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EMME

T he next couple of days were both nice and odd. Life returned almost to normal, and Florence put up more Christmas decorations around the house, giving off the impression we were getting closer to my first Christmas in Golden Claw.

She’d even added a few strings of twinkling lights and a wreath on my door, which appeared after she noticed my admiration of the living room tree for the hundredth time. For the most part, I spent my days training, and texting with Cora as we tried to organize a time for us to catch up.

She was flat-out with work, wrapping up projects before the end of the year, and I was still scattered and tired, though overall my essence was healing. Piece by piece, day by day, I grew stronger and happier, helped along by a pack who never let me fall into my trauma.

Even as busy as they all were too.

Between hockey for Kellan and Finley, Reeves Industries drama for Hunter, and Slade training me, spending time with Talon, and keeping an eye on our security, we were running ourselves ragged.

I ended most days tasting blood and vomit in my mouth as my body rebelled against the rigorous training regimen, but I refused to give up.

I had no idea when it was supposed to get easier, but so far there was no sign of relief.

A bright side I hadn’t expected was how great Horton turned out to be. For an alpha, he was kind and patient, walking my unfit and unskilled ass through each different move and drill. Over and over. Until I eventually got it right.

“You landed a hit,” he crowed, bouncing on his toes. “I’m so freaking proud of you.”

This was my fourth session in three days, and when I’d dragged my butt from bed this morning, I’d almost cried at the thought of training again. But now I was so happy I’d pushed through.

“I can’t believe it,” I huffed, shaking my head. “That felt impossible when you showed me it earlier.”

For over an hour now Horton had been teaching me a technique to use against a larger, stronger attacker, and I’d finally landed my first decent hit to his kidneys.

This hit would loosen the attacker’s hold, and then I could twist in a series of moves to break free and run.

A lot of what they taught me was about escaping rather than fighting back.

I’d always be smaller and weaker than an alpha.

Horton threw his arms out and leaned forward like he was about to hug me, until a low menacing rumble filtered through the grounds, halting everyone in their tracks.

And I mean everyone.

Slade’s enforcers, Warrick’s enforcers, and a third group training across on the other side of the facility, all whipped around to stare at the dragon shifter glaring our way from the middle of the field.

Horton’s brown skin turned quite pale as he flapped his arms and whirled, like he’d been attempting to fly in his humanoid form.

“That’s enough training for the day, Snow,” Slade called, his eyes locked on me.

He remained as emotionally distant as he’d been since Texas, but he was always physically nearby. Watching me. Keeping me safe. There was no doubt in my mind that when he wasn’t standing at my side, I was front and center in all of his cameras.

To no one’s surprise, our prank wars were on hiatus for the time being, and I tried not to miss the fun that had brought to my life.

“I’m not done though,” I protested, still hyped up at successfully pulling off a semi-useful move. “I’ve got more energy.”

Slade’s flat expression indicated there was no point in arguing with him today. “You’re done, omega. Shower and change in the locker room—I laid out an outfit for you.”

I paused at that odd request. I generally showered and changed at home, but maybe we had to head to Reeves Industries today.

Deciding I didn’t care either way, I trudged off across the icy ground and headed for the locker rooms. I’d only used this facility once before to wash vomit off my shirt— don’t ask —but they were impressive.

Huge, white, and clean, there were rows of showers along the back wall, and toilets near the entrance. The shelves were generally bare except for a stack of fluffy white towels, but today I saw the additional pile of folded clothes and black boots.

Excited to uncover what clothes Slade had chosen for me, I hurried into the showers and washed myself in record time. The toiletries were scentless and good quality, and when I emerged, there was nothing but my own natural scent in the air.

As I wrapped one towel around my body and the other around my hair, I wandered toward the shelves. On top was a sports bra and matching black panties, which I slipped on first, before I lifted a… jumpsuit .

When the heavy length unfolded, I saw that it was black like the boots, with pink flames up both arms, and gold stripes down the legs. On the back was my name, embroidered, and it finally clicked on what I held: a race suit.

Ahhhhhh! I started mentally screaming and cheering as I realized why we’d finished early.

Track day.

Finally, I would get to experience the Reeves pack racetrack, and lose myself in supercars and speed for a few hours. What a fucking excellent surprise.

Sliding the material up my body, I marveled at the perfect fit, zipping myself in and securing the button at my throat. The boots went on last, sliding over the pants, and when I checked myself in the mirror, I felt like a superhero.

Speeding Ticket Woman . There was no way to drive slow in an outfit like this—the gods would smite you right where you stood.

Using the hairdryer attached to the wall, I dried my hair and threw it into a quick braid to match the sporty, racer look I had going on. I finished tying the end as Slade strode into the room. “You ready to go, Snow?” he asked, and I glared at him in the reflection of the mirror.

“I could have been naked,” I said, hands landing on my hips. “You almost saw my tits.”

Maybe a glimpse of me naked would return the old Slade to me. This new, cold version wasn’t my favorite, and I hated the distance he maintained between us.

“I’ve seen you naked a hundred times,” he said in the same flat tone. “Though, seeing it in the flesh does offer another element.”

My mouth dropped open, even though I wasn’t all that surprised he watched me through his security system. Part of me was now wondering if he watched me with Hunter and Kellan, but I was too chickenshit to ask him.

“Yeah, it’s definitely different,” I managed to say. “Your piercings are visually branded in my mind for that very reason.”

He took a step closer. “Makes sense. Touch would bring a whole other element too.”

Holy goddess . Was it hot in here? Did my fire-resistant suit just catch fire?

“There’d definitely be another element involved for you to touch me naked,” I countered weakly.

The room grew even hotter until my reflection in the mirror turned foggy.

“If I touched you naked, Emmeline…” Slade murmured, towering over me, and I focused desperately on his dark shadow in the fogged mirror.

“…I would never let you go. You’d be naked all day every single day.

I would claim your body until you begged me to stop.

There’s no middle ground for me or my beast. I’d consume you until there was nothing left, and even then, I wouldn’t stop. ”

A throb strummed low in my core, and what the hell was wrong with me that I was instantly soaked by that promise. Or threat. Whatever it was, I wanted more.

“Trust me,” he finished, as he backed up a few feet, “it’s better for you that I keep this distance.” He opened the door to the locker room. “Now, let’s go. We’ve got an appointment.”

On trembling thighs, with my hard nipples brushing against the stiff material of the suit, I managed to stumble toward him. “Maybe don’t use all that bass in your voice when you’re warning me off,” I managed to get out as I passed him by. “My wolf likes the bass.” And I do too .

Slade threw one long arm out across the doorway to stop me, and I couldn’t help but meet his blazing gaze. “You look fucking magnificent,” he murmured, setting my body on fire again with one stare. “I’m getting you a race suit in every damn color.”

Have mercy on my horny soul.

My voice was a husky rasp as I replied, “You know what, I think I’d like to be consumed by you, big guy.”

The green of his eyes flared as his pupils dilated, until there was no mistaking the beast behind the man. Before all hell broke loose, I ducked under the muscled arm blocking me in and strolled my ass out of there, Slade right on my heels.

I hoped from the back I looked calm and confident, because I was struggling to keep my expression neutral.

Thankfully, I knew this place well enough now to navigate through the building without help, so I didn’t have to turn back.

When we reached the front desk, the multitude of shifters answering phones and typing on computers reminded me that this was a busy center during the day.

They all called out respectful greetings for Alpha Slade, and he ignored them as he stalked behind me. Like a good bodyguard.

When we reached the car, he opened my door before I could, and I felt his stare burning into my face, which I ignored as I thanked him and slipped inside.

Just because Slade was controlling the trajectory of our mating, didn’t mean I had to play along.

I wouldn’t push him, but I didn’t have to make it easier on him either.

Eventually, he’d have to choose, and I wanted that choice to be me.

The drive from the training facility was quiet but not uncomfortable.

As the racetrack came into view, I found myself asking, “Is it Sunday? Why are we racing today?”

Slade’s low rumble of laughter hit me like a punch to the gut. A punch that dripped lust straight into my veins. It was a real skill that this alpha could render me stupid and desperate with a single sound. “It’s Thursday,” he replied. "Do you know the date?”

I shook my head. “Nah, I haven’t really paid much attention to days or dates since Texas.”

My phone wasn’t even here, as I’d forgotten it once again.

Slade remained relaxed, his hands loose on the wheel as he sped along the stretch of road that led to their track. “Today is special for two reasons,” he finally said, but cut himself off before he could explain what those reasons were.

The stadium came into view, and I marveled at the sheer size of this facility. It was an oval design, spanning far into the distance, and when we drove through the open main gates, I pressed my face to the window to take it all in.

“You ready for this?” Slade asked as he pulled into a parking lot that could have easily held a hundred cars and switched off the engine.

I nodded, even though I had no idea what this was. As long as it was racing in some form, then I had no complaints. I’d used bikes and the open road to banish my demons before, and I needed that hit more than ever today. “I can’t wait. I’m ready to lose myself in a race.”

Having Slade’s full focus left me breathless. Stupid charismatic asshole. “You’re going to get as much race time and speed as you can handle,” he assured me, “but that’s not the only reason we’re here today.”

When he leaned in closer, I held my breath, wondering if he was about to kiss me. As his sweet breath washed over me, I froze in place, only to hear him say, “Happy Birthday, Snow.”

My brain spasmed as I tried to comprehend what was happening. Happy Birthday?

Wait, whose birthday? “My birthday was weeks ago.”

When I’d been held captive, if my math was correct. Not that it mattered since I hadn’t celebrated a birthday in… well, ever. Most years I didn’t even remember, let alone expect anyone else to.

Slade wrapped his fingers gently around my chin and turned my gaze so I was staring out the front windshield.

A group of familiar shifters had appeared from somewhere , all dressed in custom race suits.

Kellan waved a sign at me, and I took a second to read: Merry Christmas and Happy Birthday, Pretty Mate. Let’s fucking race .

“We might have missed your birthday, Snow,” Slade said, and I tried not to tremble against his touch.

“But since today is Christmas Day, we decided to combine the two and take a day to celebrate how incredible you are. And how happy we are that you were born.” I finally knew the two reasons, and they were too much for my fragile heart to handle.

Holy shit. Don’t cry. Don’t cry.

I mentally flipped out as I tried to contain my emotions. I was about to embarrass myself and bawl all over Slade. I wanted to get out of the car and run, or hide in the back, or scream. It was overwhelming, but somehow I kept it together long enough to say, “I don’t have presents for you all.”

Slade released me with a smirk, before he opened his door. “You’re the damn present, Emmeline. Now get out so we can race.”

I sucked in deep breaths, having no idea if I was mentally prepared for today, but wanting it all the same. A birthday-Christmas celebration was a first for me, and I couldn’t let my past trauma ruin this surprise. For me or my pack.