Chapter 227

AIDEN’S POV TWO YEARS LATER “Now come at me,” I said, planting my feet firmly on the grass. Nora groaned, sweat glistening on her forehead. “Uncle Aiden, it’s been two hours already. Can’t we take a break? Please?” I didn’t soften despite those puppy eyes she used on me. I couldn’t afford to. “Nora, I won’t repeat myself. Pick that wooden sword back up and come at me.” She sighed, shoulders slumping, then bent down and grabbed it. I saw the hesitation in her grip, the doubt flickering in her eyes, and that was exactly the problem. “Now,” I said calmly, “come at me just like we practiced.” She rushed forward, swinging too wide. I blocked her easily, twisted my wrist, and sent her sword flying. It landed a few feet away with a dull thud. I shook my head. “You can’t be this weak. You can’t rule a pack with this kind of strength.” Her jaw tightened as she retrieved the sword. This time she attacked faster, angrier. I stepped aside, tapped her shoulder sharply with my own wooden blade…not e