Christmas with my Off-Limits Alpha (Feuding Hearts Christmas)

8. Liam Shadds

Liam Shadds

Chapter Eight

I pace the forest clearing, my senses on high alert. The scent of pine and damp earth fills my nostrils as I await Ava’s arrival. My wolf instincts prickle beneath my skin, sensing her approach before I hear her footsteps.

She emerges from the treeline, thermos in hand, her auburn hair catching the dappled sunlight. My breath catches. “You made it.”

Ava’s amber eyes meet mine, a spark of determination in their depths. “Wouldn’t miss it. Ready to show me the ropes, Alpha?”

I nod, pushing down the surge of emotions her presence stirs. “Let’s start with your senses. Close your eyes and tell me what you hear.”

She complies, her brow furrowing in concentration. “I hear... birds. A stream nearby. And... your heartbeat?”

“Good. Now, what do you smell?”

Her nose wrinkles adorably. “Pine, obviously. Coffee. And... something musky. Is that you?”

“That’s your Kitsuné senses picking up on my wolf scent. As you connect more fully with the Kitsuné, you’ll notice sharp increases in sight, sound, scent, and hearing. No human would pick up my wolf scent, for example.”

I clear my throat, acutely aware of our proximity. “Now, let’s work on your agility.”

I guide her through a series of exercises, watching as she taps into her innate grace. She stumbles at first, frustration etching her features, but I see the moment it clicks. Her movements become fluid, ethereal.

She’s stronger than she knows. The thought fills me with a mixture of pride and a deep fear, recognizing danger in her uncontrolled power.

“Of the thirteen types of Kitsuné, and based on the spontaneous events you’ve experienced, I think it’s likely you are a blend of several. Certainly the Visionary, and I think the Moon, and possibly the Wild.”

Ava’s eyes light up with curiosity, a spark of golden fire dancing in their depths. “Tell me more,” she urges, leaning forward eagerly. “I read about this in mom’s journals, but I want to hear it from you.”

“The Visionary Kitsuné sees beyond the veil of reality. They glimpse the future or peer into hidden realms. Your mother was a strong visionary, so it’s reasonable you might inherit this trait.”

Ava nods, her brow furrowed in concentration. “And the Moon Kitsuné?”

“Ah, the Tsukiko is closely tied to lunar cycles and possesses an otherworldly beauty.” I look up, considering my words carefully. “That fits you to a T.”

She turns the cutest shade of blush red, but does not interrupt.

“The Wild Kitsuné are deeply connected to nature. They communicate with animals, manipulate plant life, sense the earth. Given your affinity for the forest and your uncanny ability to calm even the most agitated creatures, I’d say that’s definitely part of your makeup.”

Ava’s eyes are wide now, drinking in every word. The gears turning in her mind as she processes this information.

“I’ve gone back and forth about two others. One is the Ghost. They move between the physical and spiritual realms, even communicating with the dead. I believe you are in touch with your mother and that fits with Ghost traits. And finally, I suspect, as you master each and claim your tails, the Celestial is within your reach.”

Ava’s eyes go wide as the implications sink in. Her lips part in surprise, and I practically see her reactions written across her face as her mind races through what I’ve revealed. Five distinct types of Kitsuné—it’s almost unheard of.

“Five?” Her voice trembles slightly. “But that makes me...”

“An exceptionally powerful Kitsuné,” I finish for her, watching as a mix of emotions continues to play across her face. Pride, fear, disbelief. My wolf instincts pick up her rapidly beating heart, the slight tremor in her hands as she deals with this revelation.

“I knew you were special, Ava, from the first day I met you on the playground.” My words are quiet as I fight the urge to reach out and steady her. “I didn’t realize just how extraordinarily special until I put the pieces of your Kitsuné heritage together. Five tails—you’re of the highest order.”

She slumps back against the rock, pulling her knees up to her chest and absentmindedly rubbing the fox tattoo on her wrist. “That’s why everything’s been so intense lately, isn’t it? All these abilities manifesting at once...”

I nod, understanding well the weight of discovering one’s true power. The responsibility it brings. The destiny it shapes.

I lean forward, meeting her intent gaze. “I suggest we start by working on creating illusions, calling up images from the past or future, manipulating elements like fire, and mastering forms of telepathy, empathy, and teleportation. Ava, It’s crucial that you learn to control these abilities, not let them control you.”

A wide smile brightens her face, and she blinks back the moisture in her eyes as she looks at me. “I’m ready. You have no idea how ready I truly am.”

“Shall we start with creating an illusion?”

“Absolutely!”

“Great. Center yourself. Closing your eyes might help in these early attempts. Reach deep down into your core. Feel your power. Call it by name in your mind. Let me know when you are ready to continue.”

I sit patiently as she finds her place and learns to connect with the part of herself that’s been denied for most of her life.

“I’m ready.”

Her whisper is barely audible, even for wolves’ ears, and I grin. She’s good. Took no time at all to drop deep into her center.

“Listen to my voice, but do not move away from your center. I want you to create a duplicate of yourself sitting between us. Focus on the light around us and bend it to your will. Show us mirror image of yourself.”

Ava’s face scrunches in concentration. The air around her shimmers, and for a brief moment, I see double. Then it’s gone, and she’s grinning triumphantly.

“I did it! I think. Did I?”

Holding up a hand for a high five, I laugh. “Congrats! Have you ever tried an illusion before? I think you’re a natural.”

“No. I did not know where to start. I couldn’t have done this without you, Liam.” She leans in, smacking her palm against mine as her scent envelops me.

I need to stay focused. This is about training, nothing more. But as her eyes meet mine, filled with gratitude, my resolve wavers. I shouldn’t want her. But in this moment, surrounded by the whispers of the forest and the electric charge between us, it’s getting harder to remember why.

After a short break to warm up with coffee, we’re back at it. I watch Ava intently as she focuses, her brow furrows in concentration. The air around her shimmers, and suddenly I see double. Two Avas are before me, one slightly out of sync with the other.

“You’re doing it.” My voice is quiet, nonintrusive, but it’s impossible to keep the pride I feel hidden. “Keep pushing. Make it clearer.”

Ava grits her teeth, her hands clenched at her sides. The illusion wavers, then solidifies. It’s not perfect, but it’s a damn good start.

“How’s this?” She glances between me and her doppelg?nger, a mix of excitement and uncertainty in her eyes.

“How’s it feel, Ava? Is it hard to hold this or easy now that it’s created?” I circle the illusion, studying it from every angle. “You’re picking this up fast.”

“The hardest part is creating the image. It’s effortless to keep it.” A grin spreads across Ava’s face, lighting up her features.

Desire tugs at my chest. I push the feeling down, focusing on the task at hand. “Now, try to move the illusion independently of yourself.”

Ava nods, her expression turning serious again. The illusion takes a step forward, its movements jerky but distinct. It’s mesmerizing to watch, and I am captivated by the display of her growing power.

“This could give you a real edge.” My mind races to the tactical advantages. “Especially against the Iron Wolves. They won’t know what hit them.”

At the mention of the rival gang, Ava’s concentration breaks. The illusion flickers and vanishes. She stumbles slightly, and I reach out to steady her without thinking.

“You okay?” My hand lingers on her arm, and I’m acutely aware of how close together we are.

“Yeah, just... drained.” She leans into me for a moment before straightening up. “This takes a lot out of me.”

I nod, reluctant to let go. “It’ll get easier with practice. You’re doing great, Ava. Really.”

She looks up at me, her amber eyes searching my face. “You think this will be enough? To keep everyone safe?”

The vulnerability in her voice hits me like a punch to the gut. I want to tell her yes, to promise her that everything will be okay. But I can’t lie to her.

“It’s a start. But we’ve got a long way to go. The Iron Wolves aren’t going to back down easily.”

Ava’s jaw sets in determination. “Then we train every day. I want to be ready for whatever they throw at us.”

Her resolve stirs admiration in me and an echo from my wolf, topped off with an I told you so thought.

I blink and run a hand through my hair, keeping my voice steady as I refocus. “We will be. I’ll make sure of it. Our time’s up for today.”

“OK. See you tomorrow morning. I’m bringing gingerbread men from Mrs. Potter to go with the coffee,” Ava grins. We share a weakness for Potter's cookies.

I nod, trying to hide my own smile. “Don’t let her spoil you too much.”