Claimed by the Alpha I Hate – Episode 42
Nolan returned to training before the healer approved. Daisy found him in the courtyard attempting a defensive turn that pulled at the wound beneath his ribs.
“If you tear the stitches, I’m letting the healer explain your stupidity to the entire pack,” she said.
“The wound is closed.” Nolan lifted his shirt enough to reveal the scar forming across skin Daisy’s power had already repaired.
She placed her hand above it. Red light gathered instantly, warmer and more controlled than before. Nolan’s pain eased beneath her palm.
Healing was not supposed to belong to vampires, at least according to every story Daisy had heard. Her mixed blood seemed capable of creating something neither side expected.
“Klaudius may want this,” Nolan said. A daughter who could combine wolf bonds with vampire power would be more than an heir.
Daisy withdrew her hand. “Then he doesn’t get it.” She was tired of men treating her body as territory to claim.
Nolan handed her a staff. Training resumed slowly, with each strike designed to summon power without fear.
Daisy learned that anger produced force but little control. Trust created finer threads she could direct toward a wound, a weapon, or a protective barrier.
When Nolan attacked faster, she raised her hand. Red light hardened between them and stopped his staff inches from her face.
Her triumph lasted until the barrier rebounded and knocked him onto the grass. Daisy stared, then began laughing.
Nolan pulled her down beside him. “Very respectful behavior toward your Alpha.”
“You told me to prove myself.” She landed across his chest, careful of the wound but unable to ignore their position.
The laughter faded. Nolan touched her cheek, and Daisy leaned into his hand without wondering whether the bond made the choice for her.
“I don’t want you because fate ordered it,” she said. “I need you to know that.”
“Then why?” His question held more vulnerability than any battle wound.
“Because you listen when I make you.” Daisy kissed him before he could object to the qualification.
The red barrier curved around them, responding to closeness rather than danger. For a few stolen moments, it kept the rest of the territory outside.
Elias found them and wisely stopped beyond the glowing edge. He reported that Vera’s stored possessions had been moved from the old Eastwind archive.
The barrier vanished. Someone inside the pack was no longer gathering information; they were actively searching for whatever Vera had left behind.