From His Luna to His Rival's Mate

Chapter 8

SELENE

NEXT DAY

The combat field buzzed with energy under the bright morning sun. I stood on the grass with the other students, we wore simple training clothes.

The instructor, a broad-shouldered man named Coach Theo, walked between us with his arms behind his back.

"Today we focus on real combat," he called out. "No holding back. Show me what you can do."

I stepped forward when my name was called. My opponent was a tall boy from another pack. He smirked at me like he thought this would be easy. I took a deep breath and got into position.

The fight started fast and he threw the first punch. I moved quicker than I ever had before. My body remembered the pain from the warehouse, and it made me sharper. I blocked his hit, spun around, and landed a solid kick to his side. He stumbled back with wide eyes.

We kept going, each time he attacked, I answered faster. My claws came out just enough to scratch his arm. I felt stronger, more alive. The other students stopped their own fights to watch us. I could hear their whispers.

"She's actually good today," someone said.

I finished the fight by pinning the boy to the ground. He tapped out quickly. I stood up and wiped sweat from my forehead. My chest rose and fell fast, but I felt proud.

Coach Theo nodded at me with surprise on his face. "Well done, Vale. That's the kind of fire we like to see."

I walked back to the side of the field. That's when I felt Calder's eyes on me. He stood near the edge of the training area, arms crossed over his chest. His silver-gray eyes followed every move I made, his jaw was tight and his body looked tense, like a wolf ready to spring. He did not look away even when I met his gaze.

After class ended, I grabbed my water bottle and started walking toward the changing rooms. I had only taken a few steps when a strong hand caught my arm.

"Wait," Calder said, his voice low.

He pulled me gently but firmly behind one of the equipment buildings, away from the other students. His broad body blocked most of the sunlight. Up close, I could see the intensity in his eyes, they burned with something deep and hungry.

"You were incredible out there," he said. His thumb brushed lightly over my arm. "I've never seen you fight like that. What changed, Selene?"

I pulled my arm free and took a small step back. "I decided to get stronger. That's all."

Calder stepped closer. His scent wrapped around me as he reached out again, this time brushing a strand of hair from my sweaty face. His touch lingered longer than it should have.

"I can't stop thinking about you," he admitted, his voice rough. "The way you rejected me. The way you kissed Voss in front of everyone. It drives me crazy. You belong with me, Selene. Why can't you see that?"

His eyes looked almost desperate now. The calm, cold Alpha I used to know was slowly cracking. This new version of him felt heavier and more dangerous.

"I don't belong to anyone," I said quietly but firmly. "Especially not you."

Before he could reply, I turned and walked away, my heart beat fast the whole way back to the dorm.

I stepped into our room and found Elara sitting on her bed, brushing her long hair. She looked up when I entered and gave me one of her sweet smiles, but something in her eyes felt different today.

"Selene," she said, putting the brush down. "We need to talk."

I closed the door behind me and leaned against it. "About what?"

Elara stood up slowly and she walked closer until only a few feet separated us. Her pretty face stayed calm, but her fingers twisted together tightly.

"You can't keep embarrassing my brother like this," she said. Her voice was soft, but there was steel underneath it. "Rejecting him in public. Slapping him. Kissing another boy right in front of everyone. Do you have any idea how that makes him look? How it makes our family look?"

I crossed my arms over my chest. "Your brother made his choice a long time ago. I'm making mine now."

Elara's eyes narrowed. She took one more step forward. "You think you're so special because you humiliated him once? Calder is an Alpha. He gets what he wants, and right now, he wants you. It would be smart if you stopped fighting and accepted it."

Her words sent a chill down my back. The way she spoke about Calder felt too possessive and personal.

"And if I don't?" I asked, keeping my voice steady.

Elara smiled, but it did not reach her eyes. "Then things might become very difficult for you here, Selene. Accidents happen all the time during training. Especially during the Lunar Trials. It would be a shame if something bad happened to you just because you refused to be reasonable."

I felt my hands tighten into fists at my sides. "Are you threatening me?"

"I'm simply giving you good advice," she said sweetly. "As your roommate. As someone who cares about this family. Stop embarrassing Calder, stop playing these little games, or you might regret it."

We stood there staring at each other, the air in the room felt thick and heavy. I could see the warning clear in her eyes. She was not as sweet and innocent as she wanted everyone to believe.

"I will live my own life," I said finally. "And I suggest you stay out of it."

Elara gave a small laugh and turned back to her bed. "We'll see about that."

I grabbed clean clothes and headed to the bathroom. My hands still shook a little as I closed the door, that conversation had shown me a different side of Elara, a colder, more dangerous side.

I changed quickly and sat on the edge of my bed for a moment, something strange was happening inside me. First that weird rush of feelings when Elara touched my arm earlier, now this heavy warning from her. I did not understand any of it, but I knew one thing clearly.

I was changing, and I was no longer willing to be the quiet girl who accepted whatever life gave her.