Page 68 of My Fated Mate

Before I can respond, he lunges. He's a brute, all raw power and aggression.

We clash again and again, the clang of steel a constant beat against the cheers of the surrounding warriors.

Kain fights with a berserker's fury, his attacks powerful but predictable. I meet him blow for blow, using my agility to counter his brute strength. I weave through his defenses, aiming for openings.

But Kain is a seasoned warrior, and his years of experience are evident in his relentless assault. He presses me back, forcing me on the defensive.

Annoyance gnaws at me.

Just as I feel myself falter, a memory surfaces—Elowen's voice, calm yet firm. With renewed focus, I parry a vicious blow, using the momentum to spin away from Kain.

"All you know is brute force, Kain," I taunt, my voice raspy but laced with newfound confidence. "But a true leader knows when to use his head, not just his muscles."

Kain seems startled, but he scoffs. "We'll see about that, Alpha," he roars, lunging at me again.

This time, the fight is different. I dance around Kain's attacks, using his own momentum against him. I feint, I parry, and I land quick, precise strikes that draw sweat on his brow. Slowly, the tide begins to turn.

With a final, well-placed strike, I disarm Kain, the tip of my blade hovering inches from his throat.

His eyes blaze with a mix of fury and grudging respect.

"You win this round, Alpha," he growls.

"As I recall, it was you who was looking for a fight."

A slow smile spreads across his face, devoid of malice this time. "Touché, Thorne," he concedes, raising his hands in surrender. "Seems the Silver Crescent Alpha still has some bite left in him."

I lower my sword, grudgingly respecting Kain. He might be an arrogant oaf, but he's a fierce warrior nonetheless.

As we help each other up, a new wave of determination surges through me. If we can overlook our slight annoyance for each other, this alliance could bear positive fruits.

Maybe, just maybe, this uneasy alliance can work after all.

"Alright, Alpha Thorne," Kain rumbles as he stands, "You got me there. I underestimated your speed."

"And you have a surprising amount of finesse for a brute."

A hearty laugh erupts from Kain. "Finesse? Don't get ahead of yourself, Thorne. But," he adds, wiping sweat, "maybe this pack of mine could use a little more brains alongside all this brawn."

The tension dissipates, replaced by … what? Camaraderie? Maybe it's too soon to tell, but the air feels lighter, charged with a newfound understanding.

Just as I open my mouth to respond, a movement at the edge of the training ground catches my eye. Time seems to slow down, everything around me fades. There, bathed in the golden afternoon sun, stands Elowen.

And Lela, Kain's mate. But Lela barely registers.

Not when Elowen is there.

She's a vision in dark leather armor that hugs her curves perfectly, the sunlight glinting off the polished metal.

Her hair, usually loose and flowing, is braided intricately, a single braid adorned with a silver clasp that shines like a fallen star. Her eyes, the color of a stormy sea, burn with an intensity that sends a jolt of desire straight through me.

She radiates raw, primal power, both captivating and intimidating. Every stride of hers is a statement, her presence demanding the attention of everyone on the field. My breath catches, words failing me as I stare at her, mesmerized.

Instinctively, I take a step towards her, a desperate need to bridge the chasm between us, but before I can even reach her, Kain is there, a smug smile plastered on his face as he intercepts my path.

"Well, well," he drawls, excitement for his mate dripping from his voice, as he flicks a side glance from her to Elowen. "Look who's decided to grace us with her presence."

“Alpha.” Elowen offers him a curt nod, her gaze settling on me briefly before returning to Kain. My fists clench, the simmering anger from the fight threatening to erupt again.

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