Defying the Rogue Alpha
Chapter 61: Training

Chapter 61: Training

Lucas leaned against the sturdy wooden railing overlooking the training grounds, arms crossed as he silently observed his men. The rhythmic clash of swords, the crunch of fists against flesh, the grunts of exertion. All of it played like a violent symphony before him.

But even as he watched, his mind was somewhere else.

He knew Ava was bored out of her damn mind.

The signs were painfully obvious; the way she snapped at everyone for breathing too loudly, walking too slowly, or existing in her general vicinity. The fortress walls had become a gilded cage, and Ava was a wild animal pacing restlessly inside it.

So, Lucas had arranged for her to be there.

It wasn’t much. She still wasn’t cleared to leave the fortress, but at least she could move around more carefully instead of being stuck inside.

He heard the low purr of an engine approaching and turned his head just in time to see Nolan drive in with her.

Lucas exhaled.

It was rare to drive around within the fortress. Most people preferred to walk or shift, but Doctor Mary had been adamant. Ava wasn’t ready for long distances on foot just yet. Not that Ava would ever admit to needing help. She was too damn stubborn for that.

The car came to a smooth stop, and Lucas didn’t wait. He strode forward, yanking the door open before Nolan had a chance to.

She placed her hand in his, and he steadied her as she stepped out.

"What’s going on?" she asked, eyeing him with suspicion.

Lucas smirked. "I thought you might need some fresh air. And the chance to watch my men train."

Ava arched a perfectly shaped brow. "Since when do you watch them train?"

"Since we decided to go to war with the Crimson Pack."

Her entire face lit up.

It was the kind of pure, unfiltered joy most people reserved for Christmas morning or surprise birthday cakes.

"Really?" she all but gasped, practically bouncing on her feet.

Lucas scoffed. "And you call me evil?"

Ava grinned, eyes dancing with mischief. "Well, you can’t hoard all the evilness for yourself. Leave some for me."

Lucas chuckled, shaking his head as he led her toward the large wooden seats that had been arranged for them near the training grounds.

She lowered herself into one gracefully, her gaze locked onto the men sparring in the open field. Their muscles flexed and glistened under the afternoon sun, and Lucas could practically hear the way her brain worked.

This woman.

"I thought you couldn’t go to war with the Crimson Pack," she said, tilting her head slightly. "You signed the contract, remember?"

Lucas leaned back, eyes darkening. "I heard from Jake. Selene’s father wants revenge for his daughter’s humiliation and is forcing Leon to breach the contract. Leon refused."

Ava snorted, arms crossing. "Oh boy! I bet Leon is kicking himself right about now. He made all the wrong decisions."

Lucas smirked. "He’s a damn pussy. Just like his father."

Ava hummed in agreement, her gaze drifting back to the warriors.

Lucas continued, voice dropping slightly. "If Dravon gets his claws in the Crimson Pack, it’ll be much harder to take it back. So, I had a discussion with Leon."

Ava turned to him, intrigued. "And?"

Lucas’s lips curved into a slow, wicked grin. "I convinced him to declare war on the Silver Pack instead."

Ava’s mouth parted slightly, then her expression morphed into pure delight.

"So, Selene is bitching because I made her kneel." Ava smirked. "Pathetic. I’m coming with you."

Lucas’s entire body went rigid. His head snapped to hers, eyes narrowing.

"Excuse me, what?"

Ava lifted her chin, meeting his gaze head-on. "I’m not just going to sit here and twiddle my thumbs while you go off to battle. I’m coming with you."

Lucas stared at her. Then, he laughed. "You’re crazy."

Ava didn’t blink. "Lucas... if I’m going to be your Luna, I have to prove myself. You need to let me."

His jaw clenched. "We’re not doing this right now."

Ava’s lips twitched. She could tell she’d struck a nerve, but Lucas was stubborn.

Fine. She’d play dirty.

She shifted closer, running a slow, deliberate hand down his thigh.

Lucas stiffened immediately.

Ava tilted her head, her voice teasing. "Remember the last time we were here?"

Lucas’s muscles tightened beneath her touch, and she smiled innocently.

"I remember it quite well..." she continued, trailing her fingers higher.

Lucas growled in warning.

Ava ignored him.

"We were right over there...on the grass." Her voice was soft and slow. "I remember the way you touched me. The way you fucked me."

Lucas let out a sharp breath, his hands clenching into fists.

Ava’s eyes gleamed in victory when she felt him harden.

Lucas turned to her, his eyes dark and dangerous. "Ava," he warned.

She smirked. "I never told you... I’m absolutely addicted to you."

His jaw ticked.

"I missed fu..."

Lucas growled violently, his head snapping toward her. His breath was hot against her cheek, his lips barely inches from hers.

"If you’re trying to dare me, I suggest you quit while you’re ahead," he murmured, voice thick with restraint.

His eyes burned into hers.

"Because if you don’t, I will fuck you right here."

Ava’s heart pounded.

Lucas’s voice dropped even lower. "In full view of everyone."

Ava grinned, victorious.

She leaned back, gaze locked on the men still training.

"I’m coming with you," she said casually.

Lucas’s jaw tightened.

Ava didn’t need to look at him to know that she had won.

He wouldn’t argue anymore.

*****

Sarah stood off to the side, arms crossed, watching the interaction between the Alpha and Ava with a growing sense of disgust curling in her gut. The witch had nine damn lives.

Why wouldn’t she just die?

No one believed her when she said it, Ava was a witch. It was the only logical explanation for her continued survival, the way she managed to worm her way into places she didn’t belong.

When would Dorian finally stop sulking over her tiny, insignificant and help her finally get rid of Ava? But instead he was being stupidly caught up in his feelings.

Sarah flicked her long, golden hair over her shoulder, lifting her chin as she strutted toward them, her hips swaying just enough to remind everyone watching that she was still a contender.

A big, sugary-sweet smile plastered itself onto her face.

"Alpha?" she purred, dipping into a shallow bow before straightening, her eyes locking onto his with practiced adoration. "May I join you?"

She didn’t wait for an answer.

Instead, she plopped herself down onto the empty wooden seat next to Lucas, pressing just a little closer than was necessary.

Ava, to her credit, didn’t visibly react. But Sarah saw the small shift of her shoulders, the way her lips pressed together. The flicker of irritation that urged Sarah on.

She turned her attention back to Lucas, resting her elbow lightly on the armrest closest to him.

"Are we preparing for something?" she asked, letting her fingertips graze his forearm as though it was an accident.

Lucas shifted uncomfortably.

Sarah bit back a smirk.

"Yes," Lucas answered stiffly. "We have a battle coming up."

Sarah gasped dramatically, pressing a hand to her chest. "Oh, Alpha," she cooed, leaning in ever so slightly. "You need to unwind before then. You’ve been so tense lately."

She let her fingers trace small circles on his arm, lowering her voice into something silky and seductive.

"It would be my pleasure to help you relax."

Lucas cleared his throat. His gaze darted forward, as if suddenly very interested in watching the warriors train.

He was trapped in the middle of two hens, pecking at each other for dominance, and he hated it.

Lucas could solve this, of course. But until he declared Ava as his Luna, she still had equal rights as the others.

Sarah fluttered her lashes.

"You know," she continued, voice dropping lower. "I have magic hands."

Lucas’s jaw ticked.

"I’ll keep that in mind, Sarah," he said stiffly.

Ava suddenly rose to her feet.

Sarah hid her satisfaction well.

"I’m going back to Doctor Mary," Ava said, her voice controlled, but tight.

Lucas immediately turned toward her. "Ava..."

"I’ll see you later, Alpha," Ava cut him off smoothly, but Sarah didn’t miss the way her voice wavered.

Then Ava turned to her.

Sarah barely had time to school her expression before Ava smiled.

"Have a nice day, Sarah."

Ava’s voice was sweet as honey.

Sarah only glared.

Ava turned, her posture perfect, walking away with the anger of a woman scorned.

It didn’t matter if Ava had Lucas’s heart.

She still had to share him.

And it killed her.