148 Manifestation III
Lyla
Ne–ding to clear my head, I dressed quickly in some training outfits and headed for the training ground.
The morning air was crisp, the scent of dew on the grass calming my nerves. I know by the time I engage in a few physical exertions it would help me forget about the weird dream I had about my wolf.
I didn’t want to think too much about it, since I still couldn’t communicate with her or anything. So, it could all be in my head. I didn’t want to hope. I started warming up. Doing simple stretches and lunges–trying to shake off the lingering emotions from the dream.
*Didn’t think I’d find you here so early” a familiar voice teased.
I turned to see Ramsey at the edge of the training area, a playful smirk on his lips. He wore low–slung training pants, his muscular torso glistening with a light sheen of sweat. I was guessing he was just coming back from a run.
His amber eyes sparkled, and for a moment, I forgot how to breathe.
The hug we shared yesterday and the bulge I had felt pressing on my thighs flitted into my memory, sending a warm course to my lower abdomen. I turned away quickly, feeling guilty at the thought.
“I needed some air and, I’m so behind on my training, figured I’ll do something here until I’ve recovered enough to train fully,” I replied, brushing a loose strand of hair behind my ear, my back
to him.
“I don’t see any training instructor,” he strode over. “Mind if I join you? I could teach you some
basics.”
How about you get a shirt on first? I said in my head but arched my eyebrow instead. “You? Train me? Aren’t you busy with work?”
“I still have two hours before I resume being an Alpha for today. I am
learnt so far?
s to see what you’ve
I wanted to tell him it was fine and that I would find another way, but I couldn’t bring myself to say the words. Instead, I allowed him to come, and we started training.
We started with light sparring. He demonstrated a defensive move. His hands lingered a moment too long on my body, making my breath catch and my skin tingling where he touched.
At some point, he came up behind me, his hard chest brushing against my back, his warm breath near my car, sending electric thrills all over my body. By the time he finished teaching me the defensive skill, I couldn’t remember the name or the technique. My body was humming with
need.
“You’re getting better,” he said as he stood close behind me, his hands briefly resting on my shoulders to correct my form.
“Flattery won’t make me go easy on you,” I squeaked out, turning my head to meet his gaze.
Our eves locked, and the air between us thickened. For a moment, the world seemed to fade away and that darned attraction… the same one that had made us lunge at each other the morning after the gala returned.
“Good, he murmured, his voice a little rougher as he broke the silence.
But before anything else could happen, other warriors started arriving, breaking the stepped back, his expression unreadable.
I joined the warriors for group drills before we started the main training.
spell. He
As the morning progressed, the training became more intense. Ramsey didn’t leave, he hung in one corner shouting out instructions to them now and again and constantly reminding me to go casy since I was still recovering.
When it was time to pair in groups, Ramsey paired me with a rookle warrior. Despite the sudden queasiness that was pooling in my stomach, I ignored the sensation… blaming it on my sleepwalks.
I passed the first drill… the instructor’s voice, occasionally would sound so far, but a little shake of my head always did it. However, as I got to the third stage of the test, I felt a strange energy coursing through my body. The world was spinning slightly. Something felt… off, but I ignored it again.
“You can rest. Ramsey’s voice filtered into my mind.
“Don’t worry,” I said, turning to the fellow warrior whom I was sparring with.
The warrior threw a punch–the easiest punch that I could dodge by simply moving to my left flank, but my reflexes were sluggish and my body was unresponsive. The punch connected to my ribs, sending me stumbling backwards.
Pain erupted through my body. But more than the pain, a burning sensation started spreading from my core, making me collapse to the ground. My skin felt like it was on fire.
“Lyla!” Ramsey was at my side in an instant, cradling me in his arms. “Are you okay?”
“I’m fine, I insisted in a shaky voice. “I think I’ve overexerted myself.”
Ramsey pressed his hand against my forehead, making a frustrated sound. “Someone call for an ambulance.” He shouted and then turned to me, murmuring. “You’re burning up.”
“I’m sure it’s nothing,” I argued.
“I’ve not had any breakfast, and all this sparring might have caused something to shift within me. I just need a few minutes.
“Save your strength. An ambulance will be here soon.”
“No… No…” My vision was slowly slipping. “Call Nanny; she’ll be angry if I go to any healer!”
“Okay!” I heard Ramsey say, but something strange was happening at the same time. My sense of smell became heightened. It was as if I could pick out the distinct scent of everyone present in the training arena.
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148 Manifestation ili
Ramsey’s… scent filled my nostrils, awakening passion that I thought had died long ago. My dimining vision flitted to his neck, wondering the perfect spot for my mark… his Adam’s apple bobbed up and down, making me grow excited.
I was practically dying and rusting at the same time.
“You’re a fine man, I heard myself murmur, lifting a feeble hand to caress his jaw. “And those lips…”
My eyes made out the crinkle at the side of his eyes… though his body was tensed with worry, I didn’t miss the amusement in his eyes.
“What happened with the lips? You want them?”
“To… kiss… them…” I slurred. “But I can’t. We’re both with different people. I can’t betray Nathan; he’ll be furious. But he’s such a good kisser, too. His kisses leave me breathless…
“And mine?”
The world spun… my vision darkened completely, and I closed my eyes, relying only on Ramsey’s
voice.
“It makes me want to…” I gestured with my hand for him to bring his head closer. I think he complied because I felt a slight movement from his end. “Sleep with you.
And then… I let the darkness have me.
