~ ROSELLE ~
My entire body is drenched in sweat as I bolt upright in bed, my breathing ragged and my heart hammering so violently against my ribs that it feels like it might crack them open.
It’s only been one night without Ronan in the pack, and my fucking nightmares have already returned with a vengeance.
What the hell is it with that beast?
I’ve had nightmares before — plenty of them. They usually revolve around the fire, the screams, the memories I can never seem to escape no matter how far I run or how much time passes. Those are familiar. Those I know how to survive.
But this? Monsters whispering filthy, degrading things to me? A massive, horned creature snarling about knotting me, breeding me, turning me into its personal cumdump? That’s new, and that’s never happened before.
The nightmares about that beast didn’t start until I stepped foot in this pack.
I press a trembling hand to my chest, trying to steady my breathing as the images from the dream flash behind my eyes, the creature’s glowing amber eyes, its thick, knotted cock twitching with need, the way it described pinning me down and ruining me until I was nothing but a dripping, broken mess.
Goddess, it was so weird... and so stupid. Who has dreams about monsters whispering filthy things to them? No one. Absolutely no one except me.
Then again, maybe there’s a perfectly reasonable explanation.
I remember reading somewhere that dreams are often influenced by the things we experience during the day. And yesterday, Ethan made those disgusting, crude comments about warming my bed, about having a "long, big dick" and wanting to hear my pretty moans. Maybe my brain just twisted that into something even more monstrous.
If not... then I honestly can’t think of any other explanation.
I force myself out of bed on shaky legs and head straight for the bathroom. The cold water from the shower helps wash away some of the sweat and the lingering horror of the dream, but it doesn’t erase the uneasy feeling in my chest.
By the time I’m dressed in the outfit Celeste and I picked out last night, tight black gym pants that hug my legs and hips, a supportive sports bra, and my hair rolled into a neat bun, I’m already trying to convince myself that today will be better. Pack training, and something new that might actually take my mind off Ronan, and off that disgusting dream.
I’m actually excited that I agreed to go with Celeste. Hopefully it’ll help.
Celeste is already waiting for me when I step out of the room, her usual bright smile in place, though her eyes soften with concern when she sees me.
"You look like you didn’t sleep well," she says gently, linking her arm with mine as we walk.
"I didn’t," I admit quietly. "But I’m okay. Let’s just go. I need the distraction."
She squeezes my arm supportively. "That’s why we’re doing this. Fresh air, movement, maybe a few bruises. It’ll be good for you, My Lady. And don’t worry, I’ll be right there with you."
The training grounds are already buzzing with activity when we arrive. Most of the pack is there, warriors stretching, pairs sparring lightly, the sound of fists hitting pads and laughter filling the air. Nikolai stands off to the side, arms crossed over his broad chest, watching everything with that calm, watchful intensity of his. His eyes narrows to me the moment I step onto the field, and he gives me a small, respectful nod.
I’m about to head toward Celeste when a familiar, venomous voice pierces through the noise.
"Well, well. Look who decided to grace us with her presence."
Mara.
She’s dressed in tight training clothes that show off every curve and muscle, her hair pulled back in a sleek ponytail. Her smile is vicious, as she saunters toward me, drawing the attention of everyone nearby.
"I challenge you to a spar, little Roselle," she says loudly, her voice boomimg across the training grounds. "Unless you’re too scared to fight someone who actually has a wolf."
The entire field seems to go quiet.
Nikolai straightens immediately, his expression darkening. He takes a step forward. "No. That’s not happening."
Mara doesn’t even look at him. She keeps her eyes locked on me, that cruel smile never wavering.
"By pack law," she announces, loud enough for everyone to hear, "any member can challenge another to a sparring match. It’s within my rights."


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