The following days blurred into a rigorous routine of training and vigilance. The estate had transformed into a high-security boot camp by day and a tightly knit family home by night. Arthur's orders were ironclad: everyone trained, everyone stayed alert, and no one lowered their guard.
Liam pushed Jeff hard during their sessions. Sweat dripped down both their bodies as they sparred on the mats under the morning sun. Jeff had improved noticeably — his movements were sharper, his reactions quicker — but Liam still managed to pin him repeatedly.
"You're getting better," Liam admitted, breathing heavily as he straddled Jeff's waist, holding him down. "But you still telegraph your punches."
Jeff grinned up at him, hands sliding up Liam's thighs. "Maybe I like being pinned by you."
Liam leaned down and kissed him fiercely, the heat between them flaring instantly. Their training often ended this way — tangled on the mats, hands roaming, kisses turning desperate. Jeff's fingers dug into Liam's hips as he rolled them over, taking control.
"Fuck training," Jeff growled against Liam's neck. "I need you now."
They barely made it back to their wing before clothes were discarded. Jeff took Liam against the wall, hard and fast, both of them still buzzing with adrenaline from the session. Liam's moans filled the room as Jeff thrust deep, claiming him with every powerful stroke. They came together, gasping each other's names, the engagement ring on Liam's finger pressing into Jeff's back.
Afterward, they collapsed onto the bed, limbs entangled.
"I could get used to this kind of training," Jeff murmured, tracing the ring on Liam's finger.
Liam smiled softly. "Don't get cocky. We still have real threats coming."
On the other side of the estate, Rylan's sessions with Smart were gentler but no less intense. Smart was improving, though his cheeks stayed permanently flushed whenever Rylan corrected his form — a steady hand on his lower back, a quiet word of praise close to his ear.
"You're faster than you think," Rylan said one afternoon, demonstrating a defensive twist. Their bodies brushed as Smart practiced the move. Rylan caught him when he stumbled, strong arms wrapping around Smart's smaller frame for a moment longer than necessary.
Smart's heart raced. "Thanks… You make it seem easy."
Rylan looked down at him, that same soft smile appearing. "You make it worth teaching."
Smart pulled away quickly, face burning. Later, when they took a water break, Smart finally spoke up.
"Why are you so nice to me?" he asked quietly. "I'm not like Jeff or Liam. I'm just… me."
Rylan set his bottle down. "That's exactly why. You're talented, smart, and kind. That's rarer than strength." He hesitated, then added gently, "And you're beautiful when you sing. Don't hide that forever."
Smart's blush deepened to crimson. He mumbled something and hurried back to practice, but the compliment stayed with him long after the session ended.
In the main house, Ben's sulk had softened somewhat, but he still watched the training from the windows with a mix of longing and frustration. Arthur found him there one evening, wrapping his arms around Ben from behind.
"You're still mad at me," Arthur murmured against his neck.
Ben leaned back into him. "A little. I hate feeling useless."
"You're not useless," Arthur said firmly. "You're healing. You're raising our daughter. You're keeping me sane." He turned Ben around and kissed him slowly, deeply. "Let the others train. I need you here — safe and whole."
Ben sighed but returned the kiss, melting into Arthur's embrace. Lin's happy gurgles from her playpen nearby reminded them both what they were fighting for.
Abbey, meanwhile, split her time between helping with Lin and sneaking out to watch the training sessions. She teased everyone mercilessly, especially Smart and Rylan.
"You two are adorable," she whispered to Smart one day. "Rylan looks at you like you hung the stars."
"Shut up, Abbey!" Smart hissed, mortified.
By the end of the week, the family had grown stronger. Jeff moved with more confidence. Smart could now defend himself against basic attacks. Even Ben participated lightly from the sidelines, offering sharp tactical advice.
But the threats never stopped.
One night, as the family shared dinner, Arthur's phone rang. He listened silently, then hung up with a grim expression.
"They've made another move," he announced. "Two of our outposts were hit. No casualties, but they're sending a message. They want me to withdraw from the ascension or they'll come for us directly."
Liam's hand tightened around Jeff's. "Then we hit back."
Arthur nodded. "We prepare. Training continues. And we stay united."
Later that night, Jeff and Liam lay in bed, the weight of the coming conflict pressing down on them. Jeff pulled Liam close, kissing him tenderly.
"No matter what happens," Jeff whispered, "you're my future. We're getting married. We're building a life. They can't take that from us."
Liam kissed him back, slow and reassuring. "I know"
Across the estate, Rylan walked Smart back to his room after a late music session. Their shoulders brushed occasionally. Neither spoke much, but the silence felt comfortable — charged with something new and unspoken.
The rivals were coming.
But the family bound by blood, love, and hard-won loyalty was ready to meet them.