Alpha Eyes (Alpha Eyes: Book 1)

Chapter 6

As much as Adrian wanted Sierra in his classes, it was for the best that she wasn't. Now that he'd marked her—a rushed decision that still made him cringe—his attraction to her intensified. Her intoxicating lavender scent drove his wolf crazy, and he needed to respect her. Sleeping in his own room last night had been challenge enough. The cheeky bastard in his mind suggested a few things that sent a jolt down to his lower regions.

He drew a deep breath of fresh air and fiercely shook his head to dispel the last lingering trace of lavender from his mind. His students meandered onto the training field and split into pairs. His couldn't help but preen as they set to practicing yesterday's skills without any prompting. These kids were smart. Recent lessons proved to be more correction and refinement than teaching. Soon they'd graduate to the next level of training.

Adrian slowly circled the perimeter of the field, gently correcting a student's stance or separating overly-energetic boys. They were a good group overall. They were the future of their pack, which offered plenty of hope.

Adrian flinched as a dull kick-like pain thumped against his ribs. He looked for the culprit, only to find himself alone. The pain hadn't been his.

"Sierra," he murmured with a smile. He closed his eyes and opened the visual mind link to see what she was up to. He connected with her just in time to see Ada Lanster launch into a roundabout kick that should have laid his mate flat. Instead, Sierra dodged the blow and grabbed her friend's airborne leg. The two of them slammed onto the mat, Adrian flinching again as Sierra's back hit ground.

He smiled again and silently closed the mind link. She was strong and fast, his mate. He knew very little about her wolf side, but this glimpse was enough to set his wolf purring. They'd make quite the pair in a fight. He'd protect her with his life, and she wouldn't back down from a challenge.

Incoming! His wolf jumped in circles, alert but not panicked.

Adrian popped his eyes open as the first little body collided with his stomach. He stumbled back a step and took stock of the situation. His youngest students, all about eight or nine years old, stood around him with curiosity etched into their faces. The instigator, a redheaded lad with enough freckles on his nose to be adorable, latched onto his waist with an endearing war cry.

"I've got him! Attack! Attack!"

Adrian crashed to the ground as the group pounced on him. His wolf rolled on its back and watched the whole thing with a sense of amusement. As the youngsters piled on top of his body, Adrian couldn't help but wish Sierra was here to see him.

Several minutes of giggles and shrieks followed before he rose on his hands and knees. Students toppled of his back, their weak attempts to hold him lasting a few seconds before he shook them off. With a shake of his head and a few cracks, he shifted into his wolf and faced the group. He'd never hurt them; his wolf wouldn't allow it.

They scampered around him, running their hands over his silky gray fur like he was their personal pet. His wolf hummed at the attention, leaning into their caresses and rolling on the grass for them. Anyone who tried to climb on him, however, was quickly shaken off. Even when he was playing, he maintained a certain beta level of authority. He may be gentle around kids, but he was no pet.

A low growl from the tree line sent the group scurrying behind him. On instinct, his wolf sprang to alert and crouched into battle-ready pose. He didn't recognize the growl, so anyone could be approaching.

A mid-sized wolf with snowy white fur, sprinkled with lines of silver, stepped into view. A single black streak ran down the length of its nose. From the pitch of the growl, Adrian guessed it was a female. He knew most of the warriors in the pack, yet this one seemed oddly familiar.

She took a step closer, head slightly bowed in respect. The growl in her throat, most likely meant to draw attention, died away. When she met his gaze, he threw back his head and howled. His students fled for the safety of other groups, not understanding his joy.

Sierra crept toward him, her scent radiating uneasiness and longing for acceptance. He ran up to her and pushed his nose under her chin. They nuzzled and brushed against each other for a minute until she broke the silence.

Do you like my wolf?

He stared down at her before licking her face. Of course I like your wolf. I love your wolf. She is absolutely beautiful.

She visibly relaxed and leaned into his shoulder. Good. I wasn't sure what you'd think of me showing up like this. I sensed that you were under some kind of attack, and...

So she had seen him with the youngsters! The thought warmed his chest and made him growl his pleasure. He basked in the feeling of their wolves nestled together, wishing away the rest of the day's duties.

I should go, she mind linked with him. I still have a couple more classes today.

He whimpered when she stepped away. He was pretty sure he was giving her pathetic puppy eyes but didn't mind. The mate bond always worked a number on newly mated wolves.

I'll miss you.

She quivered for a minute. In a flash, she licked his face and darted away into the trees. He looked down at the pile of his shredded clothes and sighed. That hadn't been planned well.

He turned towards the house but froze when he caught a glimpse of something deep in the woods. A pair of wolf eyes staring him down.... The gray wolf's lips quivered in a restrained snarl before he retreated behind a tree and disappeared from sight.

Adrian shook off the shiver that ran down his spine. He should chase the rogue down, but there was something almost familiar about it that scared him. If pack members were defecting or voluntarily turning rogue for whoever was behind these attacks, the problem would be far worse than anyone imagined.