Alpha's Second Chance Nymph - Book cover

Alpha's Second Chance Nymph

Toria Blue

Training Grounds

Adelie

“Back to your quarters,” Alpha commanded. “Immediately.” His attention shifted to Helen. “I need a moment with you.”

“No, don’t,” I pleaded. I glanced at Helen, who looked like she was bracing for a blow. “It’s my fault. I kept pushing.”

“This isn’t about you,” Alpha retorted. “Go. Now.”

I passed him, my heart racing. I retreated to my room, praying Helen would be alright.

Hours later, Helen delivered my dinner. She seemed fine, but she wouldn’t discuss what had transpired when I asked.

I’d assumed I’d at least dine in a communal area. Instead, I was left to eat alone at my desk by the window.

The view was breathtaking, but it did little to alleviate my loneliness.

Kairos

I sat at the end of my dining table, large enough to accommodate twenty, eating my dinner. Helen had lit a single candle, the only source of light.

I’ve always preferred dining in low light. When the lights were on, it felt like someone else should be present.

Tonight, even with the solitary candle, something felt absent. I knew what was missing as I glanced at the vacant chair beside me, Mia’s usual spot.

But it wasn’t Mia that was missing... It was the sensation of fulfillment.

Someone who gets me, someone who is meant for me, and only me. Someone I could call mine.

There was one person in this house who could provide that, but at what price...

Adelie

The next morning, breakfast was served in my room again. I guess this will become my new normal, eating alone in my room.

Was I so terrible that Alpha Kairos couldn’t stand to share a meal with me? I’ve always been alone. I’ve never even had a friend.

Of course, my wolf Madeline was clueless. She believed our mate was the most wonderful person in the world... except I didn’t know who she meant. I still felt Alpha Hans.

I had two mates, I felt them both in my heart and only a mark on my neck would alleviate the pain from one of them. For now, I could only dream.

After breakfast, I carried my tray downstairs. The kitchen was deserted, no sign of Helen. I washed my dishes and after several attempts, found a place to store them.

Today, I wore a white top with spaghetti straps and a long grey mesh skirt. A grey ribbon tied to my left side completed the look.

For a change, I could do more with my hair since I didn’t have to wear my cape all the time... Today, I simply let my hair down and adorned it with a yellow flower crown. I don’t destroy fresh flowers every time I need new accessories.

I’ve had this flower crown for several years but it looks as fresh as the day I got it. I cast a spell on it from my witch book. It reverses time for the plants, making them immortal. These kinds of spells I can only do on plants and trees.

I approached the door, glancing at the plants on the shelves. They were thriving, to say the least.

I pushed the door open and was momentarily blinded by the bright light. I took a deep breath and was about to step into the unknown when a voice interrupted me. “Good morning, my Luna,” a young man greeted.

He was slightly taller than me but much more muscular. His dreadlocks were neatly pulled back into a ponytail, a style I hadn’t thought I’d like until now.

“Good morning,” I replied. “Isn’t there usually morning training?” I asked. My previous two packs had always had it.

“Is there a training session happening right now?” I asked, my curiosity piqued. “Why do you ask, Luna?” His voice was deep, resonating with authority.

My response was probably sharper than I intended. “I’m just wondering why you’re not there.”

He bowed his head slightly, a hint of apology in his eyes. “I thought the Alpha explained. I’ve been assigned to guard you, Luna.”

I bristled at his words. I don’t need a babysitter. I’ve never needed one before, and I certainly don’t need one now.

“Luna, it’s an order from the Alpha,” he said, his tone respectful. I could tell he was trying to tread lightly.

“But why would I need a guard?” I asked, my confusion evident.

He sighed, his gaze serious. “There have been more vampire sightings in the forest lately. The Alpha just wants to ensure your safety.” Did that mean he cared about me?

I decided to test him. “So, if a vampire were to attack me, would you throw yourself in front of me, right into the vampire’s fangs?” I asked, a playful smirk on my face.

“Absolutely, Luna!” His response was immediate, his tone filled with conviction.

I couldn’t help but laugh. “Well, my knight in shining armor, what’s your name?”

He scratched the back of his neck, a sheepish grin on his face. “It’s Nathan.”

I smiled back at him. “Well, Nathan, my name is Adelie. I’d prefer if you called me that.”

His smile widened. “As you wish, Adelie. At least when the Alpha isn’t around.”

I decided to make the best of the situation. “Would you mind showing me around?” I asked.

He seemed pleased by my request. “Not at all. It’s actually a good time since most people are at training. Well, except for the kids.”

His words made me pause. “But where are all the women?”

Nathan looked at me, his eyebrows furrowed in confusion. “Adelie, you said it yourself. Everyone’s at training.”

I was taken aback. “The women are training too?”

He nodded. “Yes, they’re training.”

I felt foolish for even asking. “Well, shouldn’t I be training as well?” I asked.

Nathan looked uncomfortable. “Adelie, given your...situation, I don’t think the training would be suitable for you.”

I was taken aback. “Why not?”

He avoided my gaze. “The training is quite advanced, that’s all.” He was implying I was weak.

I was determined to prove him wrong. “Well, I still want to go. To see just how advanced it is,” I said, and Nathan changed our course slightly. Maybe I just wanted to see the Alpha.

In my previous packs, women weren’t allowed to train. They were usually left to care for the children or do other pack work.

“Nathan, why are the women training?” I asked, genuinely curious.

He seemed to understand my confusion. “They’ve been training for two years now. The Alpha believes that women should know how to protect themselves and others. We were surprised at how tough they can be,” he explained.

Of course women are tough. My mother was the strongest person I knew.

But didn’t the Alpha think I needed to protect myself too? A guard can’t always be by my side.

“Two years... Everyone keeps mentioning something that happened two years ago. What happened?” I asked, my voice pleading. I was tired of being kept in the dark.

Nathan looked apologetic. “I’m sorry, Adelie, but I can’t talk about it. I’m sure the Alpha will explain everything when the time is right. It wasn’t just one night, it was a series of events that led up to it.”

I wondered what could have happened to cause such devastation. Maybe it was the Alpha’s fault...or maybe not.

“Nathan...” I said, catching his attention. He nodded, waiting for me to continue. “Do you think Alpha Kairos is a good man?” I asked.

He looked at me, a hint of offense in his eyes. “With all due respect, Luna,” he said, using my title. “Alpha Kairos is the greatest leader of them all. He’s caring, strong, and kindhearted.”

His words were laced with anger as he continued to stride ahead. I couldn't see the kindness in him that others claimed was there. If he was truly as noble as they said, he would understand the significance of a mate.

I had to half-run to keep up with his quickening pace. “But the stories about him...”

Nathan let out a laugh. “The other packs don’t know what he’s done for us. I’d rather die than do what he did for our safety.”

His words carried a weight that was hard to ignore.

“That thing he did...” I struggled to find the right words, “how did it help us? Was it worth it? What did it cost?”

He looked at me, his expression hard. “You don’t believe he’s good. That makes you a fool.”

His anger was palpable, his fists clenched at his sides. “The Alpha freed us. We’re safe now. How can you not see that he’s good?”

I tried to respond, but he cut me off. “The Moon Goddess thought he deserved a second chance. She gave him you. What more proof do you need?”

I was about to argue that he didn’t even want me as his mate when that familiar scent hit me...mate!

We arrived at a large training ground. Everyone was busy, women in workout clothes, men lifting weights, some stretching, others sparring.

I followed Nathan, staying close to him as if seeking protection. He was leading me towards the Alpha.

People were watching me, their eyes raking over my clothes.

Alpha Kairos was sparring with a man his size. He was holding his own, blocking every hit. Suddenly, a gust of wind blew from behind me, causing the Alpha to lose focus and take a hit to the face.

The crowd around the Alpha seemed shocked. The man who had hit him looked terrified. I didn’t understand the reaction. Hits were a part of fights, weren’t they?

“Alpha, are you okay?” A woman asked. The Alpha didn’t seem affected by the hit. He was staring at the ground, silent.

Without a word, he tilted his head towards me, his gaze sweeping over me. He didn’t look angry, he looked... defeated.

The woman noticed his gaze, smirked at me, and walked away, giggling with a group of women. She clearly hadn’t noticed his expression.

Everyone returned to their training, except for the man who had been sparring with the Alpha. He moved off to an obstacle course.

“Alpha, how’s training going?” Nathan asked.

“We’re managing,” the Alpha replied.

Nathan stepped back, allowing the Alpha a clear view of me. “The Luna wanted to explore the territory. I assumed it was okay,” he said, sounding uncertain.

“Just don’t let her out of your sight,” the Alpha warned. Nathan nodded in understanding.

The Alpha turned to me. “Adelie, do you have any questions about the pack?” He asked, giving me permission to speak.

“Not about the pack...” I trailed off.

“Then what?”

“I don’t need a babysitter. No offense to Nathan, but I can take care of myself,” I said, meeting his gaze.

When I was angry or in danger, my powers would surface. I just didn’t know how to control them.

The Alpha laughed, a mocking sound. “You couldn’t hurt a fly.”

“I wouldn’t need to,” I retorted, though I knew it wasn’t the smartest move. The Alpha took a few steps towards me.

“Prove it. Show me something that would make me believe you can protect yourself from a human.”

I couldn’t show him anything. I didn’t know how to summon my powers at will, and even if I did, it was a secret.

“Then why don’t you train me?” I asked, boldness creeping into my voice.

“There’s nothing I can teach you that would help you protect yourself from vampires or other werewolves.”

I didn’t respond, and I didn’t react. Alpha didn’t either, he simply walked away.

I wasn’t upset about having a guard because I felt weak, I just craved solitude. I needed to venture into the forest alone. I needed to take in my surroundings.

The forest of this pack was now my sanctuary, a place I needed to maintain, to keep strong and beautiful. I needed to figure out how to be alone, but that would have to wait until after tomorrow’s ceremony.

Nathan ended up giving me a tour of the entire pack. The pack was clearly large, but the number of pack members was small.

Most of the houses stood empty. I spent the entire day with Nathan, who didn’t show much empathy towards me. It was already seven o’clock when Nathan finally spoke.

“I received a mind link from Beta. You need to go get ready, two omegas are already waiting for you,” he said, and we began walking towards Alpha’s house.

We reached the entrance. “Adelie. This is where I leave you. Alpha will escort you to the ceremony.”

“Oh, what will I do without my knight in shining armor?” I retorted, a playful smirk on my face.

Nathan smirked back. “My Luna. I will always be there when you need me, don’t worry,” he said, and then he was gone.

“Thank you, Nathan,” I called out to his retreating figure.

I turned to look at the house. This was it. This was going to be my home. This pack was going to be my family.

But a sense of emptiness gnawed at me. I wanted to be Luna. I wanted to help these people. I wanted to fulfill my duty.

But my heart yearned for something more. I wanted to be with my destined Mate!

But Alpha Hans had rejected me, and Alpha Kairos barely glanced my way.

My heart ached with the pain…

Was this my destiny? A life devoid of love? A lonely Luna?

I glanced at the forest behind me. It beckoned to me. I could envision a life immersed in nature, serving Mother Nature and the spirits of the forest.

What a blissful life that would be! Free from all this pain and suffering.

My heart yearned for peace.

Perhaps I should run away...

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