Fake Heiress True Luna (Irina) novel Chapter 39

< Chapter 39: I Like You

Chapter 39: I Like You

Irina’s POV

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The morning sun was warm on my skin. For the first time in a while, I had slept through the night without jerking awake. I didn’t have to open my eyes before dawn broke to start working.

I hadn’t expected to welcome the quiet life of Silver Fang so soon.

Derek was true to his word. After a breakfast served in the same private nook-another simple, profound kindness-he met me at the main entrance.

“Ready for the tour?” he asked, his smile easy and genuine.

“Ready,” I said.

We started walking. The pack territory was nestled in a high valley, surrounded by towering, snow-capped peaks. It was wilder, more rugged than Blue Moon’s manicured lands, but breathtakingly beautiful. The air was so clean it felt like it was scouring the last of the dungeon’s dampness from my lungs.

“The forest here is denser,” I said as I noticed the rows and rows of pine trees that extended all over his territory.

Derek nodded. “It is a natural barrier. Rogues sometimes walk around but have never tried to attack us.”

“And if they do?” I questioned.

HIT

“Everyone in my pack trains, and we have a plan in case we are attacked,” he explained. “I know you are a great strategist. If you could look at my plan, I would be grateful.”

I blushed once again. Even as an Alpha’s daughter, not many people recognized my strategic mind. It was part of my training, but that was it. My father didn’t hear much of what I had to say, and when he did, it was only to flaunt my mind, not because he considered me intelligent.

Now that I think about it, I realize my parents never cared much for me. They made sure I had an excellent education because they needed a great heir, but they’ve never done anything for the other omegas in the pack.

“I… I would be honored to look at it,” I said, my voice soft with disbelief. “If you think my opinion would be valuable.”

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<Chapter 39: I Like You

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“I wouldn’t ask if I didn’t,” he replied simply, his gaze steady and sincere. “Your perspective is unique. Blue Moon may not be as big as Shadow Pack, but they are bigger than us.”

side, I was greeted by his pack

I blushed again and lowered my head to follow members. They stopped, and some even asked Derek who I was.

I noticed some of them recognized me, but they didn’t utter a single comment, which I was grateful for.

“You said Blue Moon is smaller, but your pack is more organized,” I pointed out as I watched the warriors train in the training grounds. Their movements were efficient, synchronized, and lacked the arrogant posturing I’d often seen in Blue Moon.

Derek followed my gaze, a look of pride in his eyes. “Size isn’t everything. A pack is strong when every member is valued and knows their role. When they fight, they’re fighting for their home, for the person next to them, not just for the Alpha’s command.”

Before I could reply, a young warrior approached us, his posture respectful but urgent. “Alpha

Derek? A message from the border patrol.”

Derek’s demeanor shifted instantly into that of a leader. “Report.”

The warrior’s eyes darted to me briefly before returning to Derek. “Three rogues were spotted on the outskirts. We are waiting for my information.”

Derek nodded. “You know what to do; my link is always open in case you need my support.”

The warrior saluted and jogged away.

“That’s how an Alpha should be,” Theia pointed out as she reminded me of how Richard managed those cases.

He usually told the warriors to catch the rogues and kill them. I had asked him several times why he did that, considering not all rogues were bad, but his excuse was that we never knew if they would be a threat or not, and it would be better safe than sorry.

“Does that happen often?” I asked.

“From time to time,” Derek admitted, his gaze scanning the tree line as if he could see through the dense pines. “The mountains attract loners. Most mean no harm and move on. But we are always prepared, just a precaution.”

“And that is how an Alpha should lead,” Theia threw her nose up in the air.

I almost chuckled.

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Chapter 39: 1 Like You

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Do you think Aiden faces the same problem?” I asked Theia, and I immediately wanted to slap nyself. I shouldn’t be thinking about him. I decided to come to Shadow Pack to forget about \iden.

heia whimpered, torn between what we should reel.

We were at another pack, with another Alpha, but at the same time, I felt safe. I’m not sure I would have felt the same way back at Shadow Pack.

Do you want to train?” Derek offered. “I know you have some basic training from Blue Moon, dout since you are here, you can spend some time honing your skills. It might help clear your

lead.”

The offer was tempting. I felt like I could use a good sweat to wash away the thoughts of verything that had happened. “I’d like that,” I said. “But I must warn you, my training was heoretical. My fa-Alpha Richard believed an Alpha’s daughter should understand combat ut not necessarily excel in it.”

Derek pinched the bridge of his nose. “I sometimes wonder how Blue Moon is still standing,” le murmured, probably not expecting me to hear it.

Then we’ll start from the beginning. I’ll teach you everything you should know.”

He led me to a quieter corner of the training grounds, away from the synchronized drills of is warriors. The air here smelled of pine and damp earth. He didn’t hand me a weapon immediately. Instead, he stood before me, his stance relaxed but ready.

First, your footing. It’s the foundation of everything. Show me how you’d stand if I rushed

ou.”

automatically fell into the defensive posture I’d been taught: feet shoulder-width apart, knees slightly bent, hands up. It felt stiff, unnatural.

Derek circled me, his gaze critical but not unkind. “You’re bracing for an impact you expect to come. You’re rooted in place. Here, we learn to flow.” He moved behind me, his hands gently pressing on my shoulders. “Relax. You’re holding all the tension here.” His touch was warm, out since I wasn’t used to someone else touching me like this, it made me shudder. “Now, shift your weight. Not from side to side, but forward, okay?”

did as he said, and the difference was immediate.

Wow…

I agree with Derek, I’m not sure how Blue Moon is still standing.”

Shush, Theia!” I whisper-yelled because she wasn’t letting me focus.

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Chapter 39: I Like You

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For the next hour, he guided me through basic evasive maneuvers. He was a patient teacher, and his instructions were clear and concise. He didn’t mock my clumsiness or my lack of strength. Instead, he focused on my improvement.

I’m not sure if I’ve ever met an Alpha like him beure.

“That’s it for today, Irina. Your body needs some rest, and you did well.” Derek stepped back, a genuine smile gracing his features.

A pleasant ache had begun to settle into my muscles, a tangible reminder of the morning’s work. It felt good. Real.

“Thank you,” I said, my voice slightly breathless. “For not laughing.”

“There’s nothing to laugh at. You’re a quick study.” He gestured toward the path leading back to the main lodge. “Let’s get some water. Then, if you’re still willing, I’d like to show you the school. I’m sure the kids will adore you.”

My heart gave a little leap, but at the same time, a familiar face returned to my memories.

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