Page 30 of Condemned to Love

Nikolai's amber eyes narrow. "That's taura shit. Your head's not in the game, Aldric. What's going on?"

I dodge his next strike, countering with a swift kick. "Nothing. Focus on the fight."

But Nikolai doesn't let up. He presses forward, his wings flaring out as he corners me. "It's Elowen, isn't it?"

My hesitation costs me. Nikolai's wing sweeps my legs out from under me, and I hit the ground hard.

"Fuck," I spit, rolling to my feet.

Nikolai stands down, his expression softening. "I've been where you are, you know. With Jessa."

I clench my fists, fighting the urge to lash out. "It's not the same. She's human."

"So was Jessa, once," Nikolai tells me. "Look, I get it. It's complicated. But a mate... that's worth everything, Aldric."

His words hit me harder than any physical blow. "I can't stop thinking about her," I admit, the confession tearing from my throat. "Her scent, her taste... it's driving me crazy."

Nikolai nods, understanding in his eyes. "That's how it starts. But it becomes so much more. Jessa... she completes me in ways I never knew I needed."

I run a hand through my shorn hair, frustration and longing warring within me. "I'm not sure it's such a good idea…"

Before Nikolai can respond, the sound of approaching footsteps catches both of our attention. My eyes narrow as I spot Elowen walking towards us, deep in conversation with one of the younger vrakken recruits. Something inside me snaps at the sight.

Before I can think better of it, I'm storming towards them, my wings flaring out behind me. "Elowen," I bark, my voice harsher than intended. "We're training one-on-one today."

I jerk my head at the fledgling, not bothering to hide my disdain. "You. Go spar with Nikolai."

The young vrakken's eyes widen, clearly intimidated. Good. He scurries off without a word, leaving Elowen and me alone.

She whirls on me, her green eyes flashing with fury. "What's your problem? You can't just?—"

But her anger only serves to fuel the fire burning inside me. My gaze rakes over her, taking in the flush of her cheeks, the heaving of her chest. Gods, she's beautiful when she's pissed off.

"I can, and I did," I growl, stepping closer. "You're here to train, not socialize."

Elowen's nostrils flare, and I can smell the spike of adrenaline coursing through her. "I wasn't socializing," she snaps. "We were discussing techniques."

I lean in, my voice dropping to a low rumble. "Then show me what you've learned."

Her eyes narrow, a challenge sparking in their depths. It takes every ounce of self-control not to pin her against the nearest wall and claim her lips right then and there.

Instead, I force myself to step back, falling into a fighting stance. "Come on, little human. Let's see what you've got."

I circle Elowen, watching her every move. Her stance is solid, her eyes alert. She's come a long way since our first sparring match.

"Remember," I growl, "Dark elves won't hesitate. They'll exploit any weakness."

Elowen nods, her jaw set with determination. I lunge forward, testing her reflexes. She sidesteps, narrowly avoiding my grasp.

"Good," I grunt. "But not good enough."

I feint left, then sweep her legs out from under her. She hits the ground hard but rolls quickly, springing back to her feet.

"Faster," I command. "You need to anticipate, not just react."

Her green eyes flash with frustration, but there's a fire there that refuses to be extinguished. It stirs something in me, a mix of admiration and... something else I can't quite name.

We continue like this, trading blows and counters. With each exchange, I push her harder, forcing her to dig deeper. And to my surprise, she rises to meet every challenge.

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