Since Liam was meeting with his council, Nicole left the pack house for the first time in a long time. She joined Asha, Rose, and Maya in a secluded clearing to train.
The group had become her closest allies within the pack, and they often trained together, honing their skills. Nicole had come to think of Asha and Maya as true friends, but with Rose, she wasn’t sure yet. They only hung out a few times but were cool together.
They began their training session with a series of stretching exercises, each movement deliberate and purposeful. They then moved on to a series of cardio exercises. They sprinted, leapt, and dodged, their movements fluid and precise.
As they transitioned into the main part of their training, they practised various combat techniques. Demonstrating enhanced strength and agility, effortlessly executing swift kicks and punches, their movements were a graceful blend of power and finesse.
Asha, who had more training than all of them, focused on defensive manoeuvres, teaching the others how to protect themselves and counterattacks.
About two hours later, they decided to catch their breath and sit down to rest.
Asha couldn’t contain her curiosity any longer. “Nicole, we were so worried when you disappeared that night. Where did you go? Is everything okay?”
Nicole looked at Asha. She had been expecting that question, and she still had no idea how to respond to it. She wasn’t ready to come clean. Not yet. “I’m sorry for causing you concern, Asha. I needed some time alone to gather my thoughts and find my centre. It was something I had to do.”
Asha frowned, her concern deepening. “But you didn’t have to do it alone. We’re your pack, your friends. We would have supported you through whatever you were going through. You just ran off and disappeared.”
Nicole sighed softly, her gaze fixed on the ground. “I’m sorry, Asha. And I appreciate your concern. But there are some things I need to figure out on my own. It’s not easy for me to open up about everything.”
Rose chimed in, her curiosity piqued. “Nicole, we’re here for you. We want to help and support you. If you ever feel comfortable sharing, don’t hesitate to reach out.”
Nicole offered a small smile, touched by their genuine care. “Thank you, Rose. Your words mean a lot to me.”
Maya approached them with a water bottle in her hand. “Here, Nicole. Stay hydrated. Training can be intense, and we don’t want you getting dehydrated.”
Asha giggled, “Maya is always ready to remind us of our health.”
Maya smiled shyly, then smacked Asha’s head. Nicole accepted the water bottle gratefully and took a few sips. As she quenched her thirst, Asha observed her closely. “Nicole, I can see that something has changed within you. You seem stronger and more determined. Are you doing okay?”
Nicole hesitated for a moment, contemplating her response. She couldn’t reveal the full truth, not yet, and not there, especially since they weren’t alone.
“I’m learning to navigate through my struggles, Asha. I’m working on finding my inner strength and resilience. It’s a process, but I believe I’m on the right path.”
Asha nodded with understanding and concern in her eyes. “Just remember, Nicole, we’re here for you. Don’t ever forget that.”
Nicole wished she could tell her everything. But she didn’t think it was time.
Asha reached out to gently squeeze Nicole’s arm. “You know you can always talk to me, right? Whatever it is, I’m here for you.”
Nicole smiled and said nothing more.
The conversation shifted, and they began discussing their training goals and aspirations. They shared tips and techniques, pushing each other to excel. After a few minutes, they were up on their feet again. Together, they practised their combat skills, engaging in simulated fights and practising defensive maneuvers.
As they sparred and exchanged blows, their movements were a dance of power and agility. Throughout the training session, Nicole’s mind was consumed with thoughts of Liam. She wondered how he was faring at the meeting and was fighting the urge to go to him.
As the group began to wind down from their training session, Maya couldn’t contain her excitement any longer. Her eyes gleamed with anticipation as she leaned in closer to Nicole, a mischievous smile playing on her lips.
“Nicole, I’ve been hearing some interesting rumors,” Maya whispered, unable to hide her curiosity. “Is it true? Are you and Liam mates?”
Rose’s eyes gleamed with the same curiosity. “Come on, Nicole, spill the beans! Did it have to do with what happened that night? We were all wondering where you disappeared.”
Nicole’s heart skipped a beat at the mention of Liam. The truth hung heavily in the air, but she wasn’t ready to confront it. The thought of becoming Liam’s mate, his Luna, filled her with uncertainty.
She hesitated, her words catching in her throat. She was caught off guard by the straightforwardness of Maya’s question. She looked at Maya, her eyes filled with uncertainty. “I… I don’t know, Maya. It’s complicated.”
Asha, sensing Nicole’s apprehension, stepped in and placed a comforting hand on her shoulder. “Maya, give Nicole some space. She’ll share what she’s comfortable with when the time is right.”
Maya nodded, her excitement momentarily dampened. “You’re right, Asha. I’m just so curious. It’s not every day that we have a potential Luna in our midst.”
Nicole’s brows furrowed, her mind racing with conflicting emotions. Becoming Liam’s mate meant more than just a romantic connection. It meant taking on responsibilities and a new role within the pack.
The thought of being bonded to the Dark Moon unsettled her, especially since she had always planned to leave after the witch threat was dealt with.
Rose, who had been listening quietly, offered a supportive smile. “Nicole, it’s natural to feel overwhelmed. But remember, being a Luna comes with its own power and influence.
You have the potential to make a significant impact on our pack. It’s why we are curious. Dark Moon never saw a time like this coming, that a Luna would eventually come in the way Alpha Liam was going.”
Nicole’s gaze shifted to Rose, appreciating her words of encouragement. “Thank you, Rose. It’s just… I never anticipated this, you know? I was supposed to leave after the threat from the witches was over. Now, with this, it’s like my path has taken an unexpected turn.”
Asha squeezed Nicole’s shoulder gently, her voice filled with reassurance. “Nicole, life has a way of surprising us. Maybe this unexpected turn is meant to be. Take your time to process everything, but remember, we’re here for you no matter what.”
Maya, still brimming with curiosity, couldn’t resist asking another question. “But, Nicole, what about your plan to leave? It means you’re not bonded then. Because who would want to leave their mate?”
Nicole looked away. She could feel an underlying emotion under Maya’s questions, and she knew she was trying to get her to speak.
As they made their way toward the exit, Nicole noticed a change, while Asha remained genuinely happy and excited for Nicole, Maya, and Rose had grown quiet, their expressions revealing a mix of jealousy and frustration. Despite their changed demeanor, Nicole ignored the subtle tension that had settled between them.
Asha continued to engage Nicole in conversation, teasing her playfully. “Oh, Nicole, I can already see you as the Luna, ruling over us all with grace and power. It’s going to be amazing!”
Nicole chuckled, appreciating Asha’s lightheartedness. “Let’s not get ahead of ourselves, Asha. We still have a lot to handle before anything like that can happen. It may not even happen.”
Maya interjected, “But, Nicole, what if it does happen? Are you ready for that kind of responsibility?”
Nicole’s smile faltered slightly, her gaze shifting between Maya and Rose. It seemed like a harmless question, but she knew better. “Honestly, Maya, I don’t know. It’s something I’m still trying to figure out. Right now, my focus is on the pack’s well-being and defeating the witches.”
Rose, unable to hold back her bitterness any longer, sneered, “A slave becoming a Luna? That’s quite a leap, isn’t it? You’re just an Omega, Nicole. Don’t let your fantasies get the best of you.”
Asha’s eyes widened in disbelief, her voice filled with indignation. “Rose, that’s uncalled for! Show some respect!”
Rose shrugged dismissively, a mocking smirk dancing across her lips. “Respect? For someone like her? I don’t think so.”
Nicole felt a surge of anger rise within her, but she tried to remain calm. “Rose, there’s no need for this. Let’s just part ways amicably.”
But Rose wasn’t ready to let it go. Her jealousy and bitterness had consumed her, driving her to provoke Nicole further. “Amicably? How about we settle this with a duel? Let’s see if you’re really fit to be a Luna.”
Nicole’s eyes widened in surprise, taken aback by the sudden challenge. She wasn’t one to seek conflict, especially within the pack, but Rose’s taunting pushed her to her limit. She could feel her wolf growling within her, the power of her Luna and Witch bane abilities surging through her veins.
“A duel?” Nicole repeated, her voice laced with a newfound edge. “Rose, this is unnecessary. I don’t want to fight you.”
Rose laughed mockingly, her eyes glinting with malice. “Scared, are we? Afraid that an Omega like me will defeat you?”
Nicole’s jaw tightened, her hands curling into fists. She couldn’t let Rose’s insults go unanswered. Her wolf was already going crazy within her. With a deep breath, she made a decision. “Fine, if it’s a fight you want, then it’s a fight you’ll get.”
Asha stepped forward, her tone firm. “Nicole, don’t do this. She’s not worth it.”
But Nicole’s resolve had solidified. She couldn’t back down now, not when her strength and power had grown in the face of adversity. She was tired of being babied; being seen as weak. They didn’t know that she had always been a Luna wolf, even when it had been fake. With a determined gaze, she faced Rose, ready to prove herself.
The tension in the air was palpable as Nicole and Rose faced off, their eyes locked in a battle of wills. Without a word, Rose lunged forward, aiming a fierce punch toward Nicole’s face. But Nicole swiftly sidestepped, her reflexes honed from years of survival.
As Rose’s fist whizzed past her, Nicole countered with a powerful kick to Rose’s midsection, causing her to stumble backwards. Determined not to let up, Rose recovered quickly, launching a flurry of punches and kicks in rapid succession.
Nicole deftly blocked and dodged each strike, her body moving with grace and precision. With a swift spin, she delivered a sweeping kick, knocking Rose off balance. Seizing the opportunity, Nicole followed up with a lightning-fast combination of strikes, targeting Rose’s vulnerable areas.
The impact of Nicole’s blows reverberated through the air as they landed with precision. A resounding crack echoed as Nicole’s fist connected with Rose’s jaw, causing her head to snap to the side.
Rose retaliated with a wild swing, but Nicole effortlessly ducked under the attack and countered with a forceful uppercut, sending Rose staggering backwards.
Blood trickled from a cut on Rose’s cheek, evidence of the intensity of their confrontation. But she refused to yield, her eyes burning with defiance. With a feral growl, she launched herself at Nicole, grappling with her in a desperate attempt to gain the upper hand.
Their bodies twisted and turned, locked in a fierce struggle. The ground beneath them trembled as they fought, their movements fueled by a potent mix of anger and determination. Nicole’s wolf surged within her, lending her additional strength and endurance.
Rose, fueled by her jealousy and anger, regained her balance and launched herself at Nicole once again. She swung a series of punches, each aimed at breaking through Nicole’s defenses. Nicole deftly blocked and parried the attacks, her agility, and reflexes serving her well.
Sensing an opening, Nicole seized the opportunity to counter. With lightning speed, she delivered a swift uppercut, catching Rose off guard and sending her sprawling to the ground. But Rose quickly recovered, her determination evident as she pushed herself back up, a fierce glint in her eyes.
As Rose attempted to overpower Nicole, she underestimated the depth of Nicole’s power. Nicole blocked Rose’s punches with expert precision, countering with devastating strikes that left Rose staggering.
Rose, fueled by desperation and wounded pride, launched a final desperate attack. But Nicole, her senses heightened by her Luna and Witch bane abilities, anticipated the move. With a swift sidestep, she evaded Rose’s strike and swiftly delivered a devastating roundhouse kick to her opponent’s head.
The impact sent Rose crashing to the ground, defeated, and unable to continue. The fight had taken its toll on both women, their bodies bruised and battered from the fierce exchange. Nicole stood over Rose, her chest heaving, a mix of exhaustion and a sense of triumph coursing through her veins.
Breathing heavily, Nicole extended a hand to Rose, offering her support. “Enough, Rose. It doesn’t have to be this way. We are all members of this pack, and we need to work together.”
Asha rushed to Nicole’s side, concern etched across her face. “Nicole, are you okay? You didn’t have to do this.”
Nicole, catching her breath, nodded. “I know, Asha. But sometimes, you have to stand up for yourself. I won’t let anyone undermine me or the potential I hold.”
Rose chuckled wryly and spat out blood as she wheezed. Maya rushed to her side, looking guilty. She refused to meet Nicole’s eyes.
Rose, who was still angry, refused Maya’s help. She pushed herself up and approached Nicole with a sneer on her face. “So, you think you’re better than us now, huh? Just because you might be Luna. You think you’re special, huh?”
Nicole tried to defuse the situation, taking a step back. “Rose, I never said that. This isn’t about being better than anyone. We’re a pack, and we should support each other.”
But Rose wasn’t interested in peace. Her jealousy had consumed her, fueling her aggression. She lashed out, pushing Nicole forcefully to the ground. “We’ll see how powerful you really are, Luna, when you find out the truth. Asha, here has not been completely honest with you. Stop pretending, Asha. We know your heart is broken.”
Asha looked away, guilt shining in her eyes. “I must go now,” she said, giving Nicole one last glance before rushing out.
Nicole couldn’t understand what was happening. Rose snickered, then staggered away. Only Maya remained.
“There’s still a lot you don’t know about Dark Moon or Alpha Liam,” Maya said, her voice cold. “You should never have admitted that you might leave, especially if you’re truly his mate. It can be used against you. It would be used against you. I hold nothing against you, Luna, but you should be wiser.”
“Maya! Are you coming?” Rose screamed.
Maya hesitated and hurried away, leaving Nicole standing wide-eyed and heartbroken. She couldn’t help but feel a mix of emotions. She had proven her strength, but at what cost? The lingering tension and bitterness within the pack weighed heavily on her mind. What was going on with Asha and the other ladies?