A Mate For Christmas

Chapter 8

Evie's eyes widened. "Really?"

"Yes. But it only happens after the mating is complete. After you and Gideon have claimed each other fully." Victoria's gaze was sharp. "That is not something to rush into. Make sure you are certain before you take that step."

Evie felt her face go hot. "We have not... I mean, we just met."

"I know," Victoria said. "And I am glad you are taking this seriously. Too many humans see the mate bond as a fairy tale. They do not understand the reality, the danger, the sacrifice it requires."

There was a knock on the door. Delilah peeked her head in. "Sorry to interrupt, but lunch is ready. Gideon wanted me to make sure Evie eats something."

Victoria nodded. "We will continue this after lunch. Go, eat. You will need your strength for tonight."

Evie stood, clutching the heavy book. "Thank you, Victoria. For giving me a chance."

Victoria's expression softened slightly. "Do not thank me yet. I am still not convinced this will end well. But Gideon has chosen you, and I will honor his choice. Just promise me one thing."

"What?"

"If it becomes too much, if the danger becomes too great, you will leave. You will save yourself, even if it means breaking Gideon's heart. Because I cannot bury another son."

The pain in Victoria's voice was raw, real. Evie understood now why she had been so cold this morning. It was not cruelty. It was fear. The fear of losing the only child she had left.

"I promise," Evie said softly.

Victoria nodded once, then turned back to the photographs on the wall. Evie left quietly, following Delilah downstairs.

In the dining room, several pack members were gathered around a long table. Gideon sat at the head, talking with Jayden and Maxwell. When he saw Evie enter, his whole face lit up.

He stood and pulled out the chair beside him. "How was your lesson with my mother?"

"Intense," Evie admitted, sitting down. "But good. She is not as scary as I thought."

Delilah laughed. "Victoria is terrifying. She is just being nice to you now."

"Wonderful," Evie muttered.

Lunch was a casual affair. Sandwiches, soup, fruit. Everyone talked and laughed like a normal family. If Evie did not know they were all werewolves, she would think they were just regular people.

Julian, the young man with black hair Evie had seen earlier, sat across from her. "So you are really staying? Not going home?"

"I am staying," Evie confirmed. "At least for now."

"That is brave," Julian said. "Most humans run when they find out about us."

"I thought about running," Evie admitted. "But I am tired of running from things that scare me."

"Good attitude," Maxwell said from down the table. "You will need it in this world."

After lunch, Victoria took Evie to another room. This one was set up like a training area, with mats on the floor and weapons on the walls.

"If you are going to survive, you need to know how to defend yourself," Victoria said. She pulled two wooden staffs from the wall and tossed one to Evie.

Evie caught it awkwardly. "I have never fought before."

"Then it is time you learned." Victoria took a fighting stance. "Come at me."

"What? No, I cannot hit you."

"Then you will not last five minutes with Raphael," Victoria said coldly. "Stop thinking like a human. Start thinking like a Luna. Now attack me!"

Evie hesitated, then swung the staff. Victoria blocked it easily and swept Evie's legs out from under her. Evie hit the mat hard, the breath knocked out of her.

"Again," Victoria commanded.

Evie stood up, gritting her teeth. She swung again. Victoria blocked, spun, and knocked the staff from Evie's hands.

"Again."

For the next two hours, Victoria put Evie through the most brutal training of her life. Every time Evie fell, Victoria made her get up and try again. Every time Evie made a mistake, Victoria corrected her with sharp words and sharper blows.

By the time they finished, Evie was covered in bruises and could barely stand.

"You are weak," Victoria said bluntly. "But you have potential. We will train every day until you can defend yourself properly."

"Great," Evie gasped, lying on the mat. "I can barely wait."

Victoria's lips twitched. It might have been a smile. "Get cleaned up. We leave for the cathedral in two hours. I will send Delilah to help you get ready."

After Victoria left, Evie lay on the mat for a long moment, staring at the ceiling. Every muscle in her body hurt. She was exhausted, overwhelmed, and terrified of what the night would bring.

But underneath all that, she felt something else. Something small but growing.

She felt alive.

For the first time in years, Evie felt like she was doing something that mattered. Something bigger than her small life in America. Something real.

A shadow fell over her. Gideon stood above her, looking concerned. "My mother worked you hard."

"Your mother is a demon," Evie said.

Gideon laughed and offered his hand. Evie took it, and he pulled her to her feet easily. That electric spark ran between them, stronger than before.

"Are you sure you want to do this tonight?" Gideon asked seriously. "It is not too late to change your mind. I can meet with Raphael alone."

"No," Evie said firmly. "I need to do this. I need to show everyone, including myself, that I am strong enough to be here."

Gideon cupped her face gently. "You are already strong enough. You just do not see it yet."

Then he kissed her. It was soft and sweet and made Evie's heart race. When he pulled back, his golden eyes were glowing slightly.

"Come," he said. "Let me walk you to your room."

As they walked through the house, Evie noticed pack members watching them. Some smiled. Others looked worried. But all of them stepped aside respectfully when Gideon passed.

At her door, Gideon paused. "Whatever happens tonight, stay close to me. Do not let Raphael draw you away. Do not accept anything he offers you. And most importantly, do not be afraid. He can smell fear."

"Wonderful advice," Evie said dryly. "Do not be afraid of the terrifying werewolf Alpha who wants to destroy you. Easy."

Gideon smiled. "You will be fine. I will be right beside you the entire time."

He kissed her forehead and left. Evie went inside and collapsed on the bed. Two hours. She had two hours to prepare to meet the most dangerous werewolf in Europe.

No pressure at all.