CHAPTER 33- Sparing
HUNTER’S P. O. V.
I woke up the next morning, I was tangled up with the beautiful woman who filled my dreams. She gave herself to me last night. She hasn’t re-marked me, but I am sure it is coming. The feel of her body with mine, is something that I can never get used to. It is like heaven. I am up before her alarm this morning. I am not sure why. I am not a morning person. She is always the one dragging me out of bed. Right now I don’t want to ever leave it. Maybe we can stay here until that asshole leaves.
Jasmine starts to stir. I love the little sounds she makes as she is waking up. I smile at her. “Good morning, my beautiful mate.” I whisper to her.
She smiles back at me. “This is a switch.” I pull her body on top of mine.
“I think I want more.” I whisper in her ear.
“You think?” She smiles. She is messing with me.
I growl. “I want you.” I pull her body closer to mine.
“We have training.” She starts.
“We have time.” I pull her legs to my sides. I have her right where I want her. I am not going to let her go yet. “Baby, one more time.” I grind myself into her to make my point.
“You are going to kill me Hunter.” She smashes her lips into mine. Yes, I won. I feel our bodies melt together again. So perfect.
When we are both spent and laying side by side, the alarm goes off. I groan when I hear it repeat next to me. That gives me a little smile. She rolls over and turns off her alarm. “I do not want to get up right now. I told you that you were going to kill me.” She groans out.
“I could join you in the shower.” I smirk at her.
“That will make us late.” She lifts herself off the bed. “Why the hell did my dad make training so damn early?” I watch as her naked body trudges to the bathroom. I want nothing more than to pull her back in this bed, but I know training is not a choice.
I get up and find my shorts so I can go to my room for a quick shower before training. We wouldn’t have needed to shower if it wasn’t for what we did. As I am descending the stairs, I see Christian heading up. As he comes closer, he freezes. “You slept with her?”
I grin from ear to ear. “Yeah, much like you tried to last night. I guess the better man won.” I lean a little closer. “Then we repeated again this morning.” I am not usually a kiss and tell kind of guy but I can’t help but rub it in his pompous Alpha face.
I hear a growl come from his chest. “I see she didn’t sick the vampire on you.”
“I didn’t have to try all that hard either.” I smirk at him. “I guess that’s because she is my mate and not yours.”
“I’m not done yet.” He growls back.
“Leave her be.” It is clearly a growling match now. I do not like the thought of him trying anymore of his tricks on her. She is a sweet soul, if he keeps it up, he might just weasel in.
“Worried. I don’t see her name on your mark yet. I guess that means she still has doubts. Enjoy her while you can, I will make her mine.” He turns around and heads back down the stairs. Clearly he doesn’t want to see her now. I do not like that guy. Partially because he is right. She hasn’t claimed me as hers. She can still change her mind.
I run to my room and quickly shower. I want to see her before anyone else. When I come into the room she is still dressing. She has just finished slipping on her shirt. “Hey, I am almost done.” She smiles at me.
“I caught your boyfriend sneaking up here on my way to shower. Persistent isn’t he.” I growl out. Yeah, I am a little angry.
“He is not my boyfriend. I have no idea why he would be coming to see me after last night.” She scoffs. “What did you tell him? Obviously you said something because he didn’t come up here.”
“I told him the truth. You gave yourself to me.”
This has her stopping. Did I say something wrong? Yeah, I told him but he smelled it on me. “Am I just a bragging right to you? Something to one up the Alpha?”
“No, it’s not like that.” I am still angry. It came out a little harsher than I intended.
“I get it now. You had no interest until someone else wanted your toy. So you cast the old toy to the side so you can have the one someone else wants.” She is growling at me. How the hell did that happen?
“Wait. That is not what is happening here.” I don’t stand a chance if she thinks that.
“How could I have been so stupid? You didn’t really want me. It is the thought of beating an Alpha that is fueling you.” She is glaring at me.
“Jasmine, damn it. You need to listen. That is not what is going on. I am possessive. I am an asshole, but I am your asshole. I only want you. This isn’t some toy thing. I don’t even know where that came from.” I try to back track. I can see the anger in her eyes.
“Get out.” She demands.
“I am not leaving. You need to understand that I am not this guy.”
I watch as Jasmine slams on her shoes. Then she storms past me. I reach out to stop her. She glares at my hand that landed on her arm. “I hope I am partnered with you this morning. I am going to kick your ass.” The anger in her voice is evident that she isn’t joking. She fully intends on kicking my ass. I let go of her arm and watch as she leaves the room.
“Fuck.” I yell out. That is not how I wanted this morning to go. It wouldn’t have if that Alpha ass wasn’t here. This is his fault. Granted it looks like Jasmine is looking for any tiny thing to be pissed about. Still it wouldn’t have been any problem without that Alpha.
I head down to the training grounds and wait for the wrath of Jasmine. We have been partnered a lot lately so it is very likely she will be taking out her anger on me. My dad meets me close to the mats. “You are partnered with the vampire today. Not many people are open to him yet.” He nods towards Jay.
“Thank the goddess. If it was Jasmine, I think I would be dead this morning.” I mutter. Apparently it was enough for my dad.
“What the hell did you do now?” He growls.
“Nothing. It’s because I am arguing with the Alpha. Not our Alpha.” I have to be specific or it will be my dad kicking my ass.
He gets an understanding look. “You know competition can be good for a relationship. It makes her feel loved. Just keep your head and make sure she is the one that matters in the end and not the competition.”
“He kissed her last night. I was pissed. I told him something that I shouldn’t have. She is pissed now. She thinks she is some toy that I am fighting for. Not the love of my life. No, a toy.” I sigh in exasperation.
“Yet you are the one that slept in her room last night. Not him. Just remember that and don’t stoop so low. Let his quips roll off your back.”
“He is using his son to get to her.” I point out.
My dad gives me a look. “Like I said, don’t stoop to his level. Oh, and so you know he requested the Alpha to spar with Jasmine today.” I can’t help but growl in response. “Control is going to be your ally. Let him make a fool of himself. Just let her know you are hers.”
My father walked away like he just imparted me with the most profound wisdom. As much as I thought he was right, I also knew that I was not going to be able to just watch this guy putting his hands on what was mine. I didn’t even notice when Jay came up to my shoulder.
“I wouldn’t worry so much. She told me to eat him last night if he made a wrong move.” He smiles at me. How he can tell what I am thinking, I have no idea.
“She linked you?” Why the hell did she link him and not me?
“Yeah, I’m faster, plus I was just down the hall. You were, I’m assuming, in her room at the other end of the house. In her predicament I would assume I would be the logical choice.” He just shrugged his shoulders. That makes sense. Damn this jealous streak. I can’t even shut it off with Jay.
“Sorry. I am just going a little crazy. She yelled at me this morning.”
He scoffs. “I know, she has been bitching at me since she stormed out of that room. I swear she needs to be locked up. Somewhere with padded walls that she can punch and get out all this hostility. I would say she needs to get laid but that doesn’t seem to be her problem.” He winked at me.
“I thought we were on the track to being together fully again, not this half assed shit. Then she blew up at me. Just because I told assface that we slept together. He sniffed it out first. I didn’t know I was supposed to lie.” I can see him, he is scoping her out. I want to rip his arms off now and he hasn’t even touched her yet. I just know he will.
“Just give her time. She is stubborn, plus add to that she has self doubt, not a good combination. That is why when I was trying to get with her, I realized that she had issues trusting me. I backed off quickly. I didn’t want to scare her. I am glad I did. I couldn’t have a better best friend.”
“That self doubt is my fault. I made her feel like shit all the time. I was so stupid.” I look down at the ground. I can’t believe the shit head I was.
“Hey, that’s the past. She knows it. I am not sure she knows how much you love her, but she loves you. She just needs some time to cool down. Maybe she will feel better after she kicks the Alpha’s ass.” I was ready to agree with him when my worst nightmare passed by me.
Allison had returned to the pack. She went right next to her sparring partner. She was wearing clothes that were way too small for her. I look over at Jasmine and she is glaring at me. I guess she noticed that I saw Allison. It was just an observation, I didn’t want to see her. The fact that Jasmine is already pissed at me isn’t helping. I can see Allison waving to get my attention. What the hell is wrong with her? I ignore her. I do not need any more problems.
Jay sees it too and he just shakes his head and goes to the spot that we will be sparring. I follow him. It is farther away from Allison anyway. At least there is that. It is also farther away from Jasmine, but I will have to deal right now. I just get to the spot with Jay when a link comes over. “Your girlfriend is back. You must be thrilled.” I can hear the growling in my head.
“Really you are? Good, meet me in your room.” I snark back.
“You know damn well who I am talking about.” She has a snarl now.
“I am talking about my mate. I have no idea who you are talking about. She is the only one that matters to me.” I make my voice softer. I might as well take my dad’s advice. It sounded like good advice at the time. It could work, nothing else I have done has worked yet.
“Your true mate, or your choice mate?” She is still pissed.
“I am talking about you and you know it.” I point out. “I love you, even when you are pissed at me.”
“Yeah, right.” she snarks back and then shuts the link down.
I can see the smirk on Jay’s face. “She yelled at you again huh?”
“Yeah, she thinks I am happy to see the nightmare.” I shrug. “I am trying to take my dad’s advice and just make sure she knows I love her.”
“Ok, too much gooshieness for the morning. We are here to fight after all.” Jay points out.
“Sometimes it’s good to have a guy for a friend.” I smile as I get into stance. At least I can work off some frustration with Jay.
JASMINE’S P. O. V.
Really the bitch has to come back now. Not only come back but she is waving at Hunter. I want to punch her in the face. Those little skimpy clothes she wears. As soon as I see her I link Hunter. He denies that he wants to see her. I didn’t really expect him to admit it.
I am still seething when my dad comes up to me. “Hey, pumpkin. So Alpha Christian asked to be your sparring partner today.”
“You have got to be kidding me. I really can’t take anymore shit right now. Can’t he have another partner?” I am whining, but it usually works on my dad.
“You know that would be rude to do to a visiting Alpha.” He scolds me.
I rolled my eyes. I don’t mind being rude to the Alpha. It was him that accosted me last night. I guess I will look forward to kicking his ass. At least there is a bright side to all of this.
I go to my space and wait for my opponent. He has probably been watching me, which is why I feel sick. At first I thought he was a nice guy, but after the way he acted last night I think he is a creep. He knew I was coming back with his son and he was dressed in nothing. Well, boxers but still that was not enough. He could have at least had some shorts on. Everything was really just hanging out there. There was nothing left to the imagination. At first thought I thought he was attractive, but the personality traits that he showed me last night just made him ugly.
I can feel Christian before I see him. He is standing behind me. I want to just turn and punch him. I refrain for the good of the pack. If I was to punch him without a proper battle, then it would be a disgrace for the pack. I would be the one who attacked an Alpha out of turn. I do not need that on my plate right now.
I take a deep breath and turn around. He is standing there with a guilty look on his face. “So, Alpha Christian, you requested this sparring match this morning.” I cross my arms over my chest to let him know that I am not happy with any of this.
“I deserved that. Back to Alpha. I went too far.” He is rubbing the back of his neck. I can tell this is awkward for him. “I am desperate. I’m sorry.”
“Why would you be desperate? You are trying to get a person who already has a mate.” I scoff at him.
“A mate that you rejected.” He points out. “Although I will be honest with you. Even if you didn’t I would have still been trying.”
“Why?” This is something I desperately need an answer to.
“I fell in love with you as soon as I saw your picture.” He looks ashamed to be saying it.
“Ok, now I know you are crazy. I don’t look good in any picture. The only way that could happen is if I look like your mate.”
He laughs, “Not in the slightest. I guess I am crazy.” He shrugs his shoulders and moves to come closer. To which I step back. “I would like to start over. Maybe take you on a date or something. Please, I need to make this right.” I am quiet thinking about his request. “Plus Eli would never forgive me if you didn’t play with him again.” He adds with a slight smile.
“Still using your son to get me to talk to you.”
“Is it working?” He asks. I see a glimmer of hope in his eyes.
I sigh, “For Eli, I will give you one more chance. You pull anymore shit like last night and I will kill you. Then I will adopt Eli.” I smile at him.
“I get it.” He smiles back.
“Get into position. I am still going to kick your ass.” I point in front of me to show him where I want him to stand.
“I wouldn’t expect any less.” He gets into position.
We start circling each other. His frame is bigger than mine so I have to be quicker. I take the first swing. He dodges. He isn’t holding back either. He takes a swing towards my stomach, I manage to dodge the majority of the blow. His fist grazes my side and boy do I feel it. That is going to leave a bruise. I like that he isn’t holding back though. I want the challenge. I manage to avoid most of his punches, but he does land a few, boy am I going to feel that.
He lunges for my waist where he made contact before, I dodge, as his body comes closer to mine I club the back of his neck. This causes him to lose balance. I take it to my advantage and do a sweep kick, knocking him on his chest. I jump down on his back and pin an arm behind his back. “Relent.” I snarl.
“Not yet, beautiful.” He bucks up his hips and throws me off. I am a little caught off guard and land on my back. Quickly he jumps on me and pins me to the ground. He gives me a smirk. “Relent?” It was a question. He is taunting me.
I anchor my feet in the ground and lift and twist my body so that he is the one on his back. I straddle him and lean my upper body forward so that I am pinning him down with mine. “Are you done yet?”
He purrs. “Mmm, right where I wanted you.” I can see the smile spread on his face. My face is merely inches from his. Last night plays again in my mind. I’m distracted and he takes that as an opportunity to flip me again. He is still in between my legs, but he has me pinned down. The way he has me pinned I am unable to anchor in my legs this time.
“That’s not fair. You used last night against me.” I growl.
“Do you think a rogue isn’t going to distract you with such things?” He mocked. He got up and reached out his hand to help me up. I took it out of impulse. I started to regret it instantly when I am now standing inches from Christian. “Go on a date with me tonight. I promise I will be on my best behavior.” He smirks down at me.
I take a step back before answering. “Fine, but you do anything funny and you will be a eunuch by morning.”
I see him cringe. “Noted. I will make the arrangements. Will you meet me downstairs at seven?”
I eye him critically. “Alright. I suppose since I am giving you a chance.” I wipe my hands on my pants and look around. I see that several pairs have stopped sparring and are watching Christian and I. “Shows over folks. Get back to work.” I growl out. I may not be Alpha yet, but that doesn’t mean that they won’t respect me as one.
I notice off in the distance the look on Hunter’s face. He looks hurt. I instantly feel guilty. Then I see Allison inching closer. I guess I don’t have to worry, he has someone to lick his wounds. She won’t waste any time getting her claws into him. Maybe it is for the best anyway.
I turn to my father. “I am done for the day. I am going to shower and get ready for school.” He just gives me a nod and I head back to the pack house. How could I let myself get so distracted. I wasn’t even that distracted fighting Hunter. Maybe because he was going soft on me. He didn’t put the power behind his hits that I would have expected. Maybe I am just in my head because it has been a long time since I have lost a sparring match. I have to beat him next time. Wait, is that what he wants? He wants me to keep sparring him so that way he can break down my defenses. Clever Alpha. Forcing me to spend time with him without actually forcing me.
Why am I admiring this? He is playing me. I am going to have to make him regret it, is all. He isn’t going to get what he wants out of me. I am done giving that out. The next person that gets that is going to be my mate for life.