Chapter 125
“Badi. Von tonna watch mir special training?: Imas hollered when he spotted Mike heating on way, benzina mi kia te
I glanced up mid stjelih, catching sig
m din. Abg all their works, murd think
– his exty, confident walk. My mark instantly i
Living a double life is a hell of a tip. Tastime Avatar
that ails combat teacher, Shadow Corki golden mernice. Nighttime Ara, teraking
That bakden cabin with Blake, where I’m his mate, his fans, his everything. Talk about whiplash
The semest part? Having to act normal armund him with other people watching. Not staring ton long, not letting met hands bruch when we part the training. dagers, fighting the urge to breathe him in when he walks by Every bit of self control during the day becomes jet fuel for when we’re final
Lucas was the biggest surprise in all this mess. This kid who are done all
futurs now practically glows whenev? Make the
Tid catch him stealing these litle glances at his dad, desperate for a nod or a wood of praise. Gets me right in the soft root every time.
“If the instructor approves,” Blake tid, vice all business while liis eyes said something entirely different, for merk connection hummed like a plucked guitar string.
1 shrugged, fighting a smile. “I think we can bend the rules today.
“Yes” Lucas panched the air. “Training with Dad! Can we show him that shadow step thing? Please?”
The kid’s excitement was contagious, making both Blake and me crack smiles. For a second, we felt like something real–like family. My stomach did a weird Dip at the thought. Dangerous territory, Rivers, Get it together.
Watching Lacas dart between like a hyperactive puppy, I felt this strange little pang. Here we were, putting on this whole charade for an innocent had no idea his teacher was sleeping with his dad. The guilt and the thrill tangled together in my chest. Playing with fire while standing in gasoline
“Change of plans today,” I called out as Blake and Lucas took their spots. “Father–son combat drills–essential stuff in real fights“.
I caught Blake’s eye, both of us knowing damn well this was the perfect cover to get close to each other without raising eyebrows.
“Alpha King, position yourself here,” I said, all professional while boldly sliding my hands onto his shoulders to adjust his stance. My fingers lingered a heartbeat too long, soaking in the heat of him,
“More like this? I murmured, barely audible.
“Better?” he asked just as quietly, eyes flicking to mine when Lucas was distracted. Those gray eyes could melt steel.
“Perfect,” I said, meaning way more than his fighting stance.
“You smell like Dad,” Lucas blurted, head cocked like a confused puppy. “Weird.”
shit. Blake and I locked eyes
s for a split second before both looking anywhere else. My mark burned so hot I swear it must’ve been glowing through my
Training in the same space; I stammered, voice jumping an octave. Scents rub off, you know?”
“Eyes on the target, Lucas,” Hake cut in smoothly. “Real warriors don’t get distracted by smells.”
I shot him a thank you glance before scrambling to reset my face. Note to sell: shower twice after cabin nights.
While showing them a back–to–back defense muve, I had to physically position both of them. When I reached Blake, he breathed against my ear: Tonight
Labin
ick nod before stepping back into trainer mode
Two words. Thats all it took to make my pulse spike like I’d sprinted uphill. I gave a quick
“Hold this position,” I instructed, hoping nobody noticed the slight shake in my voice. “Trust is everything in combat.”
1/3
Chapter 125
Lores showed off the “Mint Strike more ti fidalt him, dinding Ba
-No fala Fight is reel baille, póp.,” he laughed, fingina Finding Lucara tiba.
Locas hosted with laughter, tepling to escape, “Chemteit tea, help!!
Before I knew it. I was dragged into their play light. The three of us rolled around on the grass, laughing like idiots, post a normal, happy family having f The thought hit me like a worker punch.
Soet him!” Lucas sqoraled, grabbing my hand as we ganged pm Blake, We tackled him together, and our lighter ached arms the field.
When we finally collapsed on our backs, penting and staring at the clouds, Lanas said unmething that stopped my heart: “You know what, Dad? Since Ava came, this place actually feels like hose.”
The kid might as well have dropped a bombs, Blake and I went still, the weight of these innocent words hanging in the air between us
Blake’s eyes found mine, and through our mark flowed a current of emotion too complex for words.
“That’s a wrap for today,” I said, clearing my throat. “Great job, Lucas,”
“Did 1 do good, Dad?” Lucas asked, eyes hungry for approval.
“Better than good,” Blake said, pride written all over his face, “Your tactles are coming along nicely.”
Lucas litu
up like a firecracker. “Can I show you my archery? Wilson says I don’t suck anymore! At the targets by the forest!”
Blake glanced at me, a silent question in his eyes.
“Go for it,” I said, helpless against those p puppy–dog eyes. ‘I’ll clean up.”
“You rock!” Lucas threw his arms around Blake’s waist. Blake froze for a split second clearly not used to spontaneous hugs–before awkwardly puttin son’s shoulder.
Watching them, something warm unfurled in my chest. Whatever mess Blake and I had created, seeing father and son finally connect made it worth something
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