The Beta's Blood: Rewritten

Chapter Thirteen

The first few months in Winter Moon passed in quiet transformation. Gone were the sleepless nights haunted by guilt and memory. The ache of loss hadn’t vanished but it had dulled, softened into something she could carry without breaking.

The mountains around the pack were teaching her patience. The rhythm of the days, sunrise, training, work, laughter, had begun to carve its steady beat into her heart.

Ace woke before dawn now. She’d grown used to the crisp mountain air biting at her lungs, the pale sky still smudged with starlight as she walked the narrow path to the training grounds. The snow underfoot crackled softly, a sound she had come to love. It reminded her that she was alive.

By midmorning, she stood on the packed-dirt field, her hands wrapped and knuckles aching as she pounded her fists into the training dummy. The echo of each strike felt good, real, grounding.

Allen, one of the elite warriors, leaned against a nearby post, arms crossed. “You’ve got a good stance, Ace,” he called out, voice carrying across the clearing. “Not many newcomers pick up the rhythm that fast.”

Ace wiped sweat from her brow, her lips twitching into a smile. Praise had once made her uneasy, but here it meant something different. “Thanks,” she said between breaths. “I’ve had… some practice.” Allen’s eyes glimmered knowingly. “That it shows,” he said, giving her shoulder a light clap before turning to shout directions at a group of teenagers sparring nearby.

When he left, Ace leaned against the post, panting softly. The morning sun glinted off the sweat on her skin, warming the ache in her muscles. For the first time in a long time, the ache didn’t feel like punishment, it felt like progress.

Later that afternoon, she walked down to the pack’s common area where a wide, open space ringed by log benches and a long firepit in the center. Smoke rose in lazy ribbons toward the blue sky, carrying the smell of roasted meat and spices. Laughter rippled across the clearing, blending with the low hum of conversation.

She hesitated at the edge. It still felt strange, stepping into places filled with people who didn’t know her history. People who didn’t look at her like she was dangerous, or cursed.

“Hey, Ace!” a voice called. She turned to see Jessica, the same cheerful woman she’d met at the community center, waving from one of the benches. “We saved you a spot!”

Ace smiled, the simple kindness making something loosen inside her. “Thanks,” she said, sliding into the open seat beside her.

The table was crowded with wolves of all ages. Hunters, guards, mothers, a few teenagers. The air buzzed with warmth. Jessica passed her a plate of roasted peppers and bread. “Eat. You’ll need it if you’re training with Allen again tomorrow.”

Ace laughed lightly, taking a bite. The peppers were sweet and smoky, grounding her in the moment. She listened as the group traded stories of hunting mishaps, pack celebrations, even pranks gone wrong. The stories were light, full of teasing and laughter, and somehow each one made her feel more tethered.

By the time the fire had burned low, and the stars were coming out, Ace was helping to clear plates and ashes from the pit. Her hands stung from work, but it was a good sting, proof that she had been useful.

As she gathered a basket of scraps, a small boy approached. He couldn’t have been older than ten, his hair a wild mop of curls and his eyes bright with mischief. “You coming to play tag ?” he asked shyly.

Ace smiled down at him. “I will. Just let me finish helping here first, okay?” He grinned and ran off, already shouting to his friends. Ace shook her head fondly, her heart unexpectedly light.

That night, when she finally returned to her grandmother's cabin, she caught her reflection in the window. Her eyes were brighter again, her shoulders no longer slumped. She wasn’t just surviving anymore. She was becoming.

The next morning dawned crisp and clear. Snow dusted the grass like powdered sugar. Ace arrived at the training grounds earlier than usual, relishing the solitude. She stretched her arms above her head, feeling her muscles pull and flex. The cool air made her skin prickle.

She didn’t hear him at first. “Practicing on your own?” The voice was deep, smooth, threaded with amusement. Ace turned sharply and nearly lost her balance. Alpha Kai leaned against a pine tree a few paces away, arms crossed over his chest. His presence filled the clearing effortlessly, power radiating off him even when he pretended to be casual.

“I like to get a head start,” she said, arching an eyebrow. “Keeps me from getting eaten alive during training.” His lips twitched into a smirk. “You’re stronger than you realize, Ace. But you hesitate. That hesitation will get you hurt one day.”

He stepped forward, his boots crunching on the frosted earth. “So you’ve been watching me?” she asked, half teasing. Kai’s smirk deepened. “Guilty.”

“Why do I feel like that should make me nervous?” He chuckled, the sound low and rich. “Because it probably should. Your still fairly new here.” Then, with a tilt of his head: “Care to spar with me?” Her brows shot up. “With you? Now?” He nodded once. “Unless you’re scared.”

Ace laughed, dropping her jacket to the ground. “Scared? Not a chance.” Kai grinned. “Good. Let’s see if you’re as good as Allen says.” She circled him slowly, shoes padding across the dirt. “You planning on going easy on me, Alpha?” “I was planning on winning,” he said smoothly, dropping into stance. “That counts as fair, right?” “Fair enough.”

Their movements began like a dance... slow, testing, fluid. Ace darted forward first, a quick jab to test his reflexes. He dodged effortlessly, countering with a feint that forced her to pivot. She ducked under his arm, coming up behind him, breath quick and sharp.

“Not bad,” he said over his shoulder. “Careful,” she teased, circling back. “I bite.” “I was hoping you would,” he replied without missing a beat, voice low and teasing.

Ace lunged again, faster this time. He blocked, twisted, and caught her wrist, spinning her neatly to his side. The motion was controlled but firm. His breath brushed her ear. “You’re strong. But you’re still fighting like someone waiting for permission.”

“Then stop holding back,” she countered, pulling free. His grin flashed like a challenge. “Gladly. The sparring quickened. The dull thud of fists filled the air. Each movement grew sharper, more confident. She swept his legs once, almost catching him off balance.

Kai barked a laugh, surprised. “Good move.” “Almost had you.” “Almost,” he echoed, then lunged. She ducked, rolling under him, but his hand shot out, catching her ankle. She twisted midair, landing in a crouch just out of reach, her pulse racing.

“Strong and slippery,” he said, amusement lacing his tone. “Flattery won’t save you from losing,” she retorted. “I wasn’t planning to be saved.” He feinted, then struck her side lightly. A tap, not a hit. She gasped, half laughing, half indignant. He caught her wrist again, holding her just long enough for their eyes to meet.

There was a moment of stillness. The kind that stretched too long. “I like that fire in you,” he said softly. She smirked, pulling away. “You like the challenge.” “Maybe I like both.” He grinned then finally; he stopped and bowed mockingly.

“You fight well, little wolf.” Ace arched a brow. “I lost.” “Barely. And I’ve seen Alphas lose with less grace.” She brushed off her shorts, still smiling. “Don’t think I won’t come asking for a rematch.” “Bring it,” Kai said, his grin all teeth. “I’ll be ready.”

As he turned to leave, sunlight caught the edge of his dark hair. He paused briefly, looking back over his shoulder. “You’re adapting well here, Ace. I’m glad.” She blinked, surprised by the sincerity in his tone. “Thank you, Alpha.” His smirk softened into something almost gentle. “No, thank you, as always, I had a good time.”

Her lips parted, but before she could respond, he was already gone. His long stride carrying him back toward the trees, leaving her heart racing and her thoughts tangled. Ace stared after him, breathless, her pulse still humming from the fight. When she finally gathered her jacket and walked home, she couldn’t stop smiling..