Page 26 of Guardian's Destiny

Vraax's lips curled into a smile. "Your stubbornness is... admirable."

As we stood there, locked in our embrace, I couldn't help but wonder about the cosmic joke that had bound us together. An ex-marine and an alien guardian, linked by marks we barely understood.

"Is this standard training protocol?" I managed to say, my voice husky.

Vraax chuckled, and the sound reverberated through his chest. "Hardly. But I find myself enjoying it."

I grinned, a plan forming in my mind. "Good. Because I'm not done yet."

With a swift movement, I hooked my leg around his and pushed off the wall, using his momentary surprise to flip our positions. Now, it was Vraax pinned, his eyes wide with a mixture of shock and admiration.

"Well played, Sloane," he conceded, though I could feel the strength in his body, ready to counter at any moment.

I leaned in close, and my lips nearly brushed his ear. "Lesson one: Never let your guard down."

As I pulled back, our eyes locked, and for a moment, the intensity of our connection overwhelmed me. This was more than just sparring, more than just the marks on our skin. It was a dance, a negotiation of power and desire.

"Shall we continue?" Vraax asked, his voice low and challenging.

I stepped back, falling into a fighting stance once more. "Bring it on, Space Guardian. I'm just getting started."

VRAAX

After a short breakwhere we refreshed ourselves with a drink of water, we went back to our initial sparring positions. I circled Sloane, eyes fixed on her enticing form as she mirrored my movements. The training room's lighting cast a soft glow on her skin, accentuating every curve and muscle. I swallowed hard, pushing away the sudden urge to reach out and touch her.

"Ready?" I asked, my voice gruffer than intended.

Sloane nodded, a determined glint in her eyes. "Bring it on, big guy."

I lunged forward, aiming a slow punch at her midsection. She easily sidestepped, countering with a swift jab to my ribs. I grunted, more from surprise than pain.

"Not bad," I admitted, impressed by her speed and precision. "But remember, in a real fight?—"

My words were cut short as Sloane swept my legs out from under me. I hit the ground with a resounding thud, the air pressed from my lungs.

"In a real fight, I shouldn't let my guard down?" Sloane finished my sentence, a smirk playing on her lips as she stood over me.

I couldn't help but chuckle, even as I winced from the impact. "Exactly."

As I climbed to my feet, I found myself acutely aware of our size difference. I towered over her, my muscular frame dwarfing her smaller one. Yet she moved with a grace and confidence that belied her stature.

"Let's try again," I said, settling into a defensive stance. "This time, focus on?—"

Sloane didn't wait for me to finish. She darted forward, and her fist connected solidly with my solar plexus. I doubled over, caught off guard by the force of her blow.

"Sorry!" she exclaimed, but the amused glint in her eyes betrayed any attempt at genuine concern. "I didn't mean to?—"

I waved off her apology, straightening up with a pained smile. "Don't apologize. That was... impressive."

I wanted to tell her how captivating she was, how her determination and skill left me in awe. But I held back, knowing she still viewed me with a mix of wariness and distrust.

Instead, I cleared my throat and said, "Your technique is indeed pretty good for a human. But remember, an opponent my size won't go down so easily."

Sloane raised an eyebrow, a challenge in her voice. "Oh? And how would you suggest I take down someone like you?"

The question sent my mind spiraling in decidedly unprofessional directions. I pushed those thoughts aside, focusing on the task at hand.

"Well," I began, moving closer to demonstrate, "when facing a larger opponent, you'll want to use their size against them. Like this?—"

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