Page 10 of Wolf Proclaimed

"Yes," my eyes said. "Yes, I am."

He must have seen the determination in my gaze because he nodded after what felt like an eternity. "Alright, Mira. If it's a sparring match you want, it's a sparring match you'll get."

A clearing surrounded us as the group split apart. Bastian and I faced off, keeping our gaze fixed on each other. This was my chance, another opportunity to strike and hurt him as he had hurt me. I wouldn't waste it.

With all eyes on us, I raised my fists, watching Bastian with the sharp, unwavering focus of a predator. He, too, raised his fists in a defensive stance, his muscles rippling beneath the taut fabric of his shirt. A dangerous smile tugged at the corner of his lips, making my stomach twist with an unidentifiable emotion.

The air between us was charged with anticipation as we danced around each other. The first move was mine—a swift jab toward his stomach. He swerved smoothly, easily avoiding my attack that belied his bulky size. No matter. I had more tricks up my sleeve.

Our sparring match went on like this, a deadly dance where I tried to land a hit, and Bastian skillfully evaded or dodged each one. He was like a shadow, elusive and frustratingly out of reach. The pack watched with wide eyes as I continued to strike and miss, Bastian's composure a stark contrast to my increasing frustration.

Suddenly, he launched an attack of his own, his fist flying toward me faster than I anticipated. I twisted to dodge, but not quickly enough. His punch landed on my shoulder, jarring me back. A gasp escaped my lips, more from surprise than pain.

His smug smile fueled my anger, and I surged forward, putting all my weight behind my punch. But Bastian was faster, stronger. He caught my fist in his hand, stopping my attack in mid-air.

Before I could react, he swung his other arm, sweeping my legs from under me. I hit the ground hard, the wind rushing out of me. Bastian was on top of me in an instant, his body pressing mine into the cold, hard earth.

His strength was overwhelming, his body a solid weight that I couldn't move. His eyes were locked onto mine, a glimmer of victory shining in them. But beneath that, I saw something else—respect? Admiration? It was a look that set my heart pounding in a way I hadn't expected.

But I wasn't defeated yet. I was Mira. I had a mission, a plan. And I wouldn't let Bastian, or this unexpected desire, distract me from that.

Pinned beneath Bastian, I was acutely aware of our bodies' proximity and the heat radiating from him. The smell of his sweat, of the earthy, masculine scent that was uniquely his, filled my senses. His eyes, a shade of azure that reflected the sky above us, stared down at me, their intensity causing my breath to hitch.

There was a shift in the air around us, an electric current that I couldn't quite comprehend. His gaze dropped to my lips, his own parting slightly. The look in his eyes was intense, sending a flurry of unfamiliar sensations coursing through me.

"What the...?" I mumbled, my own gaze darting between his eyes and lips. This was unexpected. This was dangerous. I had been trying to hate him, but here I was, pinned beneath him, my heart pounding with a completely different kind of tension. His lips were only inches away, a distance that seemed to shrink with every heartbeat.

But this wasn't fear. This was... desire. It crept up on me, as unexpected and unwanted as a snake in the grass. It was alarming how potent the feeling was, how it swarmed over my senses, making me momentarily forget my true intentions.

I pushed at his chest, trying to squirm away, but his grip was like iron. "Get off," I snapped, my voice coming out more breathless than I intended. My eyes flashed to his, seeing a glint of amusement dance within them.

"Are you scared, Mira?" he taunted, but his voice wasn't mocking. It was low and husky, stirring something deep within me. It wasn't just lust this time.

I bit my lip, a flurry of emotions wreaking havoc inside me. But then, amidst the chaos, a new thought emerged—one that offered an escape from this overwhelming confusion.

Was this not a new opportunity presenting itself? A chance to further my plan and regain my control? With this new thought, the fluttering in my stomach stilled. An amused smirk played on my lips as I met Bastian's gaze.

"Scared?" I echoed, letting a hint of mockery seep into my voice. "Not in the least."

My heart was pounding as I squirmed underneath him, breathing heavily. Bastian's grip on me didn't slacken, but he didn't move to close the remaining space between us.

What was happening? Why was this sudden attraction rearing its head in the midst of all this chaos in the face of my unwavering resolve to despise him? He was supposed to be my enemy, the man I loathed, yet an undeniable pull toward him occurred again, like the first time I saw him in Petra's tent.

As his eyes studied my face, I found my mind spinning with thoughts and calculations. Right in the midst of my confusion, a new plan began to take shape. The corner of my mouth twitched upwards as the thought solidified.

Flirt with Bastian. Distract him, lower his guard... Then escape.

No sooner had the plan solidified than I started putting it into action. "Bastian," I purred, my voice taking on a sultry tone. I let my hands creep up his chest, my fingers lightly tracing the muscular contours of his body.

There was a flicker of surprise in his eyes, quickly replaced by an amused glint. He didn't pull away, but his grip on me didn't loosen either. He knew. He wasn't as clueless as I'd hoped, but I didn't let the disappointment show.

"Amused, are we?" I asked, letting my fingers trail up to his face. His expression didn't falter, but I saw a spark in his eyes that I had briefly glimpsed before—before I tried to bludgeon him with the poker.

"Mira," he rumbled, the sound vibrating through me. But it was his tone that caught me off guard. He sounded intrigued as he turned and sauntered away, leaving my mind ablaze with scheming.

My plan was risky. I knew it could backfire, but it was all I had. I was a captive, but I refused to be a victim. I would not give up. I had a score to settle, plans to make, and sisters to dominate.

As I ended the day, staring at Bastian's retreating figure, a renewed sense of determination washed over me. I would escape. I would win. And Bastian... he was just another pawn in my game. A pawn I intended to play to my advantage.

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