Page 124 of Cursed Bonds: An Alpha's Destiny

Remembering the power I’d felt when I blasted Eren and Poli made me want to master it even more. Knowing I could actually summon that whenever I wanted would give me so much more confidence, would help me push my fear to the back of my mind.

“First things first, defensive spells,” Tinsley said.

For the next half hour, she helped me discover the power that lurked within me. Most of that time was spent in an almost meditative state—legs crossed, eyes closed, searching deep within myself. Sort of like what I’d done when Eren held me captive. Jace remained silent, standing to the side and watching us do witch things.

Afterward, Tinsley helped me conjure what I could only describe as a sort of force field that shielded me.

“You have to be careful with this one,” she cautioned. “It takes a lot out of a person and should only be used a couple times. We’ll do more today since we’re practicing, though. You’re gonna be one tired woman tonight,” she said. “You’re basically using magic to contract the air and water molecules in front of you into something solid. It’s impenetrable, but will only last two or three seconds, so timing is important here.”

Jace helped by throwing rocks at me on Tinsley’s command. I was proud that only one got through the defensive field, thumping me hard in the thigh when my timing was off.

“Shit, are you okay?” Jace asked, looking mortified. “I’m sorry.”

“It’s fine.” I winced and rubbed my leg. “No pain, no gain. Isn’t that what they say?”

Tinsley showed me a couple other defensive tricks before moving on to offensive spells.

“Have you done anything like that yet?” she asked.

I told her about the dirt tentacles I was able to summon, as well as the weird electric blasts I used on Eren. “I also melted a lock on a door,” I finished.

Tinsley raised her eyebrows, impressed. “You really are an eclectic witch,” she said. “You’ve got access to some powerful magic within you.”

We practiced those spells, Jace cursing and falling on his ass when the massive tendrils of dirt burst from the ground to wave in the air, like an octopus saying hello.

“Earth magic,” Tinsley said with a hint of awe in her voice. “Very rare. Most green witches can only enhance the growing qualities of herbs and flowers for their potions. This is very advanced.”

On Tinsley’s instruction, Jace acted as the enemy, shifting into his wolf form to run around the clearing, dodging my attacks and helping me hone my abilities. The longer we worked, the more exhausted I became.

“Your best bet,” Jace said after a particularly taxing session, “is to aim for the weak spots. Shifters are magical creatures by nature. When we’re in our wolf form, that’s even more evident. What might work on us in our human form might only sting or piss us off when we’re wolves.”

“Well, what are the weak spots?” I asked, wiping sweat from my forehead. My hair hung in wet strings as the humid Missouri summer day got the best of me.

“What you’d usually expect. The eyes, throat, underbelly, and well—”

“He means the cock and balls,” Tinsley said bluntly.

“Oh! Of course,” I said.

Jace’s mouth twisted as though I’d already hit him below the belt. “That’s for future reference, okay?” He put a hand protectively over his crotch. “Not for training.”

Grinning, I raised an eyebrow, then held up my hand, purple lightning crackling along my fingertips. “Well, Jace, how will I know if my aim is true if I don’t practice?” I asked innocently.

Jace swallowed hard, eyes wide, as he watched the magic flit across my palm, and he turned his hips slightly, angling his manhood away from me. “I hope you’re joking.”

Tinsley and I shared a look before we broke out in a fit of giggles. I dropped my hand to my side. Jace didn’t look pleased.

“Very funny,” he grumbled. “Let’s try again.”

He shifted, and Tinsley coached me on using the dirt tentacles to catch him as he tried to flank me. In my exhaustion, I let my concentration slip, and the magic broke down right as Jace approached me. Before I could re-energize it, he leapt forward, shifting to his human form and grabbing me gently by the throat.

“You’ve got to try harder,” he said, releasing me and shaking his head. “What if that had been real life? What if Eren had just grabbed you by the throat?”

“I’m trying as hard as I can, Jace,” I snapped.

“It’s not hard enough. You’re slacking off. Just because you’re tired doesn’t mean you can let your guard down. Again,” he ordered.

I gritted my teeth, anger surging through me. I was giving it my all. Maybe he was too blind to see that.

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