Chapter 67: Jessica's Doubt and Growth

The morning sun filtered through the trees as Jessica made her way to the training grounds. Her muscles ached from yesterday's session, but she pushed through the discomfort. She couldn't afford to show weakness, not now.

As she approached, she saw Andrew already there, setting up targets for their practice. His face was a mask of concentration, but it softened slightly when he saw her.

"Ready for another round?" he asked, his voice gruff but not unkind.

Jessica nodded, trying to project confidence she didn't entirely feel. "Always."

They began with basic drills, Jessica focusing her energy to create small bursts of moonlight. It was getting easier to summon the power, but controlling it was still a challenge. More than once, she missed her target entirely, leaving scorch marks on nearby trees.

"Focus," Andrew barked. "You can't afford to be distracted in a real fight."

Jessica gritted her teeth, frustration building. "I'm trying," she snapped. "It's not as easy as you make it sound."

Andrew's eyes flashed, a hint of his wolf showing through. "You think any of this is easy? We're facing an enemy unlike anything we've ever seen before. If you can't handle the pressure-"

"That's enough."

They both turned to see James approaching, his expression stern. "Andrew, take a break. I need to speak with Jessica alone."

As Andrew stalked off, Jessica felt a wave of shame wash over her. She'd let her frustration get the better of her, again. Some Luna she was turning out to be.

James came to stand beside her, his presence both comforting and intimidating. "What's really bothering you, Jessica?" he asked softly.

She sighed, shoulders slumping. "I'm not... I'm not progressing fast enough. Everyone's counting on me, and I feel like I'm letting you all down."

James turned her to face him, his eyes searching hers. "You've come so far in such a short time. No one expects you to master your powers overnight."

"But what if it's not enough?" Jessica whispered, voicing the fear that had been gnawing at her. "What if, when it really matters, I fail?"

Instead of answering immediately, James led her to a nearby clearing. He sat down on a fallen log, patting the space beside him. As Jessica settled next to him, he took her hand in his.

"Do you remember the first time you shifted?" he asked.

Jessica nodded, a small smile tugging at her lips despite her mood. "I was terrified. I thought I'd be stuck as a wolf forever."

James chuckled. "But you weren't. You found your way back, with our help. This is no different. Your power is a part of you, Jessica. It's not something separate to be mastered, but an extension of who you are."

He placed a hand over her heart. "The strength you need is already inside you. You just need to trust in it, and in yourself."

As his words sank in, Jessica felt something shift within her. The doubt didn't disappear entirely, but it no longer seemed as overwhelming. She took a deep breath, letting the sounds and scents of the forest wash over her.

"Close your eyes," James instructed gently. "Feel the energy around you. The life in the trees, the earth beneath your feet. Your power comes from the same source. It's natural, wild, but also a part of you."

Jessica did as he said, reaching out with her senses. And suddenly, she felt it. The pulsing life force of the forest, the distant pull of the moon even in daylight. And at the center of it all, her own inner light, burning bright and steady.

When she opened her eyes, her hands were glowing softly with moonlight. But this time, it didn't feel chaotic or overwhelming. It was simply... her.

"I... I think I understand now," she said, wonder in her voice.

James smiled, pride shining in his eyes. "You're stronger than you know, Jessica. And you're not alone in this. We're all here to support you, to help you grow into the Luna you're meant to be."

As they made their way back to the training grounds, Jessica felt a new sense of purpose. The road ahead would still be challenging, but she was ready to face it. With James and the other alphas by her side, and her own inner strength to guide her, she knew she could overcome any obstacle.

Andrew was waiting for them, his earlier frustration replaced by a look of concern. "I'm sorry," he said gruffly. "I shouldn't have pushed so hard."

Jessica shook her head. "No, I needed the push. I'm ready to try again."

This time, as she summoned her power, it flowed more naturally. The moonlight danced at her fingertips, responding to her will with newfound precision. Andrew's eyebrows rose as she hit target after target, her aim improving with each shot.

"Well done," he said, a rare smile crossing his face. "Keep this up, and you'll be ready for anything the Shadow Walkers throw at us."

As the sun began to set, Jessica felt a deep sense of satisfaction. She had faced her doubts and come out stronger. There would be more challenges ahead, she knew, but for the first time in a long while, she felt truly ready to face them.

That night, as she curled up with her mates, their warmth surrounding her, Jessica felt a profound sense of gratitude. For their love, their support, and the strength they helped her find within herself. Whatever the future held, she knew they would face it together.

And in her dreams, the moonlight danced, no longer a force to be feared, but a part of her very being.