“Oh, don’t tell me it’s that sexy silver fox?”
“Silver fox?” I raise my eyebrows. “Man, Dave, Dante has like three gray hairs.”
“Still hot!” Dave grins. “How did Finn take it? Now that two of his hot girlfriends are taken. He can hook up with Celine now?” he smirks. “Or with me!”
“He said something similar,” I chuckle.
“See, the man obviously has good taste!”
Celine chuckles.
*LIAM*
I’m going through a list of names containing everyone who will start actual pack warrior training soon. I’m surprised when I see one specific name up there, though. I look for her immediately, finding her in the fitness area. Ever since the attack, she has been training three times as much.
“Aurelia!”
She looks up at me, putting the kettlebells aside, when she notices the paper in my hands. “Oh, you saw it?”
“Didn’t you want to discuss this before actually signing up for it?” I pause. “Did you talk to our parents about it?”
“No,” she says in a matter-of-fact tone. “And no. I did not want to discuss it. And I also didn’t tell anyone. A month ago, Dad told me I needed to focus more and stop wasting my potential on silly pranks. So, I did. I thought about it, and this is what I want to do.”
“Are you sure,” I ask in surprise. “That’s a lot more difficult than how you train now.” All wolves in Silverlake go through basic training. Some stick with it and do advanced classes, but the actual warrior training is entirely different. Way more serious.
“I’m absolutely certain,” she says with conviction. “I want to strengthen my abilities. I think I just found my calling.”
“And what’s that?”
“I want to protect those who need protection,” she says.
I look at her thoughtfully. “This is not just a reaction because you got hurt, is it? This is not a coping mechanism?”
She shakes her head. “At first it was, but… When Annie cried for help, and Nox and I came to her aid… I noticed how much I am still lacking. You know, Ari… the guys ran over her, literally, and she managed to hurt a bunch of them, but she also didn’t get injured as much as we did. I want to get stronger. Physical work has always been my forte, and I’m motivated to show everyone what I’m capable of. I can do this, Liam.”
“I know,” I admit.
She looks at me in surprise. “You are not against it? You believe I can do it?”
“I’m not against it, and I absolutely believe you are cut out for this.” I smack her shoulder softly with the paper. “But you know I can’t cut you any slack during training because you are my sister. Don’t hold it against me later.”
“I won’t,” she promises.
“Tell Dad,” I tell her as I prepare to leave. “He deserves to hear it from you.”
She nods.
“You need back-up?” I ask. I have always had a soft spot for her. I love all my siblings equally, but Aurelia is my only sister. I feel more protective of her.
She shakes her head with a smile. “If I can’t make my point clear to Dad, how will I be able to handle the warrior training?”
“Good point,” I chuckle.
“When are Annie’s parents coming?” she asks, drying her forehead with a towel.
“In about three hours,” I snort. “Mom is already going crazy.”
She laughs. “I can’t wait to meet them. I didn’t meet Annie’s mom when she was here. I’m dying to know about her family.”