We moved like two wolves in one soul — synchronized. He circled right, I circled left. The thug lunged again. I dropped low, sweeping his legs, while Marcellus struck him unconscious.
“Smooth,” I said.
His hand lingered on my back. “We work well together.”
Heavy footsteps approached. Marcellus pulled me into the shadows, his body shielding mine. My heart pounded — not only from the fight. His scent was intoxicating: cedar, ozone, and the wild.
“Your warriors are two minutes out,” he whispered near my ear. “Think we can last that long?”
I faced his face, and it made our lips inches apart. “Pretty sure.”
***
My muscles remembered everything — years of brutal training disguised as “education.”
While other Alpha daughters learned harp and courtly graces, I learned from retired Shadow Wolves, rogue champions and underground fighters who knew every vicious trick.
A wolf charged me with a blade. I grabbed his wrist, twisted, and flipped him. He hit the ground hard.
Marcellus let out a low whistle. “Damn.”
“You should see me when I’m not annoyed.” I blocked a punch and jabbed my elbow into another wolf’s ribs.