The three of us set out for training shortly after. Unlike Carlo’s grounds, which sat conveniently beside his house, Leonardo’s facility was across town. A brick building with huge windows letting streams of light flood in occupied one side of the street-a place I was sure hadn’t existed when I was last here.
We parked in the spacious lot, squeezing between two other vehicles, and as we stepped inside, I noticed people already milling around, emerging from what appeared to be separate locker rooms. Most of them gathered in clusters, engaged in quiet conversations. When we walked in, a few glanced our way but quickly returned to their own business. The floor had a thin padding; enough to cushion a fall but not enough to prevent bruising.
Chiara and I tossed our bags against the wall, and Enrico followed suit. More people began filtering in, joining their usual friend groups, when a familiar tugging sensation hit my gut. I glanced toward the entrance-Leonardo and Dante had just arrived. Leonardo was grinning, likely in response to something Dante said, but as his eyes met mine, his smile twisted into a smirk. That undeniable pull between us sparked instantly.
*Ella?* Chiara’s voice drifted into my mind through the mind-link.
Her voice broke the spell Leonardo held over me, and I exhaled, grateful to turn away. Chiara’s expression showed she understood the mate-bond was still active, but I reminded myself that the bond could only do so much-it couldn’t force real feelings.
While Chiara, Enrico, and I stood at the front of the room, Leonardo and Dante moved off to the side. I had no idea how advanced these trainees were or what they had been learning so far. I told everyone to pair off for sparring, wanting to gauge their skill level-a move that reminded me of the time Enrico and Sofia had thrown me into the deep end in my own training.
Right away, though, trouble found me.
A guy with dark hair, sneering in my direction, stood a few feet away. His green eyes held a mocking glint, a sly smile tugging at his lips. I recognized that sneer-Fabio Rinaldi, who had once shredded one of my dad’s cherished books. Fabio had changed since I’d last seen him; his black curls were now white and straight, brushing against his shoulders. He seemed unfazed by Leonardo and Dante’s presence in the room.
“They sent little Isabella De Luca to train us?” Fabio taunted, his voice easily audible over the room’s quiet hum. He tossed Leonardo an amused look before turning his full attention to me. “We all know why you’re really here.”
Anger bubbled in my chest, but I kept my face composed. Chiara shot him a look of disbelief, while Enrico’s posture turned rigid. I knew they were holding back, waiting for me to handle Fabio myself. This was my chance to prove I didn’t need anyone to stand up for me.
“You sound confident.” I smirked, feigning boredom. Fabio’s eyes narrowed, clearly irked that his taunt didn’t land.
“Fabio, perfect timing for the first lesson,” I announced, my smirk widening as Chiara chuckled and Enrico flashed me a proud grin.
Fabio hesitated, but his pride wouldn’t let him back down. He stepped forward, encouraged by his friends, his face set in a cocky grin. The moment he lunged, I sidestepped, avoiding his fist. His swing would’ve hurt if it had connected, but he was slower than expected. He swung again, and I ducked, slipping a light kick to the back of his leg as he stumbled forward.
“You need better balance,” I commented, ducking another punch.
Fabio snarled, resuming his assault with brute force, his muscles taut and fueled by anger. I observed how he repeated the same moves, a pattern born out of habit. Enrico and Sofia had drilled versatility into my training, ensuring I was never predictable.
After a solid kick to Fabio’s stomach, I knocked him back a few feet. He’d have a bruise later, but that was the least of his worries.
“Same moves, Fabio. Brute strength can only take you so far.”
“Oh, really?” he scoffed, charging at me again.
I didn’t react fast enough to avoid him entirely; his arm wrapped around my waist, the other hand moving toward my neck.
“How’s that for brute strength, Isabella?” he sneered.
I addressed the room, “Lesson to remember: not everyone fights fair.”
Just then, I managed to wiggle down and bite his arm, letting my canines pierce his skin. Fabio’s grip loosened as he hissed, freeing me to kick him hard in the groin. He groaned in pain but recovered surprisingly fast, this time moving with more focus and speed. Fabio thrived under pressure, a single redeeming quality, though his aggression was his weakness. With a few more strategic moves, I maneuvered around his punches, landing jabs on his torso and arms. I could see the frustration burning in his eyes.
“Final lesson-guard your face!” I called to the crowd, summoning every ounce of energy left. I landed a solid punch to Fabio’s jaw, sending him stumbling backward, unconscious on the floor.
The room fell silent. Chiara and Enrico’s wide grins met mine, both unashamedly proud. I resisted the urge to glance at Leonardo, refusing to let him think I needed his approval.
“Remember, don’t rely on a fair fight,” I told the group. “Your enemies won’t. Use every advantage you’ve got.”
After that, they all paired off without a single remark. I watched each fight, noting everyone’s strengths and weaknesses. I spotted Bianca in the crowd, watching her spar. She was capable but struggled when matched with someone physically stronger.
After an hour, I called an end to the sparring, going over the techniques I’d be teaching during the week and advising on areas to improve. Most of them trickled into the locker rooms as training ended, but when I saw Leonardo motioning for me to come over, my stomach twisted.
“Head to the car,” I told Chiara and Enrico, giving them a reassuring smile.
By the time I reached him, Dante had disappeared, and only a handful of people remained in the room. Leonardo looked unfairly handsome in his dark t-shirt and faded jeans, his dark hair tousled in a way that made him look effortlessly composed. I pushed down any lingering emotions, determined to mask the ever-present anger within me.
“Well, that was unexpected,” Leonardo smirked, his crystal-blue eyes bright with amusement.
“Fabio’s hardly a challenge,” I replied dryly.
“Oh, I knew you’d beat him,” Leonardo said, shrugging nonchalantly. “Just didn’t see the bite coming.”
“Neither did he,” I retorted.
Leonardo’s smirk softened as he studied me. “That’s not the only reason you’re here, is it? Carlo could’ve sent anyone, yet he chose you.”
I met his gaze without flinching, replying with a slow, dry smile. “Didn’t you hear? I volunteered.”
“I want to know why,” he murmured, his voice dropping, and I could see in his eyes he was truly listening, holding onto my every word. I was close to saying it, the words hovering on my tongue, ready to change everything between us. Just as I opened my mouth, a familiar voice called out, breaking the moment.
“Leonardo!” Bianca’s voice carried from across the room as she jogged over, a cheerful smile on her face.