Chapter 8 Test Her Limits

KAEL’S POV I watched Aria as she fought with every strength in her, a flicker of something close to admiration I’d say was stirring within me. She was small, but she used that to her advantage, moving with a speed and agility that totally surprised me. I honestly didn’t expect half of that from her. The brute I’d set against her was larger and stronger, but Aria was faster, and more unpredictable than I expected. She dodged his blows, weaved around his attacks, and countered with a fierceness that belied her size. She wasn’t just surviving at this rate, she was winning. I saw her land a solid kick to his knee, and he stumbled, perfectly timed and his face contorted in pain. She followed up with a swift series of punches, each one precise and powerful since she knew who she was dealing with, she understood that there were certain parts of him that were weak and she took advantage of that. He went down almost immediately, his breath ragged, unable to rise. I felt a sour respect. She was stronger than she looked, much stronger. Was this what it meant to be a Sinclair? “Enough,” I said, my voice cutting through the silence. The brute remained on the ground, defeated. Pathetic! Aria stood there, her chest heaving, her eyes blazing with a fierce determination like she was going to burn me alive for putting her up with this. “You did well,” I said, my tone neutral trying to hide the fact that I was impressed by her performance. “But now, you’re going to go up against me.” She looked at me, her eyes widening. “You’ want me to fight you?” “Yes,” I replied, stepping into the field. “To truly test your limits.” “I don’t see how that’s fair. My limits were just tested,” she snapped back. I wasn’t interested in an argument with her. I walked towards the ring, peering her like she ws prey. She didn’t back down even though she looked exhausted. She squared her shoulders and faced me, her stance ready for attack. I charged, and she met me head-on. She was quick, agile, but I was stronger, more experienced than she could imagine. We traded blows, each one landing with a heavy thud. She fought with a skill that surprised me, her movements fluid and precise. Who is this woman? But I was relentless. I took my advantage, using my strength to overpower her. She was strong, but I was stronger. I managed to get behind her, my arms wrapping around her neck. I pulled her close to my chest, my hands tightening as she struggled for air. We stood there, my hands around her neck, her body pressed against mine. I felt her breath on my skin, warm and fast. My wolf stirred within, just a faint whisper, a sudden sensation of… something. I pushed it down, dismissing it. Aria was breathless, her eyes wide, a mix of fear and defeat in them. The tension between us was thick and heavy. I felt this strange pull again, a magnetic force drawing me closer. But I couldn’t allow it. I couldn't understand it. I released her abruptly, pushing her away. “You’re not strong enough,” I said, my voice harsh, trying to mask the strange sensation that had just passed. “You need more training.” I turned to Ronan, who happened to watch the whole fight in silence. “Train her,” I said to him as I walked away, not sparing her any glance. “For a week. Then, the trials begin.” ************************************ That night, I went to Vanessa’s room. I needed to release some heat. I had been unexpectedly edgy since my fight with Aria. Vanessa might just be the best thing to get the wench out of my mind. She was waiting for me as usual, her eyes filled with a new kind of possessive heat. I was seated on her bed, Vanessa’s nails railed down my back in a soothing manner. “Did you send the letter to Aria?” I asked, my voice cold. She hand froze on my back, then in a defensive tone, she said, “Of course not, Kael. Why would I do that?” “Someone did,” I said, my eyes searching hers. “And I want to know who.” She moved closer, her hands sliding up my chest. “Forget about her, Kael. Why do you even care?” she whispered. “She’s nothing. I’m the one you want.” She tried to kiss me, but my mind drifted to Aria. Even in a moment like this, she infiltrated my thoughts, and I hated every passing moment of it. I shoved Vanessa away, just when she was about to bury my face into her breasts. I wasn’t in the mood anymore. “Not tonight,” I said, my voice flat. “What do you mean? Is it because of her?” she hissed, her tone venomous. She gripped my jaw, her nails digging into my skin. “Do you want to fuck--” I didn’t give her the chance to finish her statement as I grabbed her by her neck, squeezing her throat. “Remember your place Venessa, you are just my toy. Nothing else and nothing more. Am I clear?” “Ye…yes,” she wheezed, her eyes widened in panic. I threw her to the bed, while she coughed, trying to get air into her lungs. I left her room, my mind unreasonably restless. I found myself going towards Aria’s room. I didn’t understand why, but I felt a strange compulsion to check on her. Why, what in the world have I gotten myself into? I walked to her room, my footsteps silent on the marble floor. I stopped outside her door, listening. There was no sound. I opened the door slowly, and stepped inside. She wasn’t there, I felt a rise of panic. Where the hell is she? Wherever she was, she couldn’t be trusted. She was probably somewhere, shoving her nose where it shouldn’t be. I followed her scent, until it stopped at my office. I noticed the door was slightly ajar, and a growl rumbled through my chest. It only meant one thing.