CHAPTER 8
I was startled to see Luke Skywalker outside my room. As I looked at him, he didn’t show any sign of being uncomfortable in my presence. “What are you doing here?” I asked.

“I am here as your shadow, Miss Isabella,” he replied.
“What do you mean my shadow?” I asked in confusion but when I realized that he was saying, I arched my brows in disbelief. “Who hired you?”
“The Alpha of Pembroke,” he replied.
As I studied him, I wondered why he suddenly became my bodyguard when he used to be Aric’s friend in my past life. What’s happening? As I was dazed with confusion, he suddenly grabbed my wrist.
“Why are out at this hour, Miss?” he asked angrily as if I had no right to get out of my room past bedtime.
As our eyes met, my heart raced so quickly. I was terrified at the way he looked into my eyes as if we were equal. Then, my gaze was drawn to him. There’s no doubt that his physical attributes were perfect! He was about six feet tall and the intensity of his blue eyes made me shiver.

“Do I pass?” he suddenly asked. “Do you find me attractive?”
“I-I am sorry for staring,” I mumbled, “but no, I don’t find you attractive, sir.” I was just being honest but he just grinned as if he found my response to be funny.
“So, where are you going?”
“To the garden,” I replied.

“Why? Is there someone waiting for you at the garden?”
“Of course not! And why should you ask me something like that? If you are my bodyguard, then your job is to guard me, and not question me. Am I correct?”
“I apologize, however, it’s not safe for you to go the garden at this hour, Miss Isabella.”
“Is there danger inside my Dad’s property?”
“There’s danger everywhere. Why do you think he would hire me to protect you? It’s because he knows you are reckless, and there are rogue sightings outside the territory,” he explained. “So, if it’s not so urgent, then go back inside and take a rest. Tomorrow, I would take over Ethan’s responsibility to train you,” he informed me.
“And why? I like Ethan.”
“The Alpha gave him another job.”
“Okay, but how did you know my Dad? Or even Mom? I saw you the other day, and I noticed you were friendly to her.”
“Your parents are good people, Isabella. I am just returning the favor,” he replied. “So, if you don’t mind, can we continue this conversation tomorrow? I also need to rest.”
“Where?”
“Here. I have a cot nearby,” he told me.
“Just sleep in the room next to mine, Luke. It’s empty. Besides, who would dare hurt me inside my Dad’s house? Aren’t you being silly?”
“Then, your wish is my command,” he stated, and I could only shake my head in disbelief at his reaction.
But I rolled my eyes at him before going back into my room.
In the morning, I went straight to the kitchen as soon as I woke up because I was starving. I wasn’t able to have a hearty dinner, so my stomach grumbled as early as five in the morning.
When I entered the kitchen, I saw our cook busy cooking in the kitchen. Her name was Elizabeth, and she was a curvy woman with a pale complexion and golden hair. Actually, she was just like a mother to me, and I loved her motherly grin every time she would see me.
“Good morning!” I greeted her, and she immediately smiled back.
“Why are you up so early, Isabella? Come here, darling,” she said as she guided me to a table.
Then, she went to prepare a cup of coffee. I told her it wasn’t necessary to serve me especially when she was busy, but it was her natural gesture to make me feel I was important to her.
“What are we having for breakfast?” I asked after accepting the cup of black coffee from her.
“The Alpha requested a steamed fish, and your Mom would to have a roasted chicken. What about you? Do you have a special request?”
“I will just have what they’re having, Madame. Don’t worry about me because I am not a picky eater,” I reminded her.
So, Elizabeth and I had a chitchat while having coffee, then I waited for breakfast. Afterward, I took a quick shower and got ready for the training. Although Luke informed me that he would take over Ethan’s job to train me, I didn’t believe him at that time. I thought he was just bluffing.
But when I arrived at the courtyard, I was shocked to see him, amongst other warriors. They all looked strong and fierce, and I knew I had a lot to prove. Before approaching Luke, I took a deep breath.
Then, I was surprised when he lunged at me, and his fist was aimed at my face. I was startled, but he only smirked. Fortunately, I was able to dodge his attack because I dodged to the side, and my reflexes worked well. Then, I jabbed at him with my own fist and hit his ribs.
Luke grunted in pain, but then he came at me again, even more determined than before. I was pushed back, and I struggled to hold my ground, but then I remembered what my mother had taught me in the past. She was a great warrior before Dad stole her heart, and made her the Luna of Pembroke.
Even if I wasn’t so great at fighting, I knew a little move to keep myself safe. So, I took a step back to assess my opponent especially when he was the aggressive type. And when I saw an opening or a weakness to his defense, my fist immediately touched his jaw.
Once again, he stumbled backward, and he looked dazed. I saw an opportunity and seized it, launching a barrage of punches that sent him to the ground. As I looked around the courtyard, I saw the faces of some warriors, and they seemed proud of me!
“Wow, you did well, Isabella,” he said gruffly. “Better than I expected from the likes of you,” he added and I frowned in confusion.
Was it an insult or a compliment?