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Two days had passed since I told Sebastian about Miranda as well as our meetings with surrounding packs. Due to the threat, Sebastian had me training and it was beyond brutal. I completely understood why I had to do this, but these men were truly insane.
"Why can't I train with you?" I begged, giving Sebastian the puppy dog eyes.
"Because, my love, Noah is in charge of training."
Huffing and puffing like a little child, he grabbed me and pulled me close to him. I inhaled his sweet musky scent, laying my head on his chest. Placing a kiss on the top of my head, I melted deeper into his arms.
Pulling me away and holding me by my shoulders, he did a once over on my body. I could see his eyes softening, ready to give in to my request.
"I'll talk to Noah. If he thinks you can hold your own, we will duel tomorrow," He smiled.
Jumping up and down like a schoolgirl, I couldn't wait. I had learned so much and I wanted to show him what I could do. Standing on my tip toes, I kissed his cheek before taking off towards the fighting ring.
As I watched the guys beat the crap out of each other, Noah stepped into the ring to break them up.
"I have an announcement. We have a new fighter that will be joining the pack."
Standing next to him was a very familiar face. Before he could even introduce himself I spoke.
"Shane?" I asked, confused. I never pegged him as a werewolf.
The whole pack turned and looked at me. "Oops," I shrugged, embarrassment getting the best of me.
"Now that we know these two know each other let's move on. As Veronica said, this is Shane. He came here from the Lakewood pack up north. We are going to welcome him with open arms. Now, let's fight," Noah announced.
He came from up north? He told me and Tessa he’d never been here before. Feeling a little uncomfortable, I observed him closely.
"I'd like to go first." Shane stepped forward, raising his arm.
Before my brain could even connect with my mouth, I hopped into the ring. "I want to fight him," I announced.
I was ready. I wanted to show Noah that I could fight the newbie and therefore hold my own against Sebastian. This was the perfect opportunity to show him that.
Nodding, Noah agreed and we both stepped into the centre of the ring.
"Nice to see you again Miss West," He smiled awkwardly and bowed.
"You as well." I replied courteously.
We both shook hands and the fight began.
Standing at the edge of the ring, we circled each other carefully. I watched his hands and feet curl and his eye movements to give me hints of his next move. With his fist balled, he leaped toward me, attempting to land a punch to my face. To my surprise, my small frame worked to my advantage. Ducking under his arm I placed a swift backward kick to his knees.
With a thump, Shane hit the ground. Digging his hands into the dirt, he growled and wasted no time charging back. Unable to move in time, he landed an uppercut to my gut. Hunched over from the blow, he stood up straight and cracked his neck with a smug look on his face.
As he circled me, he used his speed to jab me in the ribs. Each jab sent stinging sharp pain through my body, making me cry out. Catching onto his repeated movement, I jumped, connecting my foot with his jaw.
Blood dripping down his mouth, he rubbed his chin, blood smearing onto his open palm. His eyes turned black and I stepped back with a gasp, tripping over the rocks. Hitting the ground hard, my lungs were knocked out of air. Cockily, he turned his back to me and laughed.
"Wrong move." I smirked.
Furious, I ran full force, grabbing his waist and sweeping my foot in front of his. Losing his footing, he landed flat on his face. Rolling over, my fist struck his cheek, blood spewing over my knuckles. Straddling him he threw punch after punch at me. Unable to block them, the punches connected twice with my face.
I could taste the copper in my mouth and smell the stench of his sweat. With his hand almost around my neck, I dodged his movements. Raising my knee, I jolted it forward releasing all my power into his groin. My elbow piercing his chest was followed by a loud groan. I now had the upper hand.
Smiling, I inadvertently let my guard down.
Within a second, I was flat on my back with Shane on top of me and his hand around my throat. "Stupid bitch, you really think I would let a human defeat me."
Stunned, I just laid there. Releasing my neck, he shifted the pressure to his arms to lift himself off of me. Seeing the opportunity, I kneed him in the groin again causing him to roll forward.
Getting up and brushing the dirt off my yoga pants and tank top, I stood over his rolling body. His face scrunched up as he held his hands over his manhood, groaning in pain.
The long thin scratches on his arms and neck didn't seem to bother him much, but his busted open lip got his attention.
Call me a cynic, but I hoped the pain seeps deep into his veins, creating even more discomfort. "Asshole," I spat.
Walking over to Noah, he handed me a towel to wipe away the remaining traces of blood from my mouth. Resting his hand on my shoulder, he nodded his head, "Good job out there."
“Thanks.” I smiled happily. It was time to go take a shower. Turning around to go towards the house, I bumped right into Sebastian.
"That my dear was very impressive." He smiled, squeezing my palm.
I internally agreed. My face and body, however, seemed to disapprove of the harsh punishment it endured.
Sliding his arm around my waist, he walked with me to the house. The sun was bright and tickled my already pink skin, leaving me with a prickling sensation. Gently rubbing my sunburnt skin, I directed my attention towards Sebastian.
"You never answered me the other day about the colors in this town. I did some research and read that your family founded Black Lace, but that was really it."
"Well, it is not my story to tell. It's my mother’s," He said, smiling down at me.
I was curious as to why his mother wouldn't want anyone else telling her story, but didn't push the issue despite the oddity of it.
"When will I get to meet her?" I asked as he opened the bedroom door, allowing me to slip past him and into the sitting room.
"She will be here next week with my father." He replied, excitement apparent in his voice.
Grabbing my clothes out of the dresser, I walked into the bathroom with Sebastian following behind me. I had been staying at the pack house since I told him about Miranda. It was a "safety precaution" as he puts it.
Untying my hair out of the bun, I shook my locks out, letting my head breathe properly. Grabbing my toothbrush from the sink, I vigorously brushed my teeth, trying to rid my mouth of the coppery taste.
"She is excited to meet you, you know," Sebastian said, his head partially shoved in the shower as he turned it on. I had to admit that I couldn't wait to meet her either.
"Let me take a look at the damage," Sebastian said, raising my shirt up to look at my bruised ribs. "He did a number on you. I'll have the pack doctor come look at you after your shower," He said in a worried tone.
I looked down at my ribs that were now a beautiful shade of purple. "His punches were nothing I'd ever felt from the pack."
Scanning my face, he gently brushed his hair back. "He is very strong," I added.
"We can discuss that later. Let the warm water soothe your sore muscles. I'll be right outside if you need me."
Closing the door behind him, I undressed and stood in front of the mirror, examining the bruises. For the second time in my life, I had let a wolf hurt me.
"A few more days and this will all be over," I reminded myself taking one more look at my bruises.. "Just a few more days."
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