this challenge.

Father explained the rules: simultaneous start, identical obstacles testing every physical attribute imaginable, with victory going to the first completing the brutal course.

After outlining the parameters, father asked if we had questions. Sebastian turned to me with a smirk. "Just one - how many times have you run this gauntlet, little hellion?"

I feigned indignation. "For fairness' sake, Alpha, this is my first attempt."

"Fair play." He extended his hand. "May the best warrior prevail."