Damon's appearance at the training center caused many eyes to turn toward him.
The gym area was fairly filled with only a few machines being free.
It was a usual day as many warriors come to train unless there is something else going on. Because warriors were using the equipment, a number of Omegas were also on duty to keep it clean, and it all added up to how many people were present. Even the lounging area upstairs was lively.
The noise quickly simmered down and almost everyone stopped what they were doing in order to bow toward their Alpha.
ALMOST everyone.
The far right corner had several people chatting around the punching bag that was suspended from the ceiling, and Damon didn't need to think twice before heading in that direction.
Just as he suspected, Alpha Maddox and Axel were there with Talia and Keith.
Damon's mind stuttered at the sight of Talia who was wearing dark blue biker's shorts and a blue sports bra. The clothes fit her snugly. Why was so much of her skin exposed?
Wasn't Talia aware of her hotness and how many horny guys were in the visual range?
Damon really wanted to wrap her in a towel, a bathrobe, a winter coat… anything that will cover her up. The thicker, the better.
Luckily, the three guys that were closest to Talia were at least one step away from Talia, so Damon was able to control his temper. As a bonus, because of Alpha Maddox and Axel's presence, other guys had to keep their distance from the group.
Damon cleared his throat to get their attention. "I was wondering where you left."
Talia's head whipped in Damon's direction, and her heart fluttered when she confirmed that it's really him.
Keith was writing down something on his tablet and he didn't notice Damon until he spoke. All color drained from Keith's face when he realized that his Alpha is present. The memory of Damon's murderous intent from the previous night was still fresh and Keith felt sweat dripping down his back in an instant.
Actually, Keith was contemplating not to come to the training center today, thinking that it's for the best if he hides at home for some time; probably until his Alpha forgets about his existence.
However, yesterday Keith promised Talia that he will be here, and he even told her that he will teach her some fighting moves.
Keith's conscience didn't allow him to bail on Talia, not after leaving her last night, so he came.
He wanted to ensure that she was safe, and to apologize for his impotence on the previous night, hoping that she will forgive him for leaving her with Damon and for bringing her to that place.
Keith really didn't think about getting frisky with Talia. Sure, if she made a move, he wouldn't resist, but his intentions were only to spend time with Talia. She was the one who was looking for time alone and Keith took her to a spot he knew no one will disturb them. But then Alpha Damon showed up and within seconds, Damon managed to make Keith's image flip from a kindhearted guy into a molester. Keith hoped that he can clarify that misunderstanding by coming to the training center.
Keith was relieved to see that Talia came without Damon, even though Maddox and Axel made him nervous.
Keith was hoping to catch Talia on her own and talk, but Maddox and Axel were sticking to Talia, and Keith was still waiting for his chance to apologize and inquire about her wellbeing.
Now that he looked at Talia, Keith realized that he met a lot of women but he never met one that would attract so many Alphas.
Maddox and Axel were friendly, and Keith relaxed somewhat. Who knows, maybe they agree to taste his protein shakes and endorse them? That would be a huge popularity boost for Keith's business.
Keith was thinking that this day won't be so bad, but now that Alpha Damon made an appearance, Keith realized that a calamity is coming.
"We caught Talia on the way out of the packhouse. She said that she wants to train, and I wanted to see your training center. Not bad.", Maddox said to Damon, and Axel nodded in agreement, like that applies to him as well.
Damon knew that Maddox lied. They definitely tagged along with Talia. Why can't they leave her alone?
But if Maddox and Axel left Talia alone, then Keith would have Talia for himself, so in this case, Damon welcomed those two nosy Alphas.
Ignoring others, Damon made his way to Talia. "Why didn't you tell me about your plans to come here?"
Talia was not aware that Damon wanted to know her plans for the day. After breakfast they dispersed, and she assumed that he will be busy with meetings and whatever else Alphas do.
"I agreed with Keith to come here today for training.", Talia responded.
"What are you doing?", Damon asked while gesturing toward the big sandbag that was in front of Talia.
"I just finished warmup and Keith was about to show me some moves."
"Coach Keith is teaching you to fight?", Damon asked stiffly.
Didn't they talk about training when she went to see Travis? And Damon said that he will teach her, and she said fine, and this… just what is this? How come Keith took Damon's spot?
Unaware of the storm that brewed inside Damon, Talia nodded earnestly. "Keith is my personal trainer. Who will teach me if not him?"
"I will.", Damon said without missing a beat.
Talia blinked. "But you are not a trainer."
"I know how to fight.", Damon said matter-of-factly and threw a dangerous side-glance at Keith. "I can crush him with one hand behind my back."
"But… you are busy."
Damon was getting irked that Talia was finding reasons for him not to teach her. Why can't she just say, 'yes, Damon. I would love it if you teach me'? Is she really so set on spending time with Keith?
"I'm coming to this place to train frequently. It's not a big deal to show you a few moves and while you are practicing them, I will do my thing."
Talia opened her mouth to retort and then closed it. She was out of arguments, and she realized that she was kind of bickering with an Alpha in front of a large audience.
Most of the people present didn't dare to look openly at the group of five, but Maddox and Axel both looked at Talia with renewed curiosity. It was obvious that Talia was talking back to Damon. Any submissive wolf would lower her head and thank her Alpha for the care he was offering, yet Talia was resisting, and instead of using his Alpha aura on her, Damon was negotiating.
In this case, both Talia and Damon showed uncharacteristic behavior.
Unaware of Maddox's and Axel's gazes directed at her, Talia looked at Keith with concern. Why was he drenched in sweat?
"Are you alright?", Talia asked Keith, and he nodded stiffly in response.
Talia turned to look at Damon. She was still not convinced that he is the best choice to teach her how to fight. Not because he doesn't have the skills, but his behavior is unpredictable. What if she agrees and he changes his mind tomorrow?
Yes, they kissed last night and in the morning, but kissing in bed and training in the gym are two different things. Just how Talia had no confidence that they will kiss again, she didn't know how long Damon's commitment to training her will last.
But she couldn't call him out on his instability. Not will all of Damon's warriors around. She needed a different strategy.
"I heard about your abilities. You can defeat anyone."
Damon smirked at Talia's words.
His face fell when she asked, "Will you be able to teach a novice like me?"
Damon rubbed his chin for a moment before coming up with an idea. "I am the most capable fighter, however, I'm not the strongest nor the fastest…" Damon threw a side-glare at Maddox when the latter snorted. Damon continued talking to Talia. "I rely on my technique, and that's exactly what you need to learn."
Seeing that Talia was not convinced, Damon decided to try something else.
"How about this? You came to learn a few moves. Right?" When Talia nodded, Damon continued, "I will teach you one move, and coach Keith will teach you one move also. Which teaching is more effective will determine who will be your trainer."
Talia had no idea why Damon was so adamant about training her, but she was really out of arguments. "Sounds good."
Keith's legs trembled like they had a vibration built-in, and it was on at the highest setting. Did Talia just put him to compete against Alpha?
"Talia…", Keith called. "If Alpha wants to teach you, then…"
"No, no.", Damon interrupted Keith. "Talia deserves the best. Let's show her who is the best."
Damon's eyes sparkled with a dangerous glint that made Keith feel chills like he was at the death's door.
Damon turned to Talia. "You pick, which one of us should go first?"
Keith exhaled helplessly while wondering what's the point of this show. It's obvious that if he loses, he lost. And if he wins, Alpha Damon will break his legs, so he lost. In any case, Keith will lose, and he will be lucky if only his legs are broken. Can he just admit defeat and save his legs? Or is his neck in danger?
Last night Keith got the hint that Alpha Damon is interested in Talia, but Keith never dreamed that it would go this far. If he knew, Keith would stay home. For a month or maybe longer.
Keith wondered, is it possible that Talia is oblivious to Damon's intentions? Or is she not interested? Keith dismissed that idea. Any unmated female would be interested in Damon. Or is Talia interested in girls?
Keith whimpered silently. Regardless of what was going on between Damon and Talia, why was he getting dragged into it? At this rate, he will die as a collateral casualty.
Oblivious to Keith's internal cries as he was confident that death is approaching, Talia responded to Damon with an enthusiastic smile. "Keith was already here, and we were about to start, so he will go first. Besides, you need to go and change, right?"
Damon nodded in agreement and Talia turned to Keith. "Teach me well, coach! What are we doing?"
Keith really wished to disappear. Maybe he can develop a sudden stomachache?
