Chapter 68 Rigorous Trainings

Chapter 68 Rigorous Trainings
Xander

My wolf continues to purr at her proximity. She scowls when I purposely delay answering her question. Of course, I'm not going to deny the bond I've only just discovered exists between us.
I've wanted a mate my whole life, and even if it's this little spitfire in my arms, I'm never letting go.

Before responding, I draw her closer and dip my head to lick a long stripe on the spot just below her ear, nipping it gently which draws a low moan from her.

"This, is where my mark is going to be when you're ready, firecracker," I whisper into her ears. Her breath hitches in her throat. That must have been enough of an answer for her.

To say I also wasn't surprised when my wolf had claimed her, would be a lie. She drives me crazy, yes. She's annoyingly stubborn, yes, but I won't be having it any other way.

"Bull-sh-shit," she stammers, pushing me away, and I let her. "I haven't said I'll accept it." She crosses her arms, and raises her chin haughtily, a slight blush staining her cheeks.

I twist my mouth to avoid laughing out loud. I don't wish to find out what she'll do to me after.

"Anyways. When do I start training?" she says changing the subject.

"When you're rested enough. From what I've learnt, a seal breaking is not a small process–"

"Oh God! I'm fine! Look at me." Then she proceeds to twirl from one side to the other, and kicks one leg out to demonstrate but I catch it deftly in my hand.

"Hey!" I smirk and wrap her leg around my waist ultimately pulling her flush against my body. "What is wrong with you?" she hisses.

"Tomorrow evening at six p.m. Don't be late," I murmur, bite her earlobe gently, then release her.

She throws me a dirty look before leaving.



"Ready?" I ask Vanessa as we get into position, eyes raking over her, measuring and testing.

I had specifically asked to train with her alone, to know her strengths and weaknesses before letting her join the others.

"Always," she says, her voice betraying her confident look.

"Now, keep in mind that here, there is nothing holding me back. The last time wasn't a real fight because I let you."

She snorts. "Yeah, right. You just don't want to admit I pummeled your ass but okay. Whatever makes you sleep well at night, your Highness."

"Follow my lead, and try not to get distracted," I tell her, then step forward.

The first exercise is simple - hand-to-hand combat drills, but it doesn't go on for longer than necessary. In the next few moments, she blocks, dodges and strikes back, and I anticipate every movement, pushing her harder than she's probably ever pushed herself.

"Focus," I growl as she barely blocks another strike from me. The heat of her skin is distracting but I force myself to ignore it.

"I am!" she growls back.

Strike.

"You're stiff," I observe, stepping closer to let her feel my presence. My chest presses against hers, my heat radiating through. "Relax. Let your body flow naturally."

She hesitates, and I see it - the fluttering of her eyes, the subtle shiver that runs through her body, and my lips twitch at the corners. She's fiery alright, but she's also raw and untrained. That's all going to change tonight.

"You're distracted, firecracker," I murmur, my nostrils flaring at the smell of her arousal, so strong I'm tempted to pin her down right here and now. My wolf purrs in agreement.

"I'm not dis–" she tries to say but I catch her wrist, spin her around and press her against my chest, feeling the heat of her body radiating off of her. "You might think you're controlling this fight," I say, voice low and dangerous. "But you're barely controlling yourself, firecracker."

She lets out a small gasp, and her pulse quickens, lighting up a fire inside of me that I can't ignore. Her defiance is delicious, but it's a liability I need to break down - not cruelly, not entirely - but enough to make her strong.

I release her without warning, and she stumbles a little. Her pulse continues to race and I almost feel it from here. Good she's still alert. She's still mine.

The drills intensify - strength, endurance, weapon handling. Every one of her movement is calculated and every misstep corrected. I push her harder because I know she can handle it, and because I need her to. Because if we're going to survive what's coming, she can't falter. I won't let her.
I can't lose her, not when I just truly found her.

"You're sweating now," I point out, smirking. "Think you can handle more? Because I don't want excuses, I need results, firecracker."

"I can do more," she pants, stubborn as ever.

"Then do it," I growl, closing the distance between us until our bodies are brushing up against each other once again.

My hands brush against her arm long enough to remind her that I'm still here. I notice the way she bites her lips, and tension in her body as she tries to resist me. She has no idea how satisfying it is to watch her.

We grapple and roll, our bodies colliding with every strike, every counter, and every demonstration. Hour after hour, I push her, pull her, test her limits. At the same time, I feel the guilt nagging at me.

What if I'm pushing her too far? What if she can't handle it? What then?

But every time our bodies collide, I see it; the fire that burns in her and the strength she's only just realizing she has. My hands adjust her stance, correct her form, all while keeping her tethered enough for the heat between us to be unavoidable.

I feel her hair against my face, and the sharp inhale as my chest presses against hers in demonstration, the tension between us is electric and the air thickens with it.

"You're learning, firecracker," I praise, voice low and almost a growl. "But strength isn't just muscle, it's control. Awareness. Restraint. But right now..." my lips brush the shell of her ear. "You're failing terribly at it."

She growls and sends a strike through me, but I catch her wrist, a laugh threatening to bubble out of me. Then something unexpected happens.

A blast of air surges forth from her, knocking me off my feet and I'm flung away from her. I crash to the floor with a hoarse shout, the impact sending a shockwave of pain throughout my body.

Vanessa screams and rushes over to me. "Xander! Are you okay? What the hell happened?"

I should be asking you that, I think. I can barely even speak at the moment.

"I think her powers happened," a new voice says, and we both snap our heads to find Max walking towards us with a bewildered expression on his face. "Damn, Nessa. You really had it in you." He throws his head back and laughs.

Her powers...are unlocked?