My muscles pulled and strained against the extra weight I was carrying. I panted while pushing myself further and faster. I just needed to get up this hill. 

Climb, climb, CLIMB 

My thoughts yelled louder with every burning step. I pushed my legs a little harder. A deafening boom sounded and I collapsed against the ground. I finished the training exercise. Black spots formed in my vision while I struggled to catch my breath. Another boom sounded and I slowly sat up to see who else had finished. I gawked while watching him pull his sweat soaked shirt over his head. He turned and met my eye. He winked at me staring. Immediately repulsed, I flipped him the bird. 

He tipped his head back and laughed. I rolled my eyes. I stood up from the ground and stretched my sore muscles. I was going to regret pushing myself this hard tomorrow. Training was going to be an absolute bitch. My back cracked loudly and I sighed in relief. At least I kicked that arrogant prick's ass. 

“Aria!” My younger sister yelled. I sniffed the air searching for her scent in the sea of people. My eyes roved over everyone until I spotted her perfectly white hair. I made my way to her. 

“Aria, that was absolutely brilliant! I have never seen you run so fast!” She yelled again even though I was right in front of her. I captured her in a hug. 

“Thank you. I told you I was going to win this year.” I said with a smile. She pulled away from my hug and started bouncing up and down. Her excitement was infectious. I watched her burn her excess energy while she retold the race from her point of view. My smile only grew with each word. Even the people milling around smiled when they saw her absolute happiness. 

My smile faded when I smelled him. I whipped around searching for the piercing green eyes of the Alphas son. He was coming towards us and grinned as soon as he spotted me. At least he put a shirt back on. 

“Lila dear. Please stop” I said in a rushed tone. She stopped bouncing and froze at the sight of the Alphas son.

“What does he want?” She asked with a sneer. I whirled around with wide eyes. 

The narrative has been taken without permission. Report any sightings.

“Always be respectful Lila. Please” I whispered hoping he hadn't heard her. Praying to whatever goddess there might be out there. 

“You get to be mean to him. I saw you flip him off Aria” She said, crossing her arms. I closed my eyes and took a deep steadying breath. She wasn’t wrong, but it was so complicated. My relationship with him was so different from everyone else’s. 

“Aria. So glad to see the extra training paid off. When I take my father's place you will do fine as my second in command.” He said from behind me. I plastered on a fake smile and faced him. 

“Dominic, Thank you!” I said with a slight bow of my head. He grinned even bigger than before. 

“Have you spoken with my father about my proposal yet? He asked. My eyes shot up to his. He looked genuinely happy. My hard stare softened slightly. 

“I have not. I have been busy researching different training techniques. Had to make sure I beat you.” I said with another smile. His smile fell slightly as surprise filtered in his eyes. 

“I will be speaking with the Alpha tomorrow. Then I will be planning the security for your birthday party. Was there anything else I could be doing to help you?” I asked. I wanted to end this conversation quickly. I had so much to do since I put most everything off to ensure I won today's race. 

“Actually. There is something more I need from you. Please come by the business center this evening. I have someone I want to introduce to you.” He said. I bowed again and fought the urge to shiver. The last time he had me meet someone was a girl he was rejecting. He needed me there to be sure she couldn't fight him back. She wasn’t his mate, but someone who loved him nonetheless. He refused all offers until he found his mate. We both hoped that happened on his 21st birthday next week. 

Alpha Dominic?” Lila’s small voice sounded from behind me. I froze and tried to control my breathing, but was certain Dominic could smell the fear on me. 

“Yes, little one?” He answered her. I looked up to him and saw amusement bouncing in his eyes. He stared right at me gauging my reactions. 

“When Aria is done helping you tonight, can she and I go for a run through the woods? It has been way too long since I got to shift into my wolf. Aria said the woods have been too dangerous for me to go out alone.” She said and I could hear the pout in her voice. I closed my eyes and slightly shook my head before looking back at our future Alpha. 

“Of course Lila dear. I think a run sounds splendid. Maybe I will join you two tonight. It could be fun?” He said winking at me. My blood pounded in my ears and I blinked. 

“You and Aria could race as wolves. She is so fast!” Lila said with so much excitement. My heart sank a little bit. I was hoping for some rest.