I press my thighs together before the memory of tonight crashes over me. I wrap my arms around myself remembering the unwelcome weight of my attacker.
Kirk rests a hand on my arm. “Hey. Come back to us.”
Blinking I turn look toward the sound of his voice.
“You need your clan right now, don’t you, sweetness?” Kirk strips off his clothing, and climbs under the covers with me, pulling me to his warm body.
I melt into him, breathing his spicy citrus scent in. His heated flesh relaxes my tense muscles. A moment later, Fell slips in on my right.
Cadoc stands guard, peering out the window.
Skin to skin I can relax. Listening to their heartbeats, our breathing syncs, and my chest loosens.
When Bo returns and sits on the end of the bed, a sense of peace and calm settles over me.
“She’ll see us tomorrow at sunset.”
I hum sleepily as everything catches up with me. “Oddly specific, isn’t it?”
Bo laughs. “She’s particular that way. Calista is unlike anyone I’ve ever met.”
There’s a fondness in his voice that does wicked things to my heart. He can fawn over whoever he likes, I don’t care.
Drifting off surrounded by the only men I trust; I almost believe it.
CHAPTER TWENTY-FOUR
“Rise and Shine, Brat.”
My sheets are torn away and light floods the room. I hiss like a cat sprayed with a water bottle and throw an arm over my face. A powerful hand pulls my arm down.
“It’s time for training,” Cadoc rumbles.
“Wha?” Squinting, I groan.
“You now have nine minutes, you’re wasting time. Get dressed and meet me in the gym.”
Cold air rushes over my heated flesh. I snatch the covers from his hand.
“If I have to come and get you, you’re going to regret it.”
“I already do.”
His lips twitch. “You have so much to learn, Brat.”
The weight of his words is sobering. I’m behind. No one bothered to teach me a damn thing after my family died.
If I want to stand a chance, I need to give this everything I have. I was never the type to wait around for someone to save me. That will not change now.
“I’ll be there.” I wipe the sleep from my eyes.
“While none of your mates are lacking in skills, I’ll oversee your training. We all have our specialties, and I’m used to instructing. They’re already waiting downstairs.”
His explanation takes away the sting that came from waking up alone.
“Ten minutes,” he leaves the room.
Swinging my legs over the side of the bed, I grimace at the pull in my sore back muscles. I cross the wood floor, grateful for the strategically placed rugs warding off the morning chill.
Weaving a quick braid, I tie it off with an elastic and brush my teeth.
Digging out a black sports bra and a pair of athletic pants, I dress and throw on sneakers. I jog down the stairs, eager to shake off the lingering feeling of helplessness.
I can’t freeze up again. Thinking of what could’ve happened still makes my stomach ache. Standing in front of the workout space, I take a deep breath and linger in the hallway.
I’m ready to take whatever they dish out. I need to be stronger for my clan. I refuse to be the weak link.
The days of being a subpar pack member ended when I took Fenrir’s mark. Lifting my head high, I push the door open and stroll inside. Each man has his section claimed.
“Today, we’re going to start with endurance. Let’s see where your limits are.” Cadoc looks like the slightly sadistic PE teacher every girl had a crush on.
The one you loathed because he pushed your physical limits and looked gorgeous doing it. I’m trying not to drool over the muscular frame on display in his black tank and gray sweatpants.
I stare at the outline of his thick cock. This man could make a paper bag look couture.
“How do you plan to do that?”
“I want you to run.”
