The insistent sound of the alarm made Astrid groan. Her hand flew out from under the covers to knock the stupid clock off the bedside table.

“Serves you right,” she grumbled. She threw the covers off her and then swung her legs over the side of the bed. What she really wanted to do was crawl back under the duvet, but she knew if she was even a minute late, her mother would chew out her ass. “God, I hate my life.”

She got up from bed and trudged into the bathroom of her new home. Well, it was more like a dorm room, really; as part of her “punishment”, she also had to live in the dorms with the other Lycan Security team trainees. Last night, her parents helped her move into the sixteenth floor of the Fenrir Corporation building, which served not only as the headquarters of the conglomerate, but also of most Lycan-related business in New York. “Oh God, I’m having flashbacks to when you guys brought me to my college dorm room,” she had said.

“Maybe you’ll actually last the entire year this time,” Meredith shot back.

“Skatten min,” Daric said, using the Norwegian term of endearment he had always used for his daughter. “It will be all right. Trust us on this one?”

“Besides, this place is way better than this rathole you shared with five people in Williamsburg,” Meredith added.

“As least it was my rathole,” Astrid grumbled.

“I used to live here, in the room down the hall. Right when I met your dad. Ooh, Daric!” Meredith sat on the bed and bounced up and down. “Doesn’t this bring back memories?”

“Shoo!” she had shouted at her parents, pointing to the door. She did not want to hear about her parent’s sex life, past or otherwise.

She got ready for her first day of training, putting on a pair of leggings, a sports bra, and a loose shirt. She slipped into a pair of sneakers before heading out to the common room where breakfast was being served. A few of the other trainees were lingering around, and she nodded at them in greeting before piling her plate high with food. As a Lycan, she had a healthy appetite, and since she was going to start physical training today, she knew she needed to keep her energy levels up. When she was done, she cleaned up her tray and headed down to the fifteenth floor where the gym and training rooms were. Upon arrival, she noted most of the trainees were there already, eighteen in total according to her count.

Being part of the Alpha’s security team was a big honor. Lycan clans were dynastic and thus it was usually the ruling families who occupied higher positions in their society. Joining the Lycan Security Team was one way for anyone in the clan to move up, and with New York being one of the biggest and most prestigious clans, Lycans from all over the state and country were vying to be part of this particular team. There was a good number of transferees—Lycans from other clans—this time around, and much to Astrid’s surprise, about half of the trainees were women. Of course, New York was one of the more liberal clans, and Astrid’s own mother was second-in-command of the entire team.

Speaking of which, her mother was already waiting at the front of the room, where the other trainees were assembled in front of her.

“You’re late,” she said, a stern look on her face.

“I’m on time.” She pointed to the clock on the wall. It was exactly eight o’clock.

“If you’re on time, you’re already five minutes late,” Meredith retorted.

“Fine,” she said. “Where do you want me.”

“Just go to the end of the line and—oh.” Meredith’s back stiffened. “Al Doilea. I wasn’t expecting you today.”

Everyone in the room turned around. Nick Vrost walked into the training room, and much to Astrid’s surprise, Zac was right behind him.

“Good morning,” he said. “I thought I’d drop in today to check on the progress of the recruits. He gestured to his son. “You all know my son, Zachary. He’ll be staying in New York for the next few weeks, and seeing as he may be considering a new position in the company, I thought it best to show him the ropes.”

“Please, don’t let me get in your way,” Zac said. “Pretend I’m not here.”

“Anyway,” Nick continued. “We also have someone new on the team. Miss Jonasson will be joining you for the next twelve months.”

“Miss Jonasson will have to catch up on the training, seeing as she’s behind,” Meredith said, her face remaining neutral. “But she will be expected to perform to the best of her abilities, just like everyone else.”

It was clear what her mother was trying to say: Astrid was not getting any special treatment just because she was related to her. Not that she was expecting it.

“All right,” Meredith said, taking out her clipboard. “Let’s begin with drills, shall we?”

The first hour of drills was grueling, and by the time two hours had passed, rivulets of sweat poured down Astrid’s forehead and neck, soaking her shirt. Just as her mother threatened, she was not given any special treatment; if anything, Meredith was harder on her than anyone else. Still, she gritted her teeth and took it, vowing to herself that no one was going to break her, especially not her mother and not under the gaze of Zac Vrost.

Even as she went through the various drills, she still couldn’t get Zac out of her mind. She could have sworn she felt him looking at her, but she wasn’t sure as she couldn’t just stop and check. God, she must look terrible too. She was sweating like a pig and her shirt was plastered to her back. Her ponytail had gone askew, but she didn’t even have time to breathe, much less fix her hair.

Stop it, she berated herself. She’d never cared about her looks before, so why start now?

“All right,” Meredith said after she blew the whistle hanging from her neck. “Ten-minute break.”

Her legs felt like jelly as she practically crawled to the water fountain. Lycans were stronger and faster than humans, but they weren’t invincible. They still got tired, and these exercises and drills were designed just for Lycans.

“Not bad, new girl.” A petite but buff girl handed her a cup of water. “I’m Layla. Jones.”

“Thanks.” Astrid took the cup and downed it in seconds. “Astrid.” She held out her hand and the other Lycan gripped it tight.

“I know who you are.” Layla looked at her from head to toe. “And I know why they rest of us are here. But, are you a sadist or something? Got Mommy issues?” She snuck a peek over at Meredith, who was chatting with Nick.

Astrid laughed. “Something like that.”

Layla straightened her shoulders. “Well, I’d understand if you dropped out.” The other woman was about five inches shorter than her, but it was obvious what she was doing. Posturing and asserting her dominance. Miss Jones was obviously in it to win it.

I wish I could drop out. “Don’t worry.” Astrid grabbed a towel from the rack next to the fountain and wiped down her face. “I won’t be taking anyone’s spot on the team. I’m just here as punishment. Alpha’s orders.”

Layla visibly relaxed. “Ah, so you’re here under duress.”

“Yeah, no choice. Believe me, I’d leave if I could. And I will when my time here is done.”

She chuckled. “Well then, I guess we can be friends.”

“Break’s over!” Meredith called. “Everyone, to the mats.”

They hurried over the sparring mats, where everyone stood to the side, leaving a large space in the middle.

“So, is that guy your boyfriend or something?” Layla asked.

“Who?”

“The Beta’s kid.” Layla gestured to Zac with a nod.

“What?” She felt heat creep up her neck. “Why do you say that?”

“Because he’s looking at you like he wants to eat you.” She wiggled her eyebrows at her. “And by eat you, I mean—”

“I think I know what you mean.” Heat bloomed in her cheeks. Was Layla serious? “And no, I don’t even know him … that well.”

“Well it looks like he wants to get to know you.”

Before she could say anything, Meredith blew her whistle to get everyone’s attention. However, it was Nick who spoke. “I’ve been speaking with Meredith and she told me that you’ve all been doing well on improving your fighting techniques,” he began. “You’re all here because you’re the best and we need only the best on the security team. Protecting the Alpha, his family, and the clan is of utmost importance.” He paused. “You’ve all studied Lycan history, as well as recent history. Maybe some of your parents or family members fought in the Battle of Norway.” There was silence in the group. Beside her, Layla tensed and her lips pursed together tightly. Astrid knew all about the Battle of Norway. It was fought in her father’s childhood home, after all.

“Anyway,” Nick continued. “Just because we’ve vanquished our enemies, doesn’t mean that we will never encounter them or any type of magic again. Later in the year, you’ll be taught by some of our witch and warlock allies about types of magical potions and ailments, and how to combat them. However, I thought it might be interesting for you to get an early start on your magical training. Especially since we have someone on the team who can help us out.”

Oh, no. Astrid wrung her hands together. She hoped he wasn’t going to do what she thought he was going to do.

“Miss Jonasson,” Nick said. “Come up, please.”

Layla shot her a confused look. “What’s going on?”

“Er, I’m not sure.” She walked to the front. “Al Doilea,” she began before he said anything. “I respectfully decline. I’ve been taught that my talents are not tricks for anyone to exploit.”

“She’s right,” Zac piped in. “Leave her alone.”

Nick ignored his son. “Part of your punishment is to work like any member of this team. And so, you must obey.”

“Mom?” Astrid turned to Meredith.

“It’s all right.” Meredith leaned over and gave her a squeeze on the shoulder, then leaned down to whisper in her ear. “Show them what you got.”

Astrid saw something rare flash in her mother’s eyes—pride. Growing up, Uncle Connor and her mother had taught her to fight, but said that it was always to defend herself. Daric was very protective of his children and their abilities, and thus he always taught them to keep it hidden as much as possible, for their own protection. To use both now seemed like she was doing something bad, but apparently, Meredith was all for it.

“All right then,” she said, cracking her knuckles. “If you say so.”

“Jones,” Meredith called. “You’re up first.”

Layla stepped forward. “You want me to spar with this skinny white girl? Your kid?”

“Like you would anyone,” Meredith said.

“Fine. Whatever.”

She and Layla faced each other on the mat. Layla’s body was stiff and her face was drawn into a dour expression. “Are you okay?” Astrid began.

“My mom died in Norway.” Layla stretched to full height and shook out her arms.

“I’m sorry,” she said. “Maybe we should—”

“Go!” Meredith said.

Astrid didn’t anticipate the match starting so soon and in a split second, she found herself splayed out on the mat, staring at the ceiling, the air rushing from her lungs. “Oomph!”

“Better pay attention next time,” Layla taunted. “Or else—hey!”

Astrid used a leg sweep to knock Layla off her feet. “Oh, I’m paying attention,” she said, looking down at the other girl.

Layla kicked out her legs, quickly getting to her feet. “You’re not going to get me off guard again.”

She motioned for Layla to come at her. “Give me your best shot.”

When Layla lunged at her, Astrid did what she knew Nick and Meredith wanted her to do. Poof. She reappeared six feet away, and Layla tumbled to the ground.

The trainees let out a collective gasp, followed by various reactions ranging from “Oh my God” to “What the fuck was that?”

“Holy shit!” Layla shot to her feet. “What in God’s name just happened?”

Astrid’s shoulders slumped. She thought of Petal, and her reaction to her powers. So much for having friends. This year was going to be very long.

Layla came over to her, and Astrid was ready for the derision she would face. After all, if Layla’s mother died in Norway, she probably hated what she was.

“That was awesome,” Layla said, her mouth spreading into a smile.

“It was?”

“Yeah, girl! I’ve never seen anything like it.”

Huh.

“Miss Jones, Miss Jonasson.” Nick’s brows drew together. “Can we continue?”

“Let’s go,” Layla said. “And don’t you hold back on me.”

Astrid didn’t think she’d be having so much fun on the first day of her punishment, but she was. It was actually freeing, being able to use both her combat skills and her abilities. Uncle Connor had never asked her to use her teleporting abilities while they sparred, and perhaps this was something she could show him during their next session. She saw him at least once a month, training with her cousins to keep their skills fresh. He insisted on it, and he would hound her if she missed a session.

Most of the other trainees seemed to accept her and enjoyed sparring with her. Well, most of them anyway. There were definitely a few who were frustrated that they couldn’t even grab her.

“This isn’t fair,” Frank, a mouthy Lycan from Long Island, growled when Astrid disappeared from his grasp. “How are we supposed to fight something we can’t even touch?”

“You’ll have to figure it out,” Meredith said. “That’s part of your training. Not everyone is invincible. Every opponent has a weakness. You need to be smart enough to find it.”

“She’s a witch,” another trainee said. “And a Lycan. I don’t think she has a weakness.”

“She does.”

Everyone’s head whipped around. Zac was leaning casually against one of the treadmills.

“What is it?” Layla asked.

“Yeah, do tell, Zac.” Astrid planted her hands on her hips. Who the hell did he think he was? He wasn’t even part of the team, just observing. She puffed out her chest. She was trained by the motherfucking feral wolf of New York. Her father was the most powerful warlock in the world.

“Maybe I can show you instead?” Zac loosened his tie, took it off, and then removed his jacket, draping both over the side of the treadmill.

Astrid looked to Meredith and Nick, waiting for them to say something. “I think it’s a great idea,” Meredith said.

Okay, that was not what she was expecting her mother to say. “Fine.” She wiped the floor with every single one of these trainees. Surely, she could do the same with some Oxford-educated executive. “I’m not going to go easy on you,” she warned him. Even if you do look hot in just your white shirt.

“I don’t expect you to, Astrid.” He walked toward where she stood in the middle of the mat. The muscles of his shoulders strained against the fabric. When he rolled up the sleeves to his elbows, Astrid had to stop herself from drooling when she saw the ink. Jesus H. Christ on a bicycle, tattoos were one of her number one weaknesses when it came to men. Standing this close, she could scent him, and she could barely contain her wolf.

“All right then.” She pushed those feelings of desire away. This was Zac Vrost, for God’s sake.

“Do your worst.”

Astrid treated Zac the same way she did with the other recruits. She sparred with him hand-to-hand first. She had to admit, he was good. Of course, he was the son of the Beta, so he knew how to fight. Karate, most likely. Maybe some jiu-jitsu. She let him think he had the upper hand a few times—something she learned from Meredith. Let their guard down, then strike. When Zac made a grab for her, she knew it was time to shut this down. She poofed and relocated herself just behind him, to his left.

“I—hey!” For only the second time that day, Astrid found herself on her back. But this time, a very hard and very male body was on top of her. “What the—” A hand came over her eyes, and her vision went dark. Motherfucker!

In her blinded state, it was like the rest of her senses went into overdrive. This close, his scent was even stronger, permeating her very being. The hard planes of his body pressed down on her. She squirmed, trying to get him off her, but he only bore down, trapping her by locking her knees between his. She gasped when she felt something hard brush against her stomach and a flood of desire pooled between her legs. He let out a surprised gasp and rolled away from her.

She blinked. What the hell—

“Astrid?” Meredith stood over her, looking down at her. “Are you all right?”

There was nothing like seeing your mother to totally douse your on-fire libido. “Yeah, um.” She took the hand Meredith offered and hopped to her feet.

Nick stood to the side, barely containing his smirk. “Care to tell us her weakness?”

Zac was running his fingers through his blond locks. “What?” He looked confused, his eyes glazed over.

“What did you observe, son?”

Zac cleared his throat, then addressed the rest of the trainees. “Astr—Miss Jonasson has a tell,” he began. “Right before she uses her power, she looks toward the direction of where she wants to reappear. I suspected that she needs to calculate precisely where she wants to go and needs a clear line of sight.”

Sonofabitch. How the hell could he have known? It was one of the limits of her power, as she and her father discovered. She had to see where she was going or at least have been in the space before.

“She looked over my left shoulder, and so I simply guessed that’s where she would be.”

“And you were right,” Nick said, the pride in his voice unmistakable.

“I also covered her eyes so she wouldn’t be able to disappear while I subdued her.”

Astrid felt her face grow hot. “Lucky guess, then.”

Zac didn’t even look at her. “An educated guess, but my advantage was that I had to watch all of you fight her before I could put it to the test.”

“So,” Nick began. “As we’ve always told you, fighting is …”

As Nick continued his lecture, Astrid continued to stew, her hands turning to fists at her side. Stupid Zac Vrost. “So, is this why I’m here? To be humiliated?” she asked Meredith.

“You shouldn’t have been so cocky,” she shot back. “Have you forgotten your training with us? You never get too confident and you never let your guard down.”

Ouch. That certainly stung. But she had to admit her mother was right. She glanced over at Zac again, and this time, his blue eyes were trained right on her. She held his gaze, daring him to look away. That heat she felt when she was under him spread through her body again, and this time, she was the one who had to turn away. It was too intense, and he was making her feel things she shouldn’t.

“C’mon,” Meredith said. “Let’s get back to work.”