<h4>Chapter 183: Four Desperate Words.</h4>


    "Next is Angel and Daniel," the examiner announced as he scanned the long list in his hand. He raised his eyes for a moment, checking if both students were ready. The boy she was paired with was human. The examiner himself seemed kinder and more patient than her instructor Renn, which gave Ang a tiny bit offort.


    Ang stepped into the ring, her stomach tightening as she waited for Daniel to approach. He was only human, yet his tall frame and solid build made him look far more dangerous than she expected. She swallowed hard as his eyes fixed on her. She wasn’t afraid, not exactly, but she hadn’t imagined facing someone who looked this strong.


    Why would they pair her against someone like him? The rules were clear—whoever got defeated lost all points. Since Daniel was human, she promised herself not to use her primal strength unless she had no choice. That was the only way to make it fair.


    Her hands curled into fists. She shifted into position, her left foot and hand sliding forward as she waited for the bell. Out of the corner of her eye she noticed movement. Kaito and Renn had entered the room. They joined the examiner, their gazes fixed on her. Ang bit her lower lip. They weren’t here just to watch. They wanted to see if she would win or fail. If she lost, Renn would never stop mocking her for wasting his time, and Kaito would surely call her a dummy.


    "Don’t be stupid, girl. Focus and let’s win," Mighty Storm snapped inside her, her wolf voice sharp like a kick. "Your mates came to support you, yet you only think of what could go wrong. I still haven’t forgiven you for pushing them away."


    Ang let out a soft sigh. Storm was still angry with her, no matter how many times she tried to exin. No matter what words she used, Storm never believed it wasn’t her fault.


    "Start," Daniel called out, breaking into her thoughts. He wanted her to make the first move, but she didn’t like being forced.


    "No, youe first, big boy. If you’re not afraid of me," Ang shot back, her voice firm. She hadn’t expected her words to hit so deep, but his expression shifted to anger in an instant.


    He lunged forward, his fist swinging in a wide arc. Ang twisted her body, dodging just in time, her feet stumbling but not giving out. A small wave of cheers rose from her ssmates. She didn’t let it distract her. Her breath was already heavy, and she knew Daniel wouldn’t give her a chance to recover.


    He came at her again, stronger this time. She braced herself, catching his fist in her hand. Her grip tightened, a small pulse of primal strength slipping through. His eyes widened in pain and shock. She could feel his bones strain under her hold.


    She kicked hard at his thigh. He dropped to the ground with a grunt, but quickly pushed himself back up, fists clenched so tightly his knuckles went white. He was fast, much faster than she expected. Another punch flew her way, and she dodged again, but this time his foot connected with her stomach.


    "Fuck." Ang clutched her stomach as pain tore through her, the kick cutting into her like a sharp de. Her breath shook, her teeth gritted, and with fury burning in her chest, she charged at him with a speed that left the hall frozen in shock.


    She mmed into him, and both of them crashed to the floor. His fist came flying at her face, and the metallic taste of blood filled her mouth, but she caught his hand, forcing it down with all her strength. Straddling him, she pinned him under her weight, refusing to give him even a moment to break free.


    Her fists rained down again and again until the bell rang. Time was up. The fight was over. She had won.


    Ang rose slowly from his body, her chest heaving. For some reason she couldn’t exin, the word slipped from her lips. "Sorry."


    She didn’t understand why she said it. She was supposed to fight, supposed to prove herself, yet the match had ended too fast, too raw. The crowd erupted into cheers, their voices thundering in the air, and before she could take a breath, Alex and Stales rushed forward, throwing their arms around her.


    "Congrattions, you passed your test," Alex said with a bright smile. His eyes shone with pride, his voice trembling with relief. He was grateful—grateful she hadn’t revealed the strength of her wolf. "I’m so happy."


    "Thank you," Ang whispered, her gaze drifting toward Renn and Kaito. Blood dripped from her lip, but she didn’t care. All she wanted in that moment was to fall into the arms of her mates, to hear them whisper that they were proud of her.


    But instead, her chest tightened as she watched Kaito. He shook Renn’s hand, their palms meeting in a quick dab, then he turned and walked away without a nce at her. Ang’s heart sank. Once again, he was pulling away, creating the same distance that had been eating at her for weeks.


    "Congrattions, Ang," Renn’s voice pulled her back. He stepped forward and wrapped her in a warm hug, and she clung to him as if afraid he would vanish. It had been so long since she felt his arms around her, so long since their closeness had felt this real.


    "You smell nice," she murmured softly when they pulled apart, her cheeks flushing as the sweet blend of almond and coconut lingered on her senses.


    Renn chuckled, the sound a little nervous, his face turning red at her words. It struck him then that this was the first time she had everplimented him, and the realization made his heart stumble. Running a hand through his red hair, trying to hide his blush, he said, "Your ranking will be updated after the test. Hopefully the examiner saw what I did."


    Ang shrugged, unsure of what to say. Her lips ached, but she didn’t want to end the conversation with Renn or make him worry. "I miss you. I miss your brothers," she whispered.


    "I know, dear." His eyes lingered on her, then he noticed the faint trace of blood on her mouth. His voice turned urgent. "Is this your blood? Are you hurt? Do you feel pain, babe? Let me get you treated right now."


    Ang said nothing, only stared at him with quiet admiration. Memories rushed back of when he used to be like this, tending to her wounds with the same care. Was history repeating itself? Whatever it was, she liked it.


    The test was still going on and the other students kept their focus while Renn rushed to get the first aid box. She wanted to tell him not to worry, but she couldn’t bring herself to. The way he cared for her in that moment made her heart soften, and she let him do as he pleased.


    She wanted him near, wanted him close. When he started tending to her cut, she stared at him without blinking. He felt her gaze but tried to ignore it. Atst, unable to hold back, Renn grabbed her hand and pulled her into the changing room without anyone noticing.


    The door clicked shut behind them. Ang’s lips curved in a smile, knowing what woulde next. He wanted her just as much as she wanted him. Her body longed for his touch, her lips craved his kiss, the kind that always sent her over the edge.


    He grabbed her by the neck and pulled her to him. A soft gasp escaped her as his mouth crashed against hers. His kiss was rough and hungry, just the way she needed it. His hand roamed her back, searching quickly for the tie of her wrap.


    "I miss you," Ang whispered, her voice breaking as tears stung her eyes. She hadn’t known the bond between mates could be so deep, so strong, that even a short time apart could feel like losing her mind.


    "I miss you too, baby," Renn breathed against her lips as he untied her wrap. His hands slid down and gripped her ass, lifting her as if she weighed nothing. She wrapped her legs around his waist, his touch firm, his grip possessive.


    She loved it. Every second of it. The way he held her, the way he kissed her, the way his lips left her mouth to trail down her neck. She tried not to moan, but the fire racing through her body betrayed her. Her hands tightened around his neck, pulling him closer.


    Four desperate words left her lips, shaky but certain. "Fuck me, please, Alpha."