Chapter 39

As the training session progressed, Shea found herself growing more comfortable with her newfound abilities. Lucius guided her through various exercises, teaching her to focus her senses and control her strength. Achilles watched with a mixture of pride and fascination, occasionally stepping in to demonstrate or offer encouragement.

During a brief break, Shea caught Achilles staring at her. His intense gaze sent a shiver down her spine, reminding her of their passionate encounters. She felt a blush creep up her cheeks and quickly looked away.

"You're doing great," Achilles said, his voice low and husky. He moved closer, close enough that Shea could feel the heat radiating from his body. "How are you feeling?"

"Overwhelmed," Shea admitted, meeting his eyes. "But in a good way. It's like I'm discovering a whole new side of myself."

Achilles nodded, a small smile playing on his lips. "I remember when I first started training. It's intense, but it gets easier. And more exciting."

As he spoke, his hand brushed against hers, sending a jolt of electricity through her body. Shea's breath caught in her throat, and she saw Achilles's nostrils flare slightly. She wondered if he could sense the effect he was having on her.

"Achilles," Lucius called from across the room, breaking the moment. "Why don't you show Shea some basic defensive moves?"

Achilles stepped back, clearing his throat. "Of course."

He led Shea to the center of the room, positioning himself in front of her. "Okay, I'm going to come at you slowly. Try to use your new senses to anticipate my movements and block me."

As Achilles moved, Shea found herself hyper-aware of every shift in his muscles, every change in his scent. She managed to block his first few attempts, her body moving almost instinctively.

"Good," Achilles murmured, his eyes locked on hers. "Now, let's try something a little more challenging."

He lunged forward suddenly, faster than before. Shea reacted on pure instinct, grabbing his arm and using his momentum to flip him over her shoulder. Achilles landed on his back with a thud, looking up at her with a mixture of surprise and admiration.

"Impressive," he said, a bit breathless. Shea reached down to help him up, their hands lingering together a moment longer than necessary.

As the training session wound down, Shea felt a mix of exhilaration and exhaustion. Her body hummed with newfound energy, yet her muscles ached from the intense workout. Achilles approached her, offering a towel and a bottle of water.

"You did great today," he said, his eyes roaming over her flushed face and slightly disheveled hair. "How are you feeling?"

Shea took a long swig of water before answering. "Like I could run a marathon and collapse at the same time," she admitted with a small laugh.

Achilles chuckled, the sound sending a pleasant shiver down her spine. "That's normal. Your body's adjusting to all these new sensations and abilities."

As they walked towards the mansion, Shea found herself hyper-aware of Achilles's presence beside her. The heat radiating from his body, the subtle scent of his sweat mixed with something uniquely him – it all threatened to overwhelm her senses.

"I was thinking," Achilles began, his voice low and slightly hesitant, "maybe we could go for a run together tonight. In the woods. It might help you get more in tune with your wolf side."

Shea's heart skipped a beat at the thought of being alone with Achilles under the moonlight. "I'd like that," she replied, trying to keep her voice steady.

As they reached the mansion, their hands brushed against each other, sending a jolt of electricity through Shea's body. She looked up to find Achilles staring at her intensely, his blue eyes darkening with an emotion she couldn't quite name.

"Shea, I-" he started, but was interrupted by Lucius calling from inside the house.

"We should probably go see what he wants," Shea said quickly, her cheeks flushing.

Achilles nodded, a mix of frustration and resignation crossing his face. "Yeah, we should. But don't forget about our run later."

As they walked inside, Shea couldn't help but feel a thrill of anticipation for what the night might bring.

As Shea and Achilles entered the mansion, the tension between them was palpable. Lucius greeted them in the foyer, his keen eyes taking in their flushed faces and the way they stood just a little too close together.

"I hope the training went well," he said, a hint of amusement in his voice. "Shea, I'd like to speak with you for a moment, if you don't mind."

Achilles shot her a questioning look, but Shea nodded reassuringly. "Of course, Mr. Von Lunar."

As she followed Lucius into his study, Shea couldn't help but feel a mix of curiosity and apprehension. The room was filled with ancient tomes and artifacts, each seemingly holding secrets of the werewolf world she was just beginning to understand.

"Please, sit," Lucius gestured to a plush armchair. As Shea settled in, he leaned against his desk, his expression serious. "I wanted to discuss something important with you. It's about your connection with Achilles."

Shea's heart raced. Had he noticed the growing attraction between them?

"I've observed the way you two interact," Lucius continued. "And I believe your bond may be more than just a protector and his charge. Have you felt any... unusual pull towards him?"

Shea's cheeks burned as she remembered the intense, primal urges they'd experienced. "I... yes," she admitted softly. "But I don't understand why."

Lucius nodded, unsurprised. "I suspected as much. Shea, there's a possibility that you and Achilles might be true mates."

"True mates?" Shea echoed, her mind reeling.

"It's a rare and powerful connection between werewolves," Lucius explained. "A bond that goes beyond mere attraction. It's said that true mates complete each other, bringing out the best in one another and strengthening their abilities."

Shea's thoughts raced. Could this explain the intense feelings she'd been experiencing? The way her body seemed to crave Achilles's touch?

"But why tell me this now?" she asked.

Lucius's expression grew grave. "Because if you are true mates, it could make you both stronger... but it could also put you in even greater danger. There are those who would seek to exploit such a powerful union."