Chapter 105

**ADAM**

The sound of fists connecting with flesh echoed through the training field, sharp and rhythmic like a heartbeat. I ducked low and swept my leg out, catching Austin off-balance. He recovered quickly, flipping me onto my back with a grunt and a grin.

"You're slipping," he teased, offering me a hand.

"Just giving you a chance to feel good about yourself," I muttered, taking it and yanking him forward into a light shoulder check. He laughed.

Sasha, who was watching from the edge of the circle, clapped slowly. "Excellent form, gentlemen. Very graceful. Like angry ballerinas."

Cassius rolled his eyes. "You’re one to talk. Last time you tried a takedown, you tripped over your own foot."

"That was tactical stalling," Sasha shot back, cracking his knuckles. "Confuse the enemy."

"By face-planting into the grass?" Austin deadpanned.

The four of us laughed, the camaraderie easy and welcome after a tense week. Aria was upstairs with Leila and Rosalie, finally resting after days of emotional turmoil. She needed peace. And I needed to get my head clear.

"So," Austin said between breaths, nodding to me as we circled each other again, "any more ideas for tonight?"

"Candles. Something soft, but meaningful," I said, feinting left before launching into a swift combination of strikes. He blocked two, dodged one, then grunted when the last hit his ribs.

"Sounds nice. I was thinking we cook for her," he replied, lunging forward and catching me in a lock. I tapped out quickly.

"Together?" I said, raising an eyebrow. "Last time you tried to cook, we had to evacuate the kitchen."

"That was one time. And the fire was small."

Cassius groaned and threw up his hands. "Okay, that's my cue. I'm not listening to you two plan seduction dinners for my sister. I’m going for a run."

Without another word, he stripped off his shirt, let out a slow breath, and dropped to all fours. His shift was seamless—muscles rippling and bones snapping in a fluid, practiced transformation. In seconds, the massive hybrid wolf stood before us, fur glinting in the light. With a snort, he took off into the woods.

"Show off," Sasha muttered before following, albeit more clumsily despite its centuries of experience.

Austin and I stayed behind, trading punches and half-smiles as we continued to spar.

"I think she'll like it," I said. "The evening. She deserves something just for her. No decisions, no stress. We're letting things happen naturally."

"Agreed."

I was about to take another swing when we heard a voice behind us.

"I just spoke with Lord Ambrose. He's quite indecisive about me returning to Europe."

Austin and I turned slowly. Caedmon stood a few yards away, arms behind his back, eyes gleaming with calculated calm.

My blood went cold. Lord Ambrose was dead.

Austin raised an eyebrow. "Yeah? Must've been a quick conversation."

"We have our ways of communicating," Caedmon said smoothly. "But I understand he may be concerned about political shifts here."

"Maybe you should go back to him," Austin said bluntly, stepping forward. "You don’t seem particularly happy here."

Caedmon gave a small smile. "You never liked me, did you, Alpha?"

"Not particularly," Austin replied. "And I’m not in the habit of pretending otherwise."

I cleared my throat. "You’re welcome in this community, Caedmon. But if you’re going to stay, you need to not try manipulating Aria."

His expression darkened, but only for a flicker. "I’ve only ever treated her with kindness."

"You know what I mean," I said.

He nodded once, like he was humoring me. "I’ll give you two some space. Enjoy your training."

As he walked away, Austin waited until he was out of earshot. "Do you think he knows? About Ambrose?"

I shook my head. "That’s the question, isn’t it? Either he’s lying, or he doesn’t know Ambrose is dead. And I can’t decide which is worse."

Austin looked at me. "We can use this."

I nodded. "Exactly. If we play this right, we can find out who he’s talking to. Who else might be involved."

We stood in silence, watching the trees sway in the distance.

Tonight, we would give Aria the peace she deserved.

But tomorrow?

We would finally get answers.

**AUSTIN**

After training, I headed upstairs, ready for a hot shower and maybe a moment of quiet before we started setting things up for tonight. My muscles ached in the best way, and I still hadn’t quite shaken the buzz of the encounter with Caedmon. But that could wait. Right now, I just wanted to see Aria.

When I stepped into the apartment, I was surprised to find her standing near the mirror, brushing her hair. She wore jeans and a soft green top that brought out the gold in her eyes. Her expression was focused, but she looked up as I entered.

"Hey," I said, walking in and wiping sweat from my forehead. "I thought you were staying with the girls today."

She gave me a small smile. "I was. I just came back to change. They want to go out on the town, maybe do some shopping."

I paused in the doorway to the bathroom. "You sure you have the energy for that?"

She hesitated, then shrugged. "Not really. But I need the fresh air. And if I feel too tired, we'll come back early."

I crossed the room, leaned down, and kissed her softly. She leaned into it for a moment, her fingers brushing my arm.

"Just don’t push yourself," I murmured.

"I won’t," she said. "Rosalie and Leila will drag me home if I so much as yawn."

"Good."

I watched her for a second longer, not quite ready to let her go.

She stepped toward the door, turned, and gave me a final smile. "I’ll see you tonight."

And then she was gone.

I stood there in the quiet, already thinking of everything Adam and I needed to prepare. Tonight had to be perfect.

She deserved nothing less.