*Jiselle*
I finally took Max up on his offer to train me,
Now that I was no longer training with Nate, I needed the extra sessions, even though I still trained with Eva. The outside waspletely nketed in snow, thickyers covering the grounds and making it nearly impossible to train outdoors. Winter was fully here. Time was flying, and before I knew it, my first wolf–to–wolfbat challenge was tomorrow. My chest tightened just thinking about it.
I had never shifted in front of the school before, and I didn’t <b>know </b>if I wanted to. Not with what I knew now. Not with the fear that Bastian’s dagger might fail, that whatever was supposed to remain hidden might be revealed–and that I’d be killed because of it
<b>So</b>, although most training was done in wolf form now, I told Max I was ready to start hand–to–handbat with him. He agreed enthusiastically–since he was asking for months- but since the snow made outdoor sessions nearly impossible. we had to use the academy’s indoor training hall.
The gymnasium was massive, built for both shifted and unshifted training, and tonight, it waspletely empty. Thankfully
I took a deep breath, rolling my shoulders as Max circled me, a smirk ying on his lips.
“Ready, babe?” he teased, silver eyes gleaming under the dim lighting.
I scoffed. “More than you are.”
He chuckled, but there was a sharpness in his gaze as he lunged, forcing me into immediate defense.
The fight started fluidly–Max was stronger, but I’ve gotten fast. I dodged, deflected, and countered, my movements sharper than ever.
He noticed<b>. </b>
A flicker of surprise crossed his face when I ducked under his arm, twisted my body, and kicked his legs out from under him. He barely caught himself before flipping back onto his feet.
“Not bad,” he admitted, swiping at his lip. “You’ve been training more than I thought.”
I shrugged, feigning innocence. “Eva’s a good teacher,”
Max scoffed, stepping toward me again. This time, he didn’t hold back.
We fought harder, faster. It wasn’t just training anymore.
The air between us crackled with something else–something dangerous, intoxicating.
Max’s grip tightened around my wrist as he twisted <b>me</b>, pulling me flush against his chest. Before I could react, he dipped his head, his lips brushing the sensitive skin of my neck.
My breath hitched.
“You know,” he murmured against my skin, “I’ve been patient. But I still haven’t gotten my answer.”
I swallowed, already knowing what he meant. Yet I asked.
“About what? I mumbled.
His chuckle was dark and low, sending a familiar thrill between my legs.
“You know what I mean.” He kissed the ce where <b>my </b>shoulder met my neck as he held me put, and I hated that it was so easy for him to lock me in. “Making you mine.”
“Max-
He nipped my neck, yfully but firm enough to send another jolt through my entire body. “You know I’d keep you safe.” His voice was gravelly, edged with need. “If you let me im you, are. No one would ever be able to take you from me”
I knew that
And yet
I’d always know where you
I ignored the twisting in my stomach and did the only thing I could–I flipped him, mming him onto his back and straddling him.
His eyes darkened as he exhaled sharply, gripping my waist.
“You should really work on your footwork,” I said with a smirk. Max chuckled again.
13
Chapter <b>35 </b>
“Changing the subject? I’m hurt.” It was meant to be a tease, but I could see that he definitely was, hurt, and I wanted t kick myself.
Why was I denying this beautiful, perfect man? Why couldn’t I just say yes?
My wolf stirred recklessly in me at the thought. I knew why. Hell, it wasn’t hard to guess. She wanted Nate.
“Maybe,” I said breathlessly. The gym isn’t the best ce for this conversation, don’t you think?”
Smooth save.
Max smirked. “That’s fine. I have other ways to get my answers.”
Then he pulled me down, kissing me hard.
Heat red between us, the intensity of our fight shifting into something else entirely. His hands roamed my body, fingers pressing into my hips as his mouth moved against mine, rough, demanding.
I let myself sink into it. Just for a moment.
Then, with a sharp twist, I broke free and sprang to my feet,
Training. We were supposed to be training
Max groaned, propping himself up on his elbows. “Tease.”
I smirked. “Get up. We’re not done.”
The fight resumed.
This time, I waspletely locked in. I dodged, countered, struck faster, held my own against him like never before. And that’s when he stopped.
His expression shifted.
Brows furrowed, his silver eyes scanning me like he was trying to solve a puzzle.
“I thought you didn’t get any training before you got here.”
I stilled. My heart skipped.
“I didn’t,” I said carefully.
Max frowned, watching me like he was seeing something he hadn’t noticed before. Something that didn’t add up.
“Huh.” He rolled his shoulders, exhaling. “I just had a session with Eva. And I’m the one who trained her.”
I forced myself to keep my breathing even, pretending to adjust my wrist wraps.
Max tilted his head, watching me. “Yet, your style is somehow… mixed. It’s notpletely mine, but it’s oddly familiar.” Panic tightened in my chest. Too perceptive.
“I guess I just pick up quickly, I offered casually. “Eva’s been working with me a lot.”
He nodded, as if notpletely convinced as he gestured for <b>us </b>to continue. I felt likeplete and utter crap, because I
Was
I was lying to him. I have been for months and I still
and I still was now, even though I stopped my training
ning with Nate afte
Nate after Max was
I tried to force more of Eva’s fighting style into my m
my movements–more offense, more quick strikes, <b>more </b>agility–based tactics. But Max was fighting defensively. And defensivebat was Nate’s style.
My stomach dropped as I realized my body had instinctively slipped <b>back </b>into his training. The way I deflected. The way I instinctively read Max’s moves. It wasn’t Eva’s influence. It was Nate’s
I cursed internally, but it was toote.
Max suddenly frowe His entire body went rigid.
His jaw clenched, his eyes darkening as realization settled over him like a storm cloud.
I barely had time to react before he spoke
out in a deadly growl
His voice was lower this time, more dangerous,ing ou “Morningstar”