Chapter 20


    Chapter 20


    Daisy


    The wind whips past us as we hurtle through the forest, branches snapping and leaves rustling under


    Yato’s powerful paws. Fear mingles with exhration in my chest, and I squeeze my eyes shut, praying


    to the moon goddess that may listen that I won’t be thrown off. Securing my grip on his thick fur, I hold


    on for dear life.


    The ground beneath us eventually smooths out as Yato slows down to a gentle trot, signaling the end


    of our wild dash, I slowly open my eyes and unsp my fingers from his far, looking around at our


    surroundings.


    We are now within a secluded de, bathed in early morning sunlight and surrounded by towering


    trees. The air smells distinctly of pine and wildflowers.


    Yato lets out a soft whine from beneath me-a signal for me to dismount. I slide off his back,nding


    ungracefully on the grassy ground beneath me..


    As soon as I am safely away from him, he begins to shift back into his human form. It is a sight that


    leaves me both fascinated and horrified: bones snapping into ce, flesh molding and moving before


    my very eyes. It is both grotesque and magical to witness. When he’s fully transformed back into his


    human form, he grins at me,pletely unabashed by his nudity.


    “Sorry about that,” he says with a shrug. “I didn’t think you’d appreciate riding all the way here in my


    arms.”


    I can’t help but blush at his nonchnt nudity, turning my gaze hastily to the side not to see too much.


    His chuckle echoes through the de, and I feel heat creep up my neck.


    “There are spare clothes behind the tree,” he begins walking towards it but pauses brielly. Or would you


    rather I stay naked for our training session?”


    I can hear the oh-so-innocent smirk in his voice, which makes everything worse. Yato is just like his


    brother-too gorgeous! for his own da*n good.


    “But you have your mind set on Alpha Xavier, right?’ Sera asks in a curious voice.


    “Yes…why are you asking? Didn’t you dislike Yato?


    “I dislike him less after seeing his six-pack.”


    “Perv!”


    “Is everything okay over there?” Yato asks. He is already behind the tree, changing his clothes.


    “Yes, I’m fine,” I answer hurriedly, trying to steady my voice. But my cheeks are still burning, and I hope


    to the gods that he cannot sense my difort or worse, my


    attraction.


    I quickly divert my attention to the bag I brought along, rummaging around inside as if looking for


    something specific when, in reality, I am avoiding looking at Yato while he changes. The rustling of


    leaves alerts me that he has finished and is returning.


    With another of his signature smirks, he steps out from behind the tree, fully clothed in a ck t-shirt


    and jeans; his feet are still bare, but it doesn’t seem to bother him. He approaches me with a grace


    reminiscent of his wolf form.


    “Let’s get started,” he suggests, his eyes gleaming mischievously in the sunlight.


    “Alright,” I respond hesitantly. “What are we doing exactly?”


    “We are going to train your senses,” Yato exins with contagious cagerness, “I think it w


    be very helpful


    for someone who


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    Chapter 20


    can’t shape-shift.”


    My heart skips a beat at


    many


    times to count.


    at that; turning into a wolf is a dream of mine, but I doubt that I can do it. I’ve tried and failed too ConTEent bel0ngs to N?v(e)lD/rama(.)Org .


    ‘You can do this, Sera reassures me internally. ‘Back then, you didn’t have me. Things are different


    now!


    “Are youmunicating with your wolf?” Yato asks, tilting his head to one side with a curious


    expression.


    I breathe augh. “How did you know?”


    He grins. “See! I knew you had awakened. My brother is blind for not noticing it…or maybe he has


    noticed but is pretending to be blind,” his fingers grip his chin thoughtfully. “That would make a lot of


    sense, actually…”


    I watch him mumble to himself, his expression changing from snug to thoughtful. I have to stifle a


    laugh. Yato seems to be the opposite of his brother: easy to approach and much more human in his


    nature.


    Unlike a certain other grumpy Alpha… Sera mutters.


    ‘Are you still mad that Alpha Xavier gave us a house arrest as punishment?”


    ‘Hell yes, which is why I’m worried about you. If he notices you’re gone, there will be another


    punishment


    I shiver at that, but try to focus on Yato. He is currently drawing a circle with a stick, digging it into the


    ground with his tongue sticking out.


    “This will be our training area,” Yato deres, stepping back to admire his handiwork.


    “Does the circle have a meaning?” I ask, studying the lines curiously.


    Yato chuckles, rubbing the back of his neck nervously, “Well, not exactly. It’s more like a boundary. You


    are to stay within the circle during our training. It helps to focus your senses on a particr area. We


    will start small.”


    “Senses… like hearing? Smell?” I ask, keenly interested.


    He nods, “Yes, and sight too. We will work on strengthening all of them. Are you ready?”


    I swallow hard, feeling a rush of adrenaline-fuelled by anticipation and nerves. “Ready as I will ever be.”


    Grinning, Yato steps back and gestures towards the circle with an expansive sweep of his arm. “Ladies


    first.”


    Shaking off my apprehension, I step inside the circle. The grass beneath my feet is slightly damp from


    morning dew, squishing between my toes.


    Yato steps away from the circle and begins to pace around it, observing me as though he’s judging my


    readiness.


    “Remember,” he instructs, his voice cool and even. “This is all about heightening your senses. Try to


    tune out everything else. Listen to the wind, the crunching of leaves beneath my feet Feel the earth


    beneath you, note the scent of the pines, of


    me, even.”


    The moment Yato mentions the scent of him, I feel a jolt of embarrassment. But then I remember how


    can’t stay a weakling forever; I need to pay attention.


    important this is. I


    “Okay, here goes nothing,” with my eyes closed, I try to block out everything but my senses, just as he


    instructed.


    Good girl,” Yato chuckles. “If you keep being this good to me, I might even give you a reward.”


    My lips twitch, but I don’t open my eyes. “And what would that reward be?”


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    Chapter 20


    “Hmm, I’m not sure,” Yato-says, pretending to ponder. “How about a week’s worth of meals that you


    won’t have to cook?


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    My eyes snap open at that and find Yato grinning at me. I quickly close them again, but a smile finds its


    way to my lips. His yful banter is so different from his brother’s stoic nature, and it’s…nice.


    “Alright,” I chuckle. “Deal.”


    “Back to the task at hand then,” Yato instructs, his tone taking ona serious note again. “If you want to


    learn how to shape- shift, we need to train you every single day.”


    “Every single day?”


    “Is that a problem?” he challenges. “My brother won’t marry your sister for a while. He still has his


    bachelor party, and she has her bridal shower. We have time before its time for you to go home, don’t


    worry.”


    “Alright, Yato. Every single day,” I say, determined.


    He grins. “After a week, you and I will be besties for real. Be so sure of it. I’m very charming.”


    Snickering. I shake my head. “So I’ve noticed.”


    Yato chuckles before he clears his throat, and the forest falls into a hush again. “Let’s start over. Close


    your


    eyes and focus.”


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