Stuck with the enemy

Chapter 60: Finely Doing my Job

Deniz's Story

While I was expecting to finish my work for today, and just as I thought it couldn't get worse, Luna Adeline had other plans for me.

"Deniz," she called in that sharp, commanding tone that grated on my nerves. "Take me to see the training center. I want to know what Derek spends so much time obsessing over."

I stiffened. Of all the places in the city, the training center was the last one I wanted to visit with her right now. But my team was there and it could be a good reason to go check on them. But with Adeline around, there was no such thing as peace so I am not that sure.

"Yes, Luna," I said through gritted teeth, forcing a polite tone. "This way."

The walk to the training center was quiet except for Adeline's heels clicking against the pavement. The air between us was heavy with unspoken tension, and I could feel her scrutinizing me.

"Do you even know your way around this city?" she asked, her voice laced with disdain.

"I do," I replied simply, not rising to her bait.

We arrived at the grand entrance of the training center. As we stepped inside, the atmosphere changed immediately.

The faint sounds of grunts and shouts echoed through the halls, and the tangy scent of sweat and hard work filled the air. The patrol trains here day and night, honing their skills, and preparing for anything that might threaten the pack.

Adeline wrinkled her nose. "Charming," she muttered, clearly unimpressed.

As we walked deeper into the facility, the reactions started.

Everywhere we went, eyes followed us. Specifically, they followed her. The female warriors in the room exchanged glances, their expressions a mix of disdain and jealousy. Their hostility wasn't subtle. They whispered behind their hands, their gazes sharp as knives.

I didn't blame them. Adeline had that effect on people—her icy demeanor, her perfectly polished appearance, and the fact that she was engaged to Derek, their Alpha, made her a walking target for resentment.

"Is everyone always like this?" Adeline asked, raising an eyebrow as she caught one of the girls glaring at her.

I shrugged. "They're warriors, not courtiers."

Her lips thinned, but she said nothing more.

We passed by the sparring rooms where the newer recruits, including my team, were paired off, working through drills under the watchful eye of their trainers.

"Wait here," I told Adeline. "I'll be back in a moment."

Before she could protest, I stepped into one of the rooms.

My team—my family—was hard at work. Aras, 'my second-in-command', stood in the center, overseeing the session. His voice was sharp and commanding as he called out corrections and encouragements.

When he spotted me, he broke into a grin.

"Deniz!" he called, waving me over.

I felt a rare smile tug at my lips as I approached.

"How's it going?" I asked, crossing my arms as I watched the recruits sparring.

"Better now," he replied. "They're shaping up nicely. But we could use some pointers from you."

I laughed. "You're doing fine without me, Aras. Just keep them focused."

We exchanged a few more words, and I took a moment to greet the rest of the team. They were my people, and seeing them always reminded me why I put up with the chaos of this city.