Chapter 73

The next day, Achilles and Shea stood facing each other in the mansion's training room, their bodies tense and ready for action. Sweat glistened on their skin, evidence of the intense workout they'd already endured.

"Ready?" Achilles asked, a hint of a smirk playing on his lips.

Shea nodded, her eyes narrowing with determination. "Bring it on."

They circled each other slowly, looking for an opening. Suddenly, Achilles lunged forward. Shea ducked and spun away, her movements fluid and graceful.

"Not bad," Achilles said, his voice low and appreciative. "But you'll have to do better than that."

Shea grinned, her heart racing. "Oh, I intend to."

She feinted left, then struck right, her fist connecting with Achilles's shoulder. He grunted, more surprised than hurt.

"Nice hit," he said, grabbing her wrist and pulling her close. Their faces were inches apart, their breath mingling. "But you left yourself open."

Shea's pulse quickened at his proximity. "Did I?" she murmured, her free hand sliding up his chest.

Achilles's eyes darkened with desire, but he didn't lose focus. In one swift move, he swept Shea's legs out from under her, catching her before she hit the ground.

"Always stay alert," he said, his lips brushing her ear.

Shea shivered, then used his momentary distraction to flip their positions, pinning him beneath her.

"Like this?" she asked innocently, straddling his hips.

Achilles chuckled, his hands resting on her thighs. "Exactly like that."

Achilles and Shea continued their training session, focusing on improving Shea's combat skills. They moved through a series of drills, with Achilles demonstrating techniques and Shea practicing them.

"Remember, use your opponent's momentum against them," Achilles instructed, demonstrating a throw.

Shea nodded, her brow furrowed in concentration. She attempted the move, managing to flip Achilles onto the mat.

"Well done," he said, a hint of pride in his voice.

As they sparred, their movements became more fluid, almost like a dance. Shea was improving rapidly, her werewolf instincts kicking in.

"You're a quick learner," Achilles commented, blocking one of her strikes.

Shea grinned. "I have a good teacher."

They circled each other, looking for openings. Achilles feinted left, then swept Shea's legs. She anticipated the move, jumping over his leg and countering with a swift jab.

"Impressive," Achilles said, catching her fist. "But don't get cocky."

In a flash, he had her pinned against the wall, his body pressed against hers. Shea's breath caught in her throat, her pulse quickening at his proximity.

"Always be prepared for anything," Achilles murmured, his lips close to her ear.

Shea swallowed hard, then smirked. "Oh, I am."

She hooked her leg around his, using her newfound strength to flip their positions. Now it was Achilles pinned against the wall, Shea's hand on his chest.

"Like that?" she asked innocently.

Achilles's eyes darkened with a mix of pride and desire. "Exactly like that."

As Shea and Achilles stood pressed against the wall, their faces mere inches apart, the tension between them crackled with electricity. Their heavy breathing mingled in the small space between them, both acutely aware of every point of contact between their bodies.

Suddenly, a throat cleared from the doorway. "Ehem."

Startled, Shea and Achilles sprang apart, their faces flushing with embarrassment as they turned to see Lucius standing there with a raised eyebrow.

Achilles ran a hand through his hair, trying to compose himself. "Father, we were just... training," he said, his voice slightly strained.

Lucius's lips twitched with amusement. "Is that what they're calling it these days?" he retorted, his tone light and teasing. "I must be getting old if pinning each other against walls is considered combat training now."

Shea's cheeks burned even hotter, and she found herself unable to meet Lucius's gaze. She fidgeted with the hem of her workout shirt, wishing the floor would open up and swallow her whole.

Achilles cleared his throat, trying to regain some semblance of dignity. "We were practicing close-quarters combat techniques," he explained, though his voice lacked conviction.

Lucius chuckled, shaking his head. "Of course you were, son. And I'm sure those techniques will be very useful in the upcoming faction war." His eyes twinkled with mirth as he looked between the two flustered young werewolves.

Lucius's expression softened as he turned his attention to Shea. "I wanted to commend you, Shea, for your bravery and quick thinking during yesterday's attack. Your first transformation was impressive, especially under such pressure."

Shea straightened, a mix of pride and humility washing over her. "Thank you, sir. I... I'm still processing everything that happened."

Lucius nodded, understanding in his eyes. "That's to be expected. The first shift is always intense, even more so in a combat situation. We'll be celebrating your milestone tonight - it's an important rite of passage for any werewolf."

Achilles grinned, placing a hand on Shea's shoulder. "You were amazing out there. I knew you had it in you."

Lucius smiled at their interaction. "Indeed. Now, I'll leave you two to continue your... training." He turned to leave, but paused at the doorway, a mischievous glint in his eye. "Oh, and one more thing..."

Both Shea and Achilles looked at him expectantly.

Lucius's lips quirked into a smirk. "While I appreciate your... enthusiasm, perhaps you could keep the volume down a bit tonight? These old walls aren't as soundproof as one might hope."

Shea's eyes widened in mortification, her face turning a deep shade of crimson. Achilles coughed awkwardly, rubbing the back of his neck.

"Father, I-" Achilles began, but Lucius held up a hand, chuckling.

"No need for explanations. Just remember, there are others in the house trying to sleep." With a final wink, he disappeared down the hallway, leaving Shea and Achilles in stunned silence.

After a moment, Shea buried her face in her hands. "Oh my god, I'm so embarrassed," she groaned.

Achilles couldn't help but laugh, wrapping an arm around her shoulders. "Well, at least we know he approves?"

Shea peeked through her fingers, a reluctant smile tugging at her lips. "I guess that's one way to look at it."