Claire’s POV. 

Before Alpha Xavier could open the message, a strong voice stopped him.

“Xavier.”

Everyone went still. Acknowledging Alpha Damien's presence. The whole training ground fell silent and the air suddenly became intense. 

Xavier turned slowly, still holding my phone and I turned too.

There, I saw Alpha Alpha Damien standing a few steps away, his eyes expressing both anger and coldness.

“Give her back the phone,” he said firmly, with authority that made everyone bow their heads.

Xavier’s jaw tightened. “She’s hiding something,” he said.

Damien took a slow step closer. “I said give her the phone.”

The air felt tense. After a short nod, Xavier finally handed the phone back to me. I quickly took it and kept my head down.

Alpha Damien coldly gazes still on him. “Don’t ever do that again,” he said in a hard tone. “If you have questions about her, ask me. Do you understand?”

Xavier’s eyes flickered utterly, he nodded. “Yes, Alpha.”

“Good,” Damien said. “Because if you try that again, I won’t just warn you.”

The whole place was still quiet as no one dared to move or make a sound. 

It's been a long time since I felt this kind of power in Damien’s voice.

Then he turned and looked at me in a softer expression. “Get back to training, Claire.”

“Yes, Alpha,” I said quietly, holding my phone close.

As he walked away, Xavier’s cold gaze stayed on me for a moment.

 I swallowed hard, trying to calm down.

Wondering that Alpha Damien hadn’t come, I didn’t know what would have become the outcome. 

When training finally ended, everyone started to leave the field in small groups.

 The sun had almost set, and I was covered in sweat. My body was a bit weak from the tiredness of the previous activities.

I waited until most people had gone before walking toward the back path near the storage room. I wiped the sweat from my face and tried to calm down.

Then I heard footsteps behind me.

“Claire,” Alpha Damien’s voice called.

I turned quickly, He was standing a few steps away in his serious mode.

“Are you alright?” he asked, locking his gaze on me.

“Yes, Alpha,” I said softly. “Thank you for helping me earlier and you don't have to use your wolf's voice to defend me.”

“So Ace is at fault here? He said, raising a brow.

“I didn’t say so, but it was kinda unnecessary, though, but I am grateful for your intervention.”

He nodded. “Be careful around Xavier. He’s watching you closely, and I can’t always protect you.”

I nodded again. “I understand.”

“Good,” he said. “Keep working on what I told you. But be careful, no mistakes and your safety first.”

“Yes, Alpha,” I answered quickly.

He looked at me for a moment and then said quietly, “You did well today.”

Then he turned and walked away before I followed suit. 

I found a quiet place outside where I sat under a tree to rest 

I took out my phone and opened Betty’s message.

“Hey Claire! Guess what? Grandma is coming with me to Texas! She even applied for a transfer. I’m so happy! You have to join us soon!”

A small smile slipped on my lips and my face. For a moment, I forgot all the stress from training and Xavier's nonchalant attitude.

Then suddenly, a bright idea came to me that could help with the ritual.

My eyes widened. This might actually work!

I quickly stood up and ran toward Alpha Damien’s quarters, my heart beating fast with excitement.

When I reached his door, I knocked quickly. “Alpha Damien!” I called. “I think I found a way!”

He opened the door, looking a bit surprised.

“I got an idea from Betty’s message,” I said, breathing hard and smiling. “It might help us prepare for the ritual.”

He looked at me for a moment, then nodded slowly. “Come in, Claire. Tell me everything.”