Chapter23:

_Leah's POV_ Tariq and I reached the clearing, and I took a deep breath, trying to calm the nervous energy swirling inside me. "Alright, let's start with something simple," Tariq said, stretching his arms. "I want to see how fast you can react. Try to block me." I nodded, though doubt twisted in my stomach like a knot. Could I really do this? I wasn’t used to being praised or feeling strong. Back at Kayden’s pack, I was always reminded of how weak I was—just an Omega, nothing more. But here, Tariq treated me differently, like I had potential. Without warning, Tariq lunged at me, his fist aiming for my shoulder. I reacted on instinct, my body moving faster than my mind. I blocked his punch with my forearm, surprising myself as I deflected his strike. "Good!" Tariq praised. "You’re quicker than I thought." I blinked, trying to process what had just happened. I had actually blocked him. My heart raced, but this time, it wasn’t fear—it was excitement. "Again," Tariq said, his eyes gleaming