The soft light of dawn slipped through the tall windows, painting the royal chambers in shades of gold and rose. Kate stirred beneath the warmth of the sheets, the lingering scent of sandalwood and pine wrapping around her like a protective cocoon. Ryker's arm was draped across her waist, heavy and possessive even in sleep, his chest rising and falling against her back. For a moment, she simply lay there, feeling the calm thrum of his heartbeat through her skin and wondering how her life had changed so much in such a short time. From a wolfless, ridiculed omega to the woman lying in the Alpha King's bed—it almost felt unreal.
Careful not to wake him, she shifted slightly, brushing strands of hair away from her face. But Ryker was never truly asleep when she was near. His grip tightened around her, and his voice, still husky from slumber, rumbled against her ear.
"Trying to sneak away, little one?"
Kate turned her head, caught by his half-smile and the way his eyes—still heavy-lidded with sleep—looked at her like she was the only thing in the world worth seeing. Heat bloomed in her cheeks. "I wasn't sneaking. I was… stretching."
Ryker chuckled lowly, brushing a kiss across her temple before releasing her. "Stretch all you want, but not too far. You're mine to keep in this bed."
Kate rolled her eyes but couldn't stop her lips from curving. "If I stay here, you'll never let me get up. And someone has to make sure you don't forget to eat."
"Mhm," he murmured, finally letting her slip away. "You take care of me too much, mate."
---
The pair rose together, and Kate headed for the bathing chamber while Ryker pulled fresh clothes from the wardrobe. The marble floors were cool under her feet as she crossed into the adjoining room. A steaming bath had already been drawn by the servants earlier, infused with herbs that smelled faintly of lavender and cedar. She sank into it with a sigh, closing her eyes as the water soothed the faint aches of muscles still adjusting to her lycan form.
Lysandra's voice stirred in her mind, steady and strong. Your body is adapting faster than most. That is good. But today, you must test yourself properly. Power left unused only grows restless.
Kate's lips curved faintly, though she didn't answer out loud. She knew Lysandra was right. There was a constant hum under her skin now, a restless thrum of strength that begged to be unleashed.
By the time she emerged, Ryker was waiting, already dressed in a crisp dark shirt that hugged his shoulders and trousers that made him look effortlessly regal. His hair was still damp from his own quick wash, slicked back in a way that sharpened the already dangerous cut of his jaw.
Lysandra's amused tone filled Kate's head. Your mate looks far too smug for someone who just woke. Careful, or I may tease him myself.
Kate nearly choked on her laugh, grabbing a simple pale-blue gown from the stand before she gave anything away. She glanced at Ryker, then quickly busied herself with the ties of her dress. Still, the warmth in her cheeks betrayed her.
"You're blushing," Ryker said smoothly, moving behind her to fasten the final string. "What are you thinking, Kate?"
"Nothing," she replied too quickly.
He hummed, clearly unconvinced but letting it go, pressing a kiss against the curve of her neck instead.
---
They made their way to breakfast, the corridors of the palace alive with quiet activity. Servants moved with brisk efficiency, offering respectful bows and smiles that no longer carried the disdain Kate once endured. Instead, admiration and warmth followed her now, and though it felt strange, it also filled her chest with something like belonging.
The dining hall was bathed in morning light, long tables spread with fruits, fresh bread, and platters of roasted meat. Kate sat beside Ryker, helping herself to berries and cheese while he filled his plate with heartier fare.
"Are you nervous?" he asked between bites, studying her with that piercing gaze of his.
"About what?" she asked, sipping her tea.
"Training. You've come a long way, but we need to see how far your control has grown."
Kate hesitated, setting her cup down. "I suppose I am nervous. Not because I doubt myself, but… because I don't know what to expect. Every time I shift, something new happens. First, the lycan form. Then the fire. What if today—"
"Then we face it together," Ryker interrupted gently, his hand brushing over hers. "Whatever your power decides to reveal, I'll be there. You're not alone in this."
Her heart gave a small, grateful squeeze at his words.
---
The training grounds were already alive with warriors when they arrived. The open expanse of packed earth and stone had been cleared for them, and the sight of their Alpha King and his mate drew silent reverence. Lila stood nearby, arms crossed and a knowing smile tugging at her lips.
"I was wondering when you'd bring her here," she called, bowing briefly before stepping forward. "The pack has been whispering nonstop since the arena. They want to see their Luna's strength."
Kate stiffened at the word, but Ryker only smirked proudly. "They'll see soon enough. Today, she trains with me."
Lila's eyes flicked to Kate, warm and encouraging. "Don't hold back. None of us expected you to be a lycan, Kate. That alone makes you extraordinary. But now you must learn to wield it."
Kate nodded, her stomach fluttering with both nerves and determination.
---
The session began with simple forms—stances, dodges, and strikes. Ryker tested her agility first, circling her like a predator as she matched his movements, their feet stirring up dust. The power in her body responded eagerly, her muscles moving with a grace she hadn't possessed before.
Good, Lysandra murmured approvingly. Feel it, Kate. Not just strength, but control. Let the power serve you, not overwhelm you.
Kate focused on her wolf's steady voice, letting her breath even as she parried Ryker's advances. Blow after blow, she met him, until sweat beaded along her brow and a fierce exhilaration coursed through her.
"Better," Ryker said, catching her wrist in a firm grip. "But your stance is still open on the left."
Before she could adjust, he swept her legs out from under her, sending her crashing to the ground. She groaned but laughed breathlessly, brushing dust from her palms.
"Not fair."
"War isn't fair," Ryker replied, offering her a hand up. "Again."
And so they went, over and over, until her body ached and her lungs burned. But instead of weakness, Kate felt… alive. More alive than she ever had.
---
When they finally paused, Ryker called for water, handing her a flask. She drank deeply, her chest still heaving, and for a moment silence stretched between them—until Kate knew she couldn't keep her secret any longer.
"Ryker," she began quietly, almost hesitant.
He turned to her, brows lifting at the change in her tone. "What is it, little one?"
She swallowed, fiddling with the flask in her hands. "There's something I haven't told you. Something… strange. I can hear people sometimes. Not their minds exactly, but… their thoughts. Or maybe what they're about to say. It started after my shift, and I didn't know how to explain it. I was afraid you'd think—"
"That you're cursed?" Ryker cut in gently. He stepped closer, tilting her chin so she had to meet his eyes. "Kate, I would never think that. You could sprout wings tomorrow and I'd still claim you as mine."
Her eyes burned with emotion at his words. "I should have told you sooner. I just… I didn't want you to see me as something dangerous."
Ryker's thumb brushed over her cheek. "You are dangerous. But not to me. To anyone who tries to take you from me, yes. To those who threaten this pack, yes. But to me—you are everything."
Lysandra's voice stirred again, proud and approving. He accepts all of you. As he should.
Kate let out a shaky breath, the tension finally leaving her shoulders. She wasn't alone in this. Not in her power, not in her fear, and not in her future.
Together, they would face whatever came next.