CHAPTER 65
The morning after our candlelit dinner, the packhouse felt quieter than usual. My muscles ached in protest, a dull reminder of the training the day before, but my mind still buzzed from the night’s events. The memory of the woman–her cold, calculated gaze–kept slipping into my thoughts.
Asher appeared beside me with a cup of steaming coffee, his wolfish grin soft this time. Morning, sleepyhead.” He said. “Did you sleep well?”
“Like a log.” I muttered, stretching carefully. “Though someone keeps showing up in my dreams.”
His eyes narrowed slightly. “Her?”
”
I nodded, reluctantly. “Yeah. The woman from last night. I can’t shake the feeling that she’s planning something.”
Asher’s jaw tightened. “Probably. But she won’t succeed. Not as long as we’re together. Not as long as you trust me.”
“I do trust you.” I said softly, “but it’s hard not to think about what she wants. And why she’s here. The timing is a bit suspicious.”
He reached for my hand, giving it a reassuring squeeze. “I know. That’s why today, we focus. On training, on clearing your head. If she wants to test us, we’ll show her we’re unbreakable.”
I gave a weak smile. “Okay. Let’s do it.”
We started with a light warm–up, jogging through the familiar forest paths. Each step reminded me of my growing strength, my muscles still sore but more responsive than before. Asher watched me closely, correcting my posture, adjusting my movements, and giving small tips that made a huge difference.
“You’re improving faster than I thought.” He said finally. “Your instincts are sharper, your reflexes quicker. The woman won’t be able to rattle you if she shows up again.”
I nodded, letting the praise settle, even as unease lingered. “Do you think she’ll come back?”
“If she does.” Asher said firmly, “we’ll be ready. And if she tries to interfere… she’ll regret it.”
The thought alone sent a shiver through me, but it also stirred a sense of determination. I couldn’t let her, or anyone, threaten what I had with Asher. I wanted to be strong enough–not just for myself, but for him, for us. For the first time, I felt a flicker of real confidence amidst the nerves.
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After a short break, he led me to a clearing deeper in the forest. Sunlight filtered through the trees, casting dappled patterns on the uneven ground. “Today’s exercise is about focus and control.” He explained. “I’ll distract you. You’ll dodge, counter, and react–without letting your mind wander. Think of her… think of anyone who tries to shake you. Channel that into
movement.”
I groaned, brushing a strand of hair from my face. “You’re enjoying this way too much.”
He grinned, eyes alight with mischief. “Absolutely. But it’s necessary. Ready?”
I set my feet, tensing for the first movement, feeling my pulse quicken. He lunged–fast, unpredictable–forcing me to duck, roll, and strike. My body reacted before my mind could, muscle memory taking over. Each dodge, each counter, became sharper, faster, more precise. My heartbeat drummed in my ears, but I refused to let it break my focus. With every move, I felt a strange, empowering calm settle over me, as if I was finally learning not just how to fight–but how to control myself.
A shadow flickered at the edge of the clearing–my heart jumped. Asher’s hand brushed mine, steadying me. “Focus. Ignore her.”
I bit back a groan, concentrating. The shadow moved again. I recognized the presence instantly–it was her. Amy. The woman from the garden.
“Thought I’d drop by.” She said, emerging from the tree line with that same cold, calculated smile. “Training? How cute.”
I clenched my fists. “What do you want?”
“Nothing… for now.” She said, circling us slowly. “Just observing. Learning. Seeing how strong your little bond really is.”
Asher moved in front of me. “Stay calm. She’s trying to provoke you. Don’t give her the
satisfaction.”
Her
gaze flicked to me, sharp and assessing. “Do you even understand what being a mate means? That your connection can’t be broken?”
“We’re mates.” I said, my voice steady. “Unbreakable.”
She smiled, the cruel flash in her eyes unmistakable. “We’ll see. Time will tell.”
Before I could respond, she vanished again, slipping into the shadows like she had the night before. The air felt colder, the forest quieter, yet my muscles were ready. I wasn’t going to let her or anyone else make me doubt myself.
Asher guided me back into motion. “Use that.” He said. “Your anger, your fear, your tension-
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turn it into focus. Channel it. Control it.”
+25 Points
We spent the rest of the morning in drills, dodging, striking, and moving faster with every repetition. My muscles burned, sweat stung my eyes, and each sharp inhale reminded me of just how much my body was being pushed. Every time I thought I might falter, I imagined Amy trying to unsettle us, and it sharpened my reactions further, forcing me to focus, to anticipate, to move instinctively. The forest around us felt alive, the rustle of leaves and snap of branches accentuating every movement, heightening our senses.
By midday, we collapsed onto a fallen log, breathing hard, muscles trembling but minds alert. The air was thick with exertion, yet I felt strangely alive, every nerve buzzing with adrenaline. You’re doing so great out here. It’s hard to believe that you’ve never trained before.” Asher said, a rare pride flickering in his eyes. “Amy won’t be able to get under your skin if she keeps trying.”
”
“I hope so.” I said, wiping sweat from my brow. “She’s… intimidating. And I don’t like her.”
“I know.” Asher said softly, brushing a strand of hair from my face. His touch lingered for a moment, warm and grounding, and I felt a brief calm wash over me. “But that’s her weakness. She can’t intimidate mates who trust each other. And we trust each other. Always.
His words settled over me like a shield, wrapping around my chest and shoulders. The tension I’d been carrying loosened, replaced with a quiet determination. No matter what she tried, no matter what tricks or threats she used, she wouldn’t break us. Not us, not our bond. I exhaled slowly, letting the forest’s sounds wash over me, and felt a new clarity settle in. Together, we were unstoppable.
The rest of the day passed in more training–lessons in control, focus, and strength. Every time I faltered, Asher reminded me to trust my instincts. Every time doubt crept in, I thought of the warmth and security of our bond, of the promise we had made to face everything together.
That evening, as we walked back to the packhouse, the sky was painted with gold and pink streaks. My muscles were sore, my body tired, but I felt alive in a way I hadn’t before.
Asher stopped and turned to me. “You did well today. Better than well. You’ve grown stronger -not just in body, but in mind. Amy won’t be able to touch what we have.”
I rested my head against his shoulder, tired but proud. “Thanks for… believing in me.”
“Always.” He said, pressing a kiss to my temple. “You’re my mate. I protect what’s mine.”
And as I leaned into him, feeling his heartbeat against mine, I knew he meant it. The woman from his past could try all she wanted, and my parents could continue their games, but we
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had something they couldn’t touch: trust, loyalty, and a bond stronger than fear or doubt.
I closed my eyes for a moment, letting the warmth of his presence wash over me. “Together.” I whispered.
“Together.” He echoed, his voice firm and unwavering.
That night, sleep came easier than it had in weeks. My body ached, my mind was alert, but I was at peace. We were ready for whatever came next.
And I knew, deep down, no matter the challenges ahead–no matter the threats, doubts, or dangers–Asher and I would face them all, side by side, unshakable and unbreakable.
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Sara Lili is a daring romance writer who turns icy landscapes into scenes of fiery passion. She loves crafting hot love stories while embracing the chill of Iceland’s breathtaking cold.
SUMMARY (~1000 Words in English)
